The first and only rookie report card to give out in this year-end countdown series, it's time to look at Collin Murray-Boyles.
Although I wasn't initially high on his potential, Toronto definitely landed a promising prospect in Collin Murray-Boyles after selecting him ninth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. While Collin Murray-Boyles may not match the level of Kon Knueppel or Derik Queen (another prospect I was initially low on during the pre-draft process), CMB’s potential and unique skill set still provide valuable upside for Toronto.
How has Collin Murray-Boyles' season shaped up to this year-end point?
So far in 27 appearances (including four starts) for the Raptors in the 2025-26 season to date, Collin Murray-Boyles is averaging 6.9 points on 54.0 percent shooting from the field, 45.5 percent from three-point range, 56.8 percent from the free throw line, along with 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.3 minutes per game.
While he is not exactly a three-point sniper, CMB's 45.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc at the time of writing actually ranks among the top in his 2025 rookie class for that category. He is behind the Hawks' Asa Newell, who is at 50.0 percent, and just ahead of Hornets standout Kon Knueppel, at a 42.9 percent clip, as well as Wizards shooter Tre Johnson, at 40.5 percent. Although I would consider those three players to be more polished shooters overall, CMB's three-point efficiency has been impressive so far, despite averaging only 1.2 attempts per game.
Likewise, CMB ranks among the top ten rebounders from the 2025 rookie class, currently holding the ninth spot with a total of 110 rebounds at the time of writing. Murray-Boyles is also in the top ten for blocks from the same class, occupying the ninth position as well, with 12 blocks on the year. He is tied with promising 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe in that category.
I recently wrote about how I see CMB as Toronto’s most secure young player on the entire roster, and as we move into 2026, I believe that belief will only grow stronger. While the Raptors are still figuring out how to best utilize him — despite his ability to play as the small-ball five when needed — I think he will be most effective as a combo-forward, especially when paired with players like Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Brandon Ingram, and Scottie Barnes.
I'm very excited to see how CMB’s game develops as his rookie season progresses and during what I hope will be a long and successful journey with the Raptors. He could develop into the Raptors' own version of Draymond Green, and they might not have to wait very long to see that come to fruition.
Grade: B
*All stats courtesy of Basketball Reference and NBA.com, unless otherwise noted