The Toronto Raptors Draft Collin Murray-Boyles No. 9 Overall

The Toronto Raptors have selected Collin Murray-Boyles out of South Carolina with the No. 9 overall pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft.

After receiving the No. 9 overall pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors have selected Collin Murray-Boyles out of South Carolina.

In just a couple of seasons, South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles evolved from a team contributor to a dominant force for the Gamecocks. After a solid freshman season in which he averaged 10.4 points and 5.7 rebounds, he returned as the cornerstone of the Gamecocks last season. The 6’8” forward put up 16.8 points, 8.3 boards, 2.4 dimes, and 2.8 steals while providing a solid two-way contribution.

The Raptors were involved in talks throughout the past few weeks to trade this pick, but ultimately kept it. We will see if they end up trading this pick at some point.

CMB did most of the scoring, rebounding, defending, facilitating, and setting the tone while playing heavy minutes on a bad South Carolina team. His exceptional production and stabilizing influence highlight his IQ, maturity, versatility, mentality, and overall NBA potential.

CMB is mostly a mid-to-short-range operator; most of his shots in the half-court offense came with him making something happen from the elbow, short corner, low block, and dunker’s spot. He’s a dribble-pass-shoot triple-threat from these positions, but for the most part, he uses his crafty footwork, spin moves, strength, and soft touch to finish around the basket, especially through contact or against multiple defenders. CMB can also play the “roll man” or as the cutter from above the break, or at the very least, around the dunker’s spot. His FG% around the rim — approximately 74% is one of the best in the NCAA this past season among bigs, and this is a big deal because he was seeing double teams frequently and had to operate with limited spacing, as his teammates could not shoot.

He’ll need to improve his perimeter shooting (26.5% 3P%) to keep the defense honest and to encourage Rajakovic to play him with a center who is a non-shooter.

While he’s functionally strong and quick, he’s not an explosive athlete (vertically and laterally) that many undersized bigs often possess. That could also present a problem, as he’ll likely have to defend explosive wings or switch against the shifty guard at the next level.

Coach Rajakovic’s defensive philosophy favours switch-heavy defensive schemes, especially from his guards, wings, and forwards. CMB should be switchable for at least three, if not four, positions on most nights. The Raptors coach also emphasizes connectivity on the defensive end, and CMB does a good job as a communicator as a defensive anchor for the Gamecocks. Overall, defensively, coach Rajakovic’s system suits smart, physical, and switchable defender like CMB. His length, mobility, defensive instincts, and strength should provide switchability, sound rotations, and a strong rebounding presence.

The Toronto Raptors' next pick as of right now is No. 39 in the second round, set to take place tomorrow at 8 p.m.

They may opt to trade for more picks, though, similar to their strategy in 2024. They went into last year’s draft with 2 picks and came out with 4, doubling their prospects while also signing Jamieson Battle undrafted.