The Toronto Raptors have made a significant addition to their roster by selecting Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft held in Brooklyn, NY. This selection marks an exciting moment for the franchise as they aim to strengthen their defensive lineup.
Standing at six feet seven inches, forward Collin Murray-Boyles had an impressive sophomore season with the South Carolina Gamecocks during 2024-25, where he led the team with remarkable averages of 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks over the course of 32 games. His performance during this season highlights his capability to contribute on both ends of the court, making him a valuable asset to the Raptors' lineup.
One of Murray-Boyles' standout attributes is his physical profile, which includes a seven-foot-one wingspan that ranked among the top five for forwards at the NBA draft combine. This impressive wingspan is complemented by his agility, which has been noted as exceptional for a player of his size. His strong defensive playmaking instincts have been developed and showcased during his college career, suggesting that he will adapt well to the demands of NBA-level defense.
Offensively, Murray-Boyles has demonstrated his ability as an effective inside scorer, boasting a shooting percentage of 62.2% on two-point field goals, which indicates his efficiency in the paint. However, there are areas of his game that require further development; notably, his outside shooting remains a work in progress. Murray-Boyles struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 26.5% on an average of 1.1 three-point attempts per game. Additionally, his free-throw percentage stands at 70.7%, reflecting another area where improvement would benefit his overall offensive game.
The Toronto Raptors franchise history reflects a legacy of successful ninth overall picks, with Murray-Boyles becoming the fourth player chosen at this spot. He joins an esteemed group that includes notable players such as Tracy McGrady, DeMar DeRozan, and Jakob Poeltl. This historic backdrop adds to the anticipation surrounding his potential contributions to the team.
As the Raptors continue to build their roster, they also hold the 39th pick in the draft, which provides further opportunity to enhance their squad. The selection of Collin Murray-Boyles signals the Raptors’ commitment to bolstering their defensive capabilities while also keeping an eye on the offensive development of their latest prospect. The combination of his physical gifts and college performance suggests that he could be a key player in the Raptors' future plans as they strive for success in the NBA.
