To be blunt, the Toronto Raptors have looked pretty awful over their last five games as the reality of playing without not just Kawhi Leonard, but also Scottie Barnes, is really setting in. Losing a dynamic forward to get out and run the floor, drive to the basket, and score or set up the team's supporting cast has contributed to some of the lulls in Toronto’s offense during this stretch. In their 11-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, what really stood out was the few possessions when Collin Murray-Boyles had the ball, attacked off the dribble, and created for his teammates.
He finished the game against Philly with 14 points, four assists, and five blocks, while shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 1-of-1 from three.
With how special of a defender he’s been early in his NBA career, the offensive side of CMB’s game can often be overlooked even by the Raptors coaching staff. As he gets more comfortable shooting the three, defenses are playing him tighter than ever, and that is a reason for Darko Rajakovic to put the ball in his hands more on offense because he makes quick decisions and knows how to punish a defense with the ball.
If Barnes remains sidelined come Sunday against the New York Knicks, Rajakovic should experiment with using CMB in that point-forward Scottie Barnes role.
Collin Murray-Boyles could thrive in Scottie Barnes' offensive role
Obviously, it would be extremely unrealistic to expect CMB to come in and replace the production a top-15 player in the league like Barnes gives this Raptors team. However, they do share some of the same offensive skills. Like Barnes, CMB has a strong feel for the game as a frontcourt player, is a very capable passer, a good roller, and is a strong driver on the ball. So letting him run some of the same actions or sets that Toronto typically would run for Barnes when he’s healthy could be a way to help their offense find more of a flow and lessen the load on RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
It is still super early in the season, but Toronto’s offense is 11.9 points better per 100 possessions with Murray-Boyles on the floor than off the floor, according to Databallr. That already paints a picture of the type of impact he can have offensively, and it could be even greater in a more hands-on role.
Like Julius Randle, CMB has a unique build that lets him really expose bigs on the perimeter. His handle is steady, and he has a quick enough first step where he can catch the ball, take one dribble toward the basket, and leave a slower-footed center in the dust. If the defense adjusts and has a wing guard him, he can put them in the rim by posting up and using his strength and physicality to punish them. If the defense sends a double-team at him in that situation, he has the IQ and passing skills to find an open teammate for a catch-and-shoot opportunity or an easy basket on a cut.
His ability to playmake out of the short roll and make skip passes to the corner was really on display against the 76ers and was a prime example of why if he gets more on-ball touches, Toronto can generate cleaner looks.
Right now we’re seeing that the Barrett- and Quickley-centric offense has a super low ceiling, so it makes sense to try something new and use CMB in Barnes' role and see if you have something there. Also, having him operate with the ball more could help maximize Quickley as a player who thrives playing off of other players and as an off-ball mover.
Limiting him to being strictly a post player or an off-the-ball mover and screener on offense is a misuse of his incredibly versatile skill set. It doesn't even have to be about scoring, either. Having him operate as more of a hub and decision-maker in the frontcourt could really help open up the Raptors' offense and lead to better results with the stars out.
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