After a hot and cold start, Colin Murray-Boyles emerged as one of the most exciting rookies in last year’s loaded draft class. A versatile big man who Predators selected ninth overall in 2025, he looks to keep his momentum going this season, aided by the leaner physique he’s worked on all summer, writes Josh Levenberg for TSN.
Team management noticed the change, with the general manager Bobby Webster describing him as a “lean, mean, fighting machine” and head coach Darko Rayakovich praise the change.
“I can see the changes in his body“, – said Rayakovich.He’s (leaner), he’s a little more explosive, and he does a great job.”
Murray-Boyles was able to make the transformation by taking up long distance running and says he has lost a “significant” amount of weight. Rajakovic wants to be sure he doesn’t let the lost mass affect his aggression offensively. According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, he says Murray-Boyles’ route to playing at both the four and five is a work in progress.via Twitter), and wants to make sure that, no matter what, the young big man plays with power.
We have more from the Raptors:
- Toronto’s new star wing Kawhi Leonard The Raptors’ preseason debut in Quebec went as expected, according to Grange (Link to Twitter). He also likely will miss the team’s next game in Vancouver as he focuses on building his conditioning after the offseason.
- Scotty Barnes added 11 points, two assists, two rebounds and three steals in just 12 minutes in his preseason debut, but a knee sprain in the first half may have contributed to the decision to sit the versatile forward out the rest of the game, according to Levenberg (via Twitter). Rajakovic called this step a warning.
- The Raptors struggled in the preseason against the new-look Heat, but it wasn’t their defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami offense that was the cause of concern. – writes Grange. Rather, it was a crime beyond Barnes and RJ Barrett that raised eyebrows. They missed Leonard, but any team that employs the two-time champion must be ready to step up if and when he misses time, and Grange notes that the guard rotation is especially important when it comes to contributing offensively. Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Sheddand I’m Kobe Walter combined for just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting in the first half. Quickley, in particular, will be critical in terms of balancing the team’s offense, and Walter will also likely have to take on a bigger role when Leonard sits.
