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Collin Murray-Boyles is emerging as a vital player for the Toronto Raptors, and the rookie was recently commended by coach Darko Rajaković for his ability to impact games.
Murray-Boyles is averaging 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 53.5% from the field in 33 appearances. He has scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 19 points on Oct. 27 in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
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The ninth pick recorded 17 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocked shots on Sunday in an overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He is the only rookie to haul in at least 15 rebounds in multiple games this season.
"He plays hard," Rajaković said. "He is not shying away from any type of contact. He is another guy that only cares about how to help the team and how to help winning. He is not obsessed is he going to score or not, and that is why you see him with games with 17 points, and then you see him with games with four points. In both of those games, he really affects the team with how he plays. His offensive rebounding is becoming a trend right now, and it is something that is really helping us."
Murray-Boyles has started the past five games for the Raptors, with Jakob Poeltl sidelined due to a back injury. He is averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, two steals one 1.2 blocks on 59.5% shooting from the field over that span.
The 20-year-old has provided the team with solid offensive production while protecting the paint and getting deflections. He is also crashing the glass at a high level, averaging 2.4 per game, which ranks third among first-year players.
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Murray-Boyles was highly touted out of South Carolina because of his defensive intensity, post presence and ability to make plays for others. He is showcasing those abilities nightly and is helping the Raptors win games in the process.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Raptors news: Darko Rajaković praises Collin Murray-Boyles for mentality
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