If there is one consensus among Toronto Raptors supporters, it is an insatiable desire to see more of sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles on the floor. Blending elite switchability, raw physicality, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ, CMB proved during an encouraging rookie campaign that he is uniquely tailored for Toronto’s modern two-way system.
Fortunately, it appears fans are about to get their wish. Speaking to the media during Tuesday’s practice, TSN’s Josh Lewenberg revealed that head coach Darko Rajakovic made it abundantly clear that the franchise has no intention of pigeonholing their rising star into a single, restrictive role this season.
Escaping the Center Trap: The Value of Versatility
Throughout the offseason, one of the most debated topics among Raptors faithful centered on how Murray-Boyles would be deployed. Given the team’s roster construction and center depth, the easy assumption was that CMB would operate primarily as a backup five.
However, confining a player of his unique defensive caliber exclusively to the center position carries significant risks. Relying on him to anchor the paint full-time as a primary rim protector would not only sap his energy and expose him to unnecessary physical wear and tear, but it would also stunt his offensive growth by trapping him in the post.
Rajakovic’s vision is vastly more ambitious. Recognizing that CMB is already one of the most disruptive young defenders in the league—capable of locking down the perimeter, switching 1 through 5, and erasing shots—the coaching staff wants to maximize his presence by keeping him on the court in every imaginable game situation.
Unlocking Frontcourt Chemistry With Jakob Poeltl
Perhaps the most exciting tactical revelation from training camp is Rajakovic’s desire to pair Murray-Boyles directly alongside veteran center Jakob Poeltl.
“He’s so good & improved so much that he needs to share the court with Jak,” Rajakovic noted.
This pairing solves several tactical puzzles for Toronto. While Poeltl remains a vital rim protector, his foot speed can occasionally be exploited on perimeter switches. By deploying Murray-Boyles next to him, Poeltl’s defensive load is lightened significantly. CMB can handle dynamic perimeter assignments, neutralize speedy guards, and allow Poeltl to stay anchored in his comfort zone as a weak-side helper and rebounder.
Conversely, playing alongside a traditional center frees Murray-Boyles from the bruising physical demands of banging against opposing fives on every possession. It allows him to unleash his elite instincts as a roaming help defender while preserving his energy to expand his offensive game.
Accelerating Offensive Development and Playmaking
Shifting CMB away from a strict center designation also unlocks massive developmental upside on the other end of the floor. As a gifted passer with exceptional floor vision and high basketball IQ, forcing him to sit exclusively in the post or crash the glass undercuts his broader skillset.
Giving him extended minutes at the forward spots—potentially soaking up an extra 6 to 10 minutes per game alongside traditional bigs—transforms him into a dynamic “sixth-starter” weapon. If Poeltl commands roughly 26 minutes a night at center, opening up alternative pathways for Murray-Boyles ensures that Toronto’s best young talent isn’t chained to the bench when the veteran rests.
As the Raptors gear up for the 2026–27 campaign, the strategy is clear: unleash CMB in multiple roles, maximize his minutes, and watch a special talent explode into superstardom.
Do you think pairing Collin Murray-Boyles and Jakob Poeltl in the frontcourt will be the secret weapon for the Raptors this season?
