The development of 2025 ninth overall pick Collin Murray-Boyles may be the most important factor in the Toronto Raptors’ long-term team building. The 20-year-old has already shown encouraging flashes, averaging 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, while providing solid defense. With Toronto exceeding expectations, they are unlikely to draft in the top ten again soon.
Collin Murray-Boyles is showing flashes
Being a 20-year-old rookie in the NBA is challenging, but Murray-Boyles has already shown tangible development. Before the New Year, Murray-Boyles averaged 6.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 28 games. Since then, he has averaged 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Often, a rookie season is less about immediate impact and more about visible development. Murray-Boyles has shown both. He has started 22 games this season and was asked to shoulder a major responsibility when starting center Jakob Poeltl missed nearly two months with an injury.
The Raptors currently have the eighth-best defensive rating in the league at 112.2, but that number improves significantly to 109.3 (lower is better) when Murray-Boyles is on the floor. Playing NBA-level defense is often a much bigger adjustment for rookies than offense. The fact that Murray-Boyles is already providing real defensive value is an impressive early development.
In his first NBA season, Murray-Boyles has already shown meaningful improvement while helping a playoff team win games. That is no small accomplishment.
CMB's next step could define the Raptors’ long-term ceiling
Before the 2025 NBA Draft, a common player comparison for Murray-Boyles was Draymond Green. Scouts looked at his physical strength, defensive versatility, ability to handle the ball, and potential to play small-ball center and naturally saw shades of the future Hall of Famer in Golden State.
The Raptors are the seventh-youngest team in the league when weighted by minutes played. They have exceeded expectations this season and appear likely to remain in the playoff hunt with this young core for the foreseeable future. As a result, Toronto is unlikely to land another high draft pick anytime soon.
Collin Murray-Boyles reaching his ceiling is the clearest path for this roster to take another step.
Toronto lacks another obvious future star on the roster. Scottie Barnes is already phenomenal, Brandon Ingram is 28 and in his prime, and Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are proven commodities. The other young rotation players include Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead. Both have shown the potential to become quality players, but neither has flashed the same star-level upside as Murray-Boyles.
If Murray-Boyles is able to reach his potential, a future frontcourt partnership between Scottie Barnes and Murray-Boyles could strike fear into opposing offenses for years to come. Spacing could become an issue, but both are versatile playmakers who can help overcome that.
For Murray-Boyles to reach that ceiling, his offensive game will need to continue developing. Improving as a consistent playmaker, becoming more comfortable attacking off the dribble, and eventually adding a reliable jumper would make him far more dangerous offensively. If those skills come along, combined with his continued defensive growth, he could become one of the most unique forwards in the league.
Conclusion
Barring any trades or major free agency additions, the Raptors’ core going forward appears largely set. The development of Collin Murray-Boyles is the biggest remaining question in determining what this core can ultimately become.
If he reaches his potential, Toronto could become a defensive juggernaut built around versatile playmakers and switchable defenders. If he does not, the Raptors may find themselves perpetually searching for the missing piece that elevates them from a playoff team to a true contender.