The Toronto Raptors selected Florida guard Alijah Martin with the 39th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Raptors had another opportunity to draft a center as Maxime Raynaud was still on the board, but they decided to prioritize defense once again.
Martin is an undersized guard at 6-foot-2, but he brings explosiveness and defensive versatility to the Raptors. He’s a tenacious defender who averaged a career-high 14.4 points this past season to help Florida win the national title. He also posted 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals.
Martin’s an incredible athlete who had many highlight reel dunks this past season. He’s got two-way potential as well with his ability to space the floor and hit shots. Martin shot 36 percent from three on 5.4 attempts over his college career.
The 23-year-old previously played his first four college campaigns at Florida Atlantic before transferring to Florida.
The Raptors went all-in on defense with their two draft picks. In Martin and Collin Murray-Boyles they have two tremendous defenders and tone setters. The Raptors offense remains a question mark, but their defense is going to be much improved going into next season.
While the Raptors didn’t address the center position, they were able to draft two hard-nose defenders with winning mentalities.
Collin Murray-Boyles clears up his viral F-Bomb after Raptors drafted him No. 9
Collin Murray-Boyles went viral for his reaction when the Toronto Raptors selected him No. 9 in the 2025 NBA Draft.
When NBA commissioner Adam Silver called his name, Murray-Boyles stood up, buttoned his jacket and quietly dropped an f-bomb.
The moment was caught on ESPN and then made its rounds on social media as fans speculated if his reaction was out of disappointment or shock.
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