The 2025 NBA Draft brought surprises. Toronto fans saw the Raptors pick Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth overall pick. He is a forward from South Carolina. Many expected the team to seek young players from abroad. Names like Khaman Maluach or French forward Noa Essengue were in the mix. Experts had talked of Maluach’s size and blocking. They had also mentioned Essengue’s potential. Instead, the Raptors chose Murray-Boyles.
The Raptors’ Unexpected No. 9 Pick
Murray-Boyles shone during the NBA Draft Combine. He showed strength in defense, effort in running, and a knack for scoring. In interviews, he spoke of the need to work hard on every play. The team sees him as a good piece who can work with top scorers like Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett. His defense and scoring might help the team in the East.
Passing on Khaman Maluach and Noa Essengue
The team left Maluach off the list. Maluach, a Duke center known for his size and shot blocking, was expected by many to help protect the rim. Similarly, Essengue, a French forward with growth in his game, was also skipped. He had worked out with the team and his name was common in early mock drafts. Fans and experts still talk about this choice.
The Draft Picks and Their Impact
The draft night saw several trades and shifts. Portland shifted from the eleventh to the sixteenth pick to add Chinese center Yang Hansen along with future picks. The Hawks also made moves by trading veteran Kristaps Porzingis and adjusting their picks. For the Raptors, picking Murray-Boyles shows a wish for a role that fits well now. The focus stays on a ready player who fits the team’s plan.
What This Means Moving Forward
The choice leads us to ask about the team’s plan. While Maluach and Essengue may have a strong future, the Raptors now look for balance with players who can contribute quickly. Murray-Boyles’ readiness to work hard fits this plan.
As the season nears, fans will watch how he blends with the squad. The decision to skip on Maluach and Essengue may be a smart risk that pays off.
This draft marks a new chapter in Toronto’s effort to build a team that mixes skilled stars with hard-working players.
