The Toronto Raptors select Collin Murray-Boyles with the No. 9 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Raptors passed up on Duke center Khaman Maluach, who was viewed as a top pick in the draft.
The Raptors are prioritizing defense, playmaking and toughness with this pick.
Murray-Boyles is one of the most talented defenders in this year’s draft class. The 20-year-old sophomore from South Carolina averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season. He will join Scottie Barnes as another long, versatile wing defender who can guard multiple positions.
The questions about Murray-Boyles come about his offense. Murray-Boyles shot just 9-for-39 from three-point range in two college seasons. His shooting isn’t an ideal fit with Barnes and Jakob Poeltl when talking about spacing the floor. The fit seems clunky and won’t help the Raptors half court offense, an area they’ve deeply struggled in.
However, if that shooting progression comes along this could end up being a homerun pick for the Raptors. Murray-Boyles is a great interior finisher as he bulldozes his way to the rim, solid passer and overall smart player. He’s willing to do the dirty work and makes smart decisions.
He projects to be in a bench role next season, backing up Barnes.
While the pick seems redundant from a fit standpoint, Murray-Boyles has the talent and tools to become a special player. Defensively he has tremendous upside. If his outshooting shooting comes along, he will be a huge addition for the Raptors.
Toronto offering No. 9 pick for Derrick White
The Toronto Raptors were reportedly shopping the No. 9 pick before the NBA Draft.
A name they were targeting was Boston Celtics’ guard Derrick White.
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