The Raptors are in the middle of a rebuild, trying to carve out a new identity while developing the next wave of talent. What they need isn’t just another scorer—it’s glue. A player who can defend at an elite level, rebound out of his weight class, connect possessions with smart passes, and bring relentless effort every single night.
That’s Collin Murray-Boyles. And even though he’s undersized for a big man and his jumper isn’t there yet, the advanced numbers and the eye test both point to the same conclusion: this kid can make an immediate impact in Toronto.
A Defensive Game-Changer
Start with the defense, because that’s where Murray-Boyles is already NBA-ready. At South Carolina, he graded out in the 96th percentile in defensive BPM, the 94th percentile in adjusted defensive rating, the 95th percentile in defensive eFG%, and the 96th percentile in opponent rim percentage allowed.
Those numbers don’t lie—he doesn’t just survive defensively, he tilts the floor. With a 7’1” wingspan and a motor that doesn’t quit, he’s a nightmare for opposing forwards. He closes space quickly, rotates on time, and makes scoring at the rim feel like running into a wall.
For a Raptors team that slipped to the bottom half of the league in defensive rating last season, his intensity and versatility give them a much-needed injection of grit.
Movement and Playmaking in a Motion Offense
Toronto doesn’t run a static offense. They want cuts, screens, dribble-handoffs, and extra passes to create better looks. Murray-Boyles thrives in that kind of environment.
He’s not just a finisher—he’s a connector. In the short roll, he can find shooters. On a cut, he times his dives to the rim perfectly. He’s got the vision to keep the ball moving instead of bogging possessions down.
This is where his elite IQ shines. He reads plays early, anticipates rotations, and often makes the pass before the defense can react. For a Raptors team that ranked in the bottom 10 in assist percentage last season, inserting a forward who fuels ball movement is a subtle but powerful boost.
Rebounding Outside His Weight Class
At 6’7”, Collin isn’t the prototype big. But you wouldn’t know it by watching him on the glass.
He averaged 8.3 rebounds per game at South Carolina, and his effort translated immediately in Summer League where he regularly won 50/50 balls. He doesn’t just rely on size—he tracks the ball like a guard, times his jumps, and secures boards with purpose.
That’s the kind of rebounding the Raptors need. Last season they finished near the bottom third in defensive rebounding percentage. Adding a forward who treats every loose ball like a personal mission helps erase extra possessions for opponents and creates transition chances on the other end.
Summer League Glimpses
Summer League doesn’t guarantee NBA stardom, but it does show you how a player’s skills translate. Murray-Boyles made his presence known.
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Against Golden State, he went off for 20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists in just 25 minutes.
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In another matchup, he posted 8 points, 7 boards, 3 steals, and a block—doing the dirty work that doesn’t always get headlines.
The turnovers (5 in one game) were a reminder that his decision-making is still catching up to the speed of the pro game. But the energy, defense, and rebounding were undeniable. Every time he was on the floor, the Raptors looked sharper, more engaged, and tougher.
The Fit in Toronto
The Raptors need Collin Murray-Boyles for exactly who he is—not who he might one day become.
Defensive Anchor
With Scottie Barnes already established as a versatile stopper, adding Murray-Boyles gives Toronto another high-IQ defender who can switch across positions and protect the rim without fouling.
Ball Mover
Toronto often stagnates in the halfcourt. Collin’s willingness to pass, screen, and cut makes him a system-friendly piece in Darko Rajaković’s motion sets.
Rebounding Presence
The Raptors gave up too many second-chance points last year. Murray-Boyles eats glass, turning defensive stops into fast breaks and offensive boards into second opportunities.
Immediate Rotation Player
Even if his jumper never stretches to three early on, his defense and rebounding alone justify rotation minutes. Surround him with shooters, and his weaknesses are covered.
Room to Grow
The flaws are clear. He’s not tall enough to consistently handle NBA centers. His jumper is a work in progress after hitting just 22% from three in Summer League. And his turnover issues highlight the adjustment curve he still faces.
But Toronto doesn’t need him to be perfect right now. They need him to bring his strengths—defense, hustle, passing, rebounding—and chip away at the weak spots over time. If the shot develops into even league-average from the corners, his ceiling jumps significantly.
A Modern Raptors Glue Guy
The Raptors have always thrived on players who bring effort, versatility, and IQ. Murray-Boyles checks all those boxes. He’s the type of player who doesn’t just fill a role—he makes his teammates better.
Think about what this team wants to be: tough, connected, defensive-minded, and opportunistic in transition. Collin Murray-Boyles embodies all of that. His size and shooting are concerns, but his defensive metrics, rebounding rate, and ability to play within the flow of the offense are undeniable.
The X-Factor
The Raptors aren’t star-chasing right now. They’re identity-building. Murray-Boyles might be the X-factor who accelerates that process. He won’t be the face of the franchise, but he doesn’t have to be. His value lies in the little things—the stops, the boards, the cuts, the passes—that add up to winning basketball.
If he keeps doing what he does best and chips away at the shooting question, the Raptors may have landed a gem who changes the culture faster than anyone expected.
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