{"id":189434,"date":"2025-10-04T12:03:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T12:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/189434\/"},"modified":"2025-10-04T12:03:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T12:03:07","slug":"collin-murray-boyles-stands-out-in-raptors-open-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/189434\/","title":{"rendered":"Collin Murray-Boyles Stands Out in Raptors\u2019 Open Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NBA preseason has kicked off for some, and the league\u2019s newest rookies are anxiously awaiting their quasi-debuts.<\/p>\n

One of those is Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who was selected at No. 9 by Toronto in the 2025 draft.<\/p>\n

A 6-foot-7 hybrid big, Murray-Boyles was one of a few non-freshmen selected in the \u201925 lottery, and should be ready to hit the ground running for the Raptors. And that was especially apparent in the team\u2019s open practice, just days ahead of their preseason debut against Denver.<\/p>\n

For those in attendance, CMB not only looked the part of a solid NBA contributor, but he seemed one of the best players on the floor that included a few one-time All-Stars. Toronto held an inter-squad scrimmage, where several reporters in the gym said Murray-Boyles looked like one of more impressive players.<\/p>\n

Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has been one of the most impressive players on the floor today. Really pressuring Barnes and Ingram on D, which tracks with what he told us the other day. “I want to make it as hard as possible on them on offence. That’s how I’m making them better.”<\/p>\n

\u2014 Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

CMB knocks down an open triple <\/p>\n

Been pretty easily the most impressive player today pic.twitter.com\/kg1gnJAEo3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) October 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

He starred as a sophomore at South Carolina, showcasing a versatile, albeit unique two-way game centered around interior scoring, multi-tooled defense and play-making.<\/p>\n

Despite being undersized as an essential big, Murray-Boyles unique skillset is made impactful via his physical tools, which involve innate strength, the foot speed to sneak by slower-footed bigs and the physicality to overwhelm smaller matchups.<\/p>\n

Apparently, that\u2019s going to continue to be a point of emphasis for Murray-Boyles at the pro level.<\/p>\n

Collin Murray-Boyles with 2 steals and a dunk early in this game <\/p>\n

His size and physicality has been EVIDENT.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) October 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Another unique forward, taking Murray-Boyles was thought of to be an interesting draft-night decision for the Raptors, but there\u2019s little question he\u2019ll be able to fill in quickly for the squad. Especially if he\u2019s already standing out among seasoned NBA players.<\/p>\n

The frosh has already proved himself ready for playing time in some capacity, having seen real impact for the Raptors in Las Vegas Summer League. Across four games, he scored 10.5 points on a great 57% shooting overall, staying true to his do-it-all nature in adding 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s certainly still plenty for him to work on \u2014 as showcased by his 22% 3-point shooting across those four games \u2014 but he\u2019ll have plenty of time to iron things out with Toronto.<\/p>\n

The Raptors will likely be looking to avoid another lottery appearance next year, instead trying to win games in a down Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is 2025 Raptors basketball,\u201d Murray-Boyles said after the practice. \u201cThe guys behind me put in a lot of work this summer, we\u2019re ready to show y\u2019all what it is this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my first season, you\u2019re already making it feel like home,\u201d<\/p>\n