South Carolina women's basketball star Chloe Kitts supports boyfriend Collin Murray-Boyles at draft Article Image 0 , The Canadian Press
The Toronto Raptors made a bold and refreshing move during the 2025 NBA Draft. With the ninth overall pick, they selected Collin Murray-Boyles, a rising forward from South Carolina.
Ignoring the trade rumors and short-term temptations, the Raptors signaled their focus on long-term development — and Murray-Boyles could become a pivotal piece of their frontcourt puzzle.
Though not a blue-chip recruit, the 6-foot-7, 239-pound forward has consistently proved his doubters wrong. With a wingspan of 7'1" and a relentless motor, his defensive edge and growing offensive tools could perfectly align with the Raptors’ evolving style of play.
Raptors Boost Frontcourt Depth with Versatile Defender
One of the Raptors’ weakest areas last season was frontcourt depth and defense. Drafting Collin Murray-Boyles might change that.
Murray-Boyles brings elite defensive upside. Some scouts consider him the second-best defender in his draft class after No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. With his length, agility, and strength, he has the tools to guard multiple positions — from guards to power forwards.
He switches seamlessly from perimeter to post and thrives off-ball, jumping into passing lanes and disrupting rhythm.
Against top competition in college, like Asa Newell and Johni Broome, he limited them to inefficient scoring nights. His strong base and body control allow him to defend bigger players despite being slightly undersized for a center.
High-IQ Defense Backed by Grit and Hustle
What sets Murray-Boyles apart is his defensive IQ. He's not just physical — he’s smart. Whether it’s positioning on the weak side or making the right read on rotations, he consistently makes the right plays.
His college stats back it up:
1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game
8.3 rebounds on average
Anchored by a 34.5-inch vertical leap and elite instincts
He played plenty of minutes as a small-ball five, and that role could continue in Toronto. Alongside Scottie Barnes, the Raptors could deploy one of the most switchable and aggressive defensive duos in the league.
A Developing Playmaker on Offense
While Murray-Boyles dominated at South Carolina, averaging 16.8 points per game, his offensive role in the NBA will look different.
He won’t get the same volume, but that’s not a problem. His game is well-suited to a complementary role. A solid passer from the post, he averaged 2.4 assists, showing flashes as a play connector.
His body control and strength allow him to finish through contact. Despite his linebacker-like frame, he moves with the fluidity of a wing, using smart footwork and angles to finish at the rim.
In a Raptors system that values ball movement and versatility, he could thrive as a secondary facilitator. He’s already comfortable setting screens and delivering handoffs — essential for modern power forwards.
The Shooting Struggle: Can Murray-Boyles Add Range?
One glaring concern is his three-point shooting. He shot just 26.5% from beyond the arc and often looked hesitant to pull up.
This is a critical issue for a Raptors team that struggled with spacing last season. They ranked 23rd in the league in three-point percentage and 28th in attempts per game. Pairing Murray-Boyles with Barnes, another non-shooter, could congest the paint.
However, there’s hope. He’s aware of the issue and addressed it in a post-draft interview. His 70.7% free-throw rate and soft touch on floaters hint at potential. If he can even become a passable shooter, his offensive ceiling expands dramatically.
Toronto might also deploy him in a role similar to Draymond Green — a screen-setting, pass-first forward who operates above the arc to create space and movement.
A Smart Pick with Long-Term Payoff
While Collin Murray-Boyles might not be the flashiest draft pick, his fit with the Raptors’ long-term vision is clear. He brings physicality, IQ, and unteachable effort — all core values of the franchise.
His journey from 108th-ranked high school recruit to top-10 NBA Draft pick speaks to his work ethic and upside. If he continues improving — especially from deep — Murray-Boyles could become a defensive anchor and offensive glue guy in Toronto’s next era.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Raptors basketball, Collin Murray-Boyles might just be the piece they've been missing.
