Raptors rookie arguably has in-house competition beat in a vital regard

"Now that Collin Murray-Boyles has had nearly three months of NBA experience, along with a solid Summer League showcase, I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised and largely proven wrong by the 20-year-old ex-South Carolina product. When I first heard about CMB as a potential prospect on Toronto's radar, he immediately set off alarm bells in my head as another non-shooting addition to the Raptors' roster."

"However, CMB was selected ninth overall, and now, after a rollercoaster journey in the Raptors' 2025-26 plans, I've come to realize that he's in a special tier among the many young talents in Toronto's midst. Of course, recency bias might lead you to see him as one of the Raptors' key projects, given that he was their most recent draft pick."

"If my flow doesn't quite hit, just look at what CMB has already accomplished early in his NBA career - there have been some great highlights for a young player whom the Raptors likely didn't expect to make such an impact right away. With CMB, Toronto got a prospect with a Draymond Green-like ceiling, and the Raptors didn't have to wait long before he showed glimpses of that potential."

"On December 23 against Miami, Murray-Boyles had a tremendous night, scoring 11 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including 1-for-2 from deep, and adding 12 rebounds and three steals. In fact, those 12 boards set a new career-high for CMB and marked his first NBA double-double. Additionally, CMB's nine offensive rebounds tied him with Raptors cornerstone Scottie Barnes for the "most by a Raptors rookie since 2022," according to Raptors PR."

Collin Murray-Boyles has shown rapid development during his first NBA months and a strong Summer League showing. Initial concerns about his shooting have been offset by defensive versatility, physicality, and effective rebounding. The Raptors selected him ninth overall and he has earned a more secure role than several contemporaries with greater NBA experience. A standout performance on December 23 delivered 11 points, 12 rebounds and three steals, marking his first double-double and tying a rookie offensive-rebound mark. Comparisons to a Draymond Green-like ceiling reflect his defensive instincts, playmaking potential, and high developmental upside.

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