After several middling seasons, the Trae Young-led Atlanta Hawks are searching for the right complementary pieces to vault them back into playoff contention. The No. 13 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is expected to be pivotal to their turnaround. According to PFSN’s Keenan Warner, it could land them a versatile “high-energy” forward prospect.
When healthy, the Hawks have talent across the board. Fourth-year forward Jalen Johnson thrived as a dynamic secondary scorer before suffering a season-ending left shoulder injury. Defensive-minded shooting guard Dyson Daniels also broke out in his first season with the team. Meanwhile, rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher showed two-way flashes, while rim-running big man Onyeka Okongwu stepped up in an expanded role.
However, with multiple rotation players entering free agency (Clint Capela, Caris LeVert, Larry Nance Jr.), Atlanta will need to supplement its bench via the draft.
Why Collin Murray-Boyles Is the Hawks’ Projected Pick at No. 13
In PFSN’s latest mock draft, Warner predicted Atlanta to take South Carolina sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 13. Characterized as a stocky, two-way talent, Murray-Boyles has garnered lottery consideration due to his defensive flexibility, prolific rebounding, relentless interior finishing and playmaking instincts.
According to Warner, the 19-year-old could serve as a sparkplug for the Hawks.
“Collin Murray-Boyles is a force, despite being undersized for the position,” Warner wrote. “A high-energy player on both ends, he can score around the basket with an array of post moves.”
However, the analyst noted that Murray-Boyles’ tweener concerns could hinder his defensive impact at the next level.
“His 6’7″ stature could cause problems defending in the post, while his lack of lateral quickness might be problematic on the perimeter,” Warner wrote.
Murray-Boyles’ inefficient 3-point shooting (26.5% on 1.1 attempts a night) has also been a common concern among scouts. But some believe an improved outside shot could elevate him into star territory.
Over 32 contests as a sophomore, Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.3 blocks and 0.3 3-pointers per game, shooting 58.6%.
Known as one of the most physical and versatile defenders in college basketball, Collin Murray-Boyles was an offensive hub for South Carolina this season, demonstrating strong playmaking ability, unselfishness, and overall feel for the game. https://t.co/Tgd6UMOYEt pic.twitter.com/SaaLEk02nI
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 15, 2025
Murray-Boyles’ NBA Comparisons and Fit With Hawks
Murray-Boyles’ inside scoring presence has earned him comparisons to current and former star forwards like Julius Randle and Paul Millsap. Meanwhile, his defensive versatility has some draft experts likening him to four-time NBA champion Draymond Green.
Conversely, other analysts question whether the 2025 All-SEC second team selectee’s positional uncertainty will limit him to a Grant Williams or Guerschon Yabusele-esque utility role.
Even so, Atlanta, which needs to continue bolstering its defense around Young, may be wise to bank on Murray-Boyles reaching his defensive ceiling. He would likely slot into Nance’s role next season, serving as a glue guy off the bench with the potential to grow into a starting-caliber two-way player.
