Following their first-round playoff exit, the Houston Rockets have a chance to add to their blossoming young core with the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. PFSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom anticipates them selecting another “defensive-minded prospect” who projects to be a seamless fit in coach Ime Udoka’s defense-centric system.
Despite bowing out of the postseason early as the Western Conference’s second seed (52-30), the Rockets have plenty of reason for optimism. Their nucleus, headlined by star center Alperen Şengün, two-way wing Amen Thompson, and shooting guard Jalen Green, could take another step. Meanwhile, they possess the trade assets to pursue a star-caliber player this offseason.
However, if Houston retains its pick, the opportunity to add a lottery talent to a 50-plus-win team should boost its depth and further position it well for the future.
Why Collin Murray-Boyles Is the Rockets’ Projected Pick at No. 10
In PFSN’s latest two-round mock draft, Bergstrom has Houston pegged to take South Carolina sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 10. A burly two-way prospect, Murray-Boyles is considered one of the draft’s most versatile defenders, able to defend inside and on the perimeter. He can also rebound and playmake at high levels and has a knack for scoring around the rim.
According to Bergstrom, Udoka would welcome the 2025 All-SEC second team selectee’s intangibles and approach to the game.
“Collin Murray-Boyles is a physical, defensive-minded prospect — exactly the type of player that Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka covets,” Bergstrom wrote.
“At roughly 6’7″ and 240 pounds with a 7’1″ wingspan, the former South Carolina Gamecock is physical and moves his feet well, all while having the length to block shots and steal the ball, as evidenced by his 2.8 steals + blocks combined per game last season. Though he doesn’t project as a big-time scorer in the pros, he was no slouch on that end in college.”
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
Bergstrom added that Murray-Boyles could serve as an insurance policy in case the Rockets can’t afford to retain all their young frontcourt players long term. That presumably includes the likes of Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Cam Whitmore.
“As Houston navigates a time with several high-quality young players up for extensions in the coming years, they have to start replenishing through the draft, as the roster will simply get too expensive,” Bergstrom wrote. “Murray-Boyles exemplifies the exact toughness and defensive competitiveness that would make him successful with the Rockets.”
However, Murray-Boyles will likely need to improve his 3-point shooting to become a high-level two-way asset at the NBA level. He shot just 26.5% from 3 on 1.1 attempts per game in his sophomore season. He also faces tweener concerns, making some scouts pessimistic about his upside.
Across 32 outings 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%.
Murray-Boyles’ NBA Comparisons and Fit With Rockets
Murray-Boyles has elicited a wide range of NBA comparisons from stars like Draymond Green and Julius Randle to role players like Grant Williams and Guerschon Yabusele.
MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft Following Shocking Lottery Results
Given Houston’s depth, if he lands in H-Town, he projects to begin his career as a bench player and work his way up the rotation. He would likely be tasked with providing defensive energy and interior scoring off the pine, as Eason has over the past few seasons. Nevertheless, playing for a winning team could pay dividends for the 19-year-old.
