Collin Murray-Boyles is entering his first NBA season with a clear mindset: contribute defensively from day one.
The Toronto Raptors’ 2025 lottery pick spoke with Josh Lewenberg of TSN about his approach ahead of training camp, saying, “Every first-year player has to find something that they can contribute immediately… That’s something I’m trying to do.” His goal is to become a dependable defensive presence for the team.
Murray-Boyles, selected ninth overall in June’s draft, built a reputation at South Carolina for his defensive versatility. After overcoming a bout of mononucleosis as a freshman, he earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team and improved significantly in his sophomore season.
He averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game in 2024–25, while shooting 58.6% from the field and improving his free throw percentage to over 70%. Though still developing as a shooter, he showed progress from beyond the arc.
During Summer League action, the 6-foot-7 forward continued to display efficiency, averaging 10.5 points on 57.1% shooting while contributing 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals across four games.
Murray-Boyles acknowledged that his offensive game is still evolving but emphasized that defense is where he plans to earn minutes early. “On the ball, off the ball, just being somebody that my team can rely on to get stops and disrupt offences,” he told TSN.
He signed his rookie-scale contract on July 1 and is on track to make his official debut when the 2025–26 season tips off in October.
