Toronto’s athletic rookie, Collin Murray-Boyles, is developing faster than anyone expected for the Raptors this season. Coming into the year, there were questions about what level of impact he would be able to provide right away.
His offensive game was thought to be unrefined, and although everyone saw the defensive tools he possessed, it often takes young players a couple years to figure out NBA defenses. Murray-Boyles has been ahead of schedule all year.
On the season, CMB has put up averages of 8.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, while shooting 57.2% from the field and playing excellent defense. Recently, though, he has started to take another step.
Collin Murray-Boyles is breaking out
Murray-Boyles missed most of March with a thumb injury. Since his return on March 23rd, CMB has averaged 13.5 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 65.3 percent and playing his usual high-energy defense.
That stretch includes the two highest-scoring performances of his young career, with 20 points against Sacramento and 19 points against Memphis.
It takes young players time to carve out clear roles at the NBA level. These last few games have shown that Murray-Boyles is starting to figure out his.
Even in the most physically demanding basketball league in the world, CMB stands out as an elite athlete. He is beginning to fully utilize that athleticism, consistently running the floor in transition and putting himself in position for easy opportunities.
Since his return, he ranks third on the team in fastbreak points per game despite playing fewer than 20 minutes per game. He also leads the team in offensive rebounding, consistently creating extra possessions for himself and his teammates.
CMB’s style of play elevates everyone around him
Something that stood out immediately upon Murray-Boyles’ return was how much his playstyle impacts the rest of the team.
His ability to get out in transition gives Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead easy passing outlets to initiate the offense. His physical style allows Sandro Mamukelashvili to take on less demanding matchups and gives Jakob Poeltl more opportunities to conserve energy. His offensive rebounding creates second-chance opportunities for shooters and keeps possessions alive.
Since his return, Toronto has outscored opponents by 8.9 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. CMB is going to be a huge part of this team moving forward. Get ready, Raptors fans.