The Toronto Raptors were rumored to be interested in (subscription required) Khaman Maluach before the 2025 NBA Draft, and fans are already thankful they chose Collin Murray-Boyles over the big man. Maluach’s agent, Rich Paul, may have saved the Raptors from themselves, but the big man’s hands were again a problem in Las Vegas. He struggles to control the ball and get rebounds, which came as no surprise.
The Raptors just signed Jakob Poeltl to an extension and have a young big man with promise on a two-way contract. They did not need Maluach. The Raptors drafted a player in the expected mold, and Murray-Boyles showcased his defense in summer league. Toronto fans know it will take time for him to develop, but at least, they didn’t select Maluach.
Big men with questionable hands have a higher bust rate. They often struggle to rebound, finish at the rim, and control the paint. Maluach showed signs of that in summer league, and Raptors fans are thankful they don’t have to deal with those questions all season, as his minutes are limited.
Raptors dodged a disaster by passing on Khaman Maluach
Maluach averaged 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game over his three summer league contests. The problems were his 35.7 percent shooting from the field, 23.1 percent on his 3-point attempts, and 2.3 turnovers each night (to just 0.3 assists). His efficiency and inability to control the ball were problems. The Suns were outscored with Maluach on the floor in every game, and the teenager is clearly not ready for NBA minutes.
Murray-Boyles’ defense will play immediately. His offensive role may be a struggle, but at least Raptors fans are not wondering why they took Maluach. The 7’2 big man has all the raw tools to be a two-way force at the five, including a willingness to shoot threes, but it is all based on potential at this stage.
Toronto has much to sort out with Masai Ujiri gone. Their roster has plenty of talent, but do the pieces fit? Is Scottie Barnes a true star? How can the Raptors build this roster into a serious contender? Getting another versatile weapon like Murray-Boyles gives them another tradeable piece if nothing else. In an uncertain build, that is important.
Summer league doesn’t mean anything. It is just our first chance to see the 2025 NBA Draft class in action with their new teams. Maluach and Murray-Boyles have immense upside. Nothing that happened in Las Vegas changed that. The Suns' new big man struggled, but he could still be the best center in this class. The Raptors are thankful they are not the ones in charge of developing him, though.
The Toronto Raptors face a crucial season. If they do not improve, expect the new front office to make significant changes. It is their only choice, so stay tuned.