The Toronto Raptors had a clear strategy in mind for their roster after their NBA championship win. Loading up on big, athletic wings, Toronto wanted to build a switch-heavy team from top to bottom. However, that identity hasn’t given the Raptors the success the front office was hoping for.
As a result, parting ways with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam landed them the likes of RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram. But to take the next step alongside those two and Scottie Barnes, one analyst wants Toronto to select a power forward with the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Raptors Projected To Select South Carolina Forward With No. 9 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Last season, the Raptors ranked in the bottom 10 in 3-point shooting — both in efficiency (23rd) and volume (third worst). With the addition of Ingram to the roster, those numbers should improve next season. As Toronto shifts out of its multiyear rebuild, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projects the Raptors to use their No. 9 pick on South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles.
“Murray-Boyles has been of interest to NBA teams for the past couple of seasons, with his statistical profile holding strong appeal in analytics models and the eye test backing much of that performance,” Woo wrote. “Though undersized for his position, his toughness, play finishing, passing and defensive chops are attractive.”
“Murray-Boyles would give them a true power forward who would enhance lineups defensively on a roster otherwise full of scorers,” he added.
Murray-Boyles is slightly undersized for the position at 6-foot-8. But Toronto’s collection of defensive wings is well equipped to cover for a smaller frontcourt player and take a swing on his offensive upside.
As a sophomore, Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points on 58.6% shooting and grabbed 8.3 rebounds per game. His defensive effort led to highlight plays, with 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game this past season.
He hasn’t developed a reliable 3-point jumper, shooting just 26.5% from deep after attempting only five total 3s as a freshman. Even so, he profiles as a strong complementary role player who could become a valuable depth piece for the Raptors.
PFSN Projects Raptors To Add Elite-Shooting Wing
In PFSN’s latest NBA mock draft by Sterling Xie, the Raptors are projected to select elite shooter Kon Knueppel with the No. 9 pick. Already fitting the long wing archetype that Toronto favors, Knueppel’s addition could boost the Raptors’ 3-point shooting.
“During his freshman season, Knueppel shot 40.6% from 3 and 91.4% from the free-throw line,” Xie wrote. “He profiles as a player who could threaten the 50/40/90 club during his career, and his 6-foot-7 frame made him harder to attack on defense than many expected.
“That point about his frame is the key, as Knueppel absolutely has the potential to grow into more than a one-trick sharpshooter. The Raptors like to collect players with above-average size for their positions and could use Knueppel’s accuracy to improve their 23rd-ranked 3-point shooting.”
Meanwhile, Murray-Boyles was selected 12th overall by the Chicago Bulls in Xie’s mock.
“Murray-Boyles possesses an advanced offensive feel and tenacity to do the dirty work on both ends of the floor,” Xie noted. “As a sophomore, he averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on 58.6% shooting for the Gamecocks. His athleticism and effort also translate to excellent defense, as he averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks.
“His biggest flaw is his lack of a 3-point jumper. Murray-Boyles shot 26.5% from deep after attempting only five total 3s during his freshman year. Still, his defensive impact gives him a high floor, and the Bulls could use a more diverse offense after leaning heavily on the backcourt of Coby White and Josh Giddey this season.”
