The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has entered its fourth day, shifting focus from top picks to lesser-known talents making their mark. Collin Murray-Boyle, the Raptors' No. 9 pick, showcased his potential with a solid debut after recovering from a hamstring injury, contributing 8 points and 7 rebounds despite some inconsistency in shooting. Meanwhile, Drew Timme, an undrafted Gonzaga star, lit up the court with 30 points, earning himself a shot at a standard contract next season. Other notables include Tre Johnson from the Wizards, who is averaging 19.5 points per game, and Daniss Jenkins of the Pistons, who has emerged as a standout prospect. With the league emphasizing the development of young talent, the Summer League is proving to be a critical proving ground for the future stars of the NBA.

The Toronto Raptors have officially signed Collin Murray-Boyles, the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to a rookie-scale contract worth $6,332,520 for the upcoming season. The 6-foot-7 forward from South Carolina was recognized for his impressive sophomore season, averaging 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, while leading the SEC in shooting percentage at 58.6%.

Known for his defensive skills and versatility, Murray-Boyles also developed his three-point shooting during his college career, although he faced challenges with consistency, making only 9 of 34 attempts from beyond the arc. His unique 7-foot wingspan aids his rim protection and ability to force turnovers. He is set to debut with the Raptors in the NBA Summer League starting July 11 against the Chicago Bulls.

In a surprising turn of events, Masai Ujiri, the Toronto Raptors' president, announced his departure shortly after selecting Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Ujiri, who has been pivotal in the team's success since 2013, had known about his exit for some time, with discussions around his future taking place for months. The decision to part ways was made post-draft to avoid disrupting the selection process, an area where Ujiri excels.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment's CEO, Keith Pelley, emphasized the need for stability within the team, noting that the roster is solid and all players are under contract. Ujiri's exit marks a significant shift, as his leadership helped bring a championship to Toronto. The Raptors are now tasked with finding a new president while aiming to improve after a disappointing season.

Collin Murray-Boyles, the Raptors' first-round pick, finds himself in a situation rife with historical skepticism surrounding Canadian draft choices. His reaction post-selection raised eyebrows, suggesting ambivalence about joining Toronto. However, he quickly clarified that his feelings were of gratitude rather than disdain. Raptors' GM Bobby Webster expressed confidence in Murray-Boyles, noting that he was ranked higher on their board than ninth overall.

Despite his potential as a versatile athlete with strong defensive skills, Murray-Boyles's three-point shooting remains a concern, having shot only 27% from deep at the University of South Carolina. This aligns with the Raptors' recent struggles, as they had the second-fewest three-pointers last season. The franchise is known for its developmental resources, which it hopes will transform non-shooters into competent threats, though past attempts have yielded mixed results.

The Toronto Raptors selected Collin Murray-Boyles from the South Carolina Gamecocks as the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Murray-Boyles, a forward standing 6'7" and weighing 245 pounds, averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in his sophomore year. He contributed significantly to the Gamecocks' SEC Tournament run despite a challenging regular season. His former teammate, quarterback LaNorris Sellers, celebrated the achievement, hinting at a bright future for both players. Sellers is viewed as a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, following a successful freshman season.