The Raptors have held the ninth overall draft pick on four separate occasions, using that selection on Tracy McGrady, DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and now, Collin Murray-Boyles joins that distinguished group.
Hearing your name called is one thing, but often the next step to follow sets the tone for the identity that will surround that player for years to come.
As the defense-oriented forward prepares for his professional journey, the Raptors organization revealed CMB’s jersey number earlier today: No. 12. This number was last worn by sharpshooter Cole Swider this past season, as noted by @EtienneCatalan on X:
Collin Murray-Boyles will join the Raptors wearing jersey No. 12
Went from a name on a card to a jersey on the wall. Welcome to the North, Collin 🤝 pic.twitter.com/uxiPyR4rmO
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 26, 2025
Murray-Boyles joins fellow 2025 class men Thomas Sorber and Tre Johnson in choosing the jersey number 12 as they prepare for their rookie seasons.
The selection of Murray-Boyles sparked some debate within the Raptors community, as his apparent frustration during the live broadcast led some fans to believe that CMB was not fully on board with heading to Toronto.
However, Murray-Boyles later had the chance to clarify himself, with multiple statements (including a response from the Raptors media team) indicating that he was simply caught off guard by the situation. As I mentioned in previous pieces, whether you want to accept it or not (or think his PR team is just trying to save face), Collin Murray-Boyles will be suiting up for Toronto next year... and that’s regardless of how fans feel about him.
Despite all the questions surrounding his fit, it’s Murray-Boyles’ defensive intensity that truly sets him apart. Many regard him as arguably the premier defender among the 2025 class. As both The Ringer and Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports have suggested in their pro comparisons, there’s a potential ceiling for CMB that could resemble Warriors defensive enforcer Draymond Green.
That’s a lofty comparison with big shoes to fill, and I believe there’s already a perceptible similarity in how fans view him (even before he dons his No. 12 Raptors jersey). But one thing’s for certain: Collin Murray-Boyles is determined to carve out his own path, silence the doubters (including myself) and make his mark as part of a Raptors core still in the midst of finding its way.