The Toronto Raptors struck gold with their 2025 NBA Draft selection of Collin Murray-Boyles. But let's indulge in a bit of a thought experiment: What if Murray-Boyles wasn't available? Who would the Raptors have turned to instead?
This isn't just idle speculation; it's a valuable exercise in evaluating the 2025 draft class. By re-drafting the lottery, we can see which players might rise or fall based on their rookie performances.
Murray-Boyles Shines as a Rookie
Murray-Boyles' performance has been a bright spot for Toronto, confirming their ninth pick was a savvy choice. While others in his draft class have had their moments, Murray-Boyles has consistently impressed on defense, hinting at a future where he could be truly elite.
According to databallr.com, the Raptors improve by 1.7 points per 100 possessions defensively when he's on the floor. At 6'7", he may not be towering, but his impressive wingspan allows him to disrupt passing lanes and protect the rim. His versatility is key, switching seamlessly from a smallball center to defending wings on the perimeter.
Offensively, there's room to grow. A nagging back injury has slowed his progress, and his 35.4% shooting from deep is based on a limited sample size of just one attempt per game. However, his ability to attack the glass, make smart passes, and finish strong inside is promising.
In our re-draft scenario, Murray-Boyles moved up to seventh overall, landing with the New Orleans Pelicans. He'd provide a defensive cornerstone for them. Even with hindsight, the Pelicans might still choose Jeremiah Fears or Derik Queen, but Murray-Boyles would be a compelling option.
Toronto's Alternate Choice: Carter Bryant
If Murray-Boyles were off the table, the Raptors might have turned to Arizona's Carter Bryant. Standing at 6'6" with a seven-foot wingspan, Bryant is built like a rock and originally went 14th to the San Antonio Spurs, moving up in this re-draft scenario.
Bryant's potential lies in becoming an ideal 3-and-D forward, agile enough to guard smaller wings and strong enough to handle bigger forwards. In limited minutes with the Spurs, he's shown glimpses of being a defensive force.
While his offensive game is still developing, Bryant's path diverges from Murray-Boyles. Instead of being an interior playmaker, Bryant is shaping up to be a corner three-point shooter and transition finisher.
His shooting touch needs refinement, but the trajectory is promising. In a few years, he could be a key role player on a championship team.
In reality, the Raptors still have Murray-Boyles, and that's a fortunate position. But this alternate scenario raises intriguing questions.
Would a 3-and-D forward like Bryant have been a better fit alongside Scottie Barnes? Or does Murray-Boyles' elite defensive potential outweigh the offensive overlap with Barnes?
Ultimately, Toronto doesn't need to worry. Murray-Boyles is proving to be a strong choice at No. 9, and he's securely theirs.