With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, the Boston Celtics are poised to make a significant move. Holding the 28th and 32nd picks, the team is reportedly considering bundling these selections to trade up for a higher pick in a draft class brimming with talent. One name generating buzz among NBA insiders is South Carolina’s sophomore forward, Collin Murray-Boyles, a versatile big man drawing comparisons to Golden State Warriors’ defensive maestro, Draymond Green.
Why Murray-Boyles?
At 20 years old, Murray-Boyles has emerged as a standout in a deep draft class. His draft stock varies widely, with projections ranging from a top-seven selection to the late teens. Should he slip toward the latter, the Celtics could seize the opportunity to trade up and secure a player who could address immediate needs while offering long-term upside.
Murray-Boyles’ fit with Boston is particularly intriguing given the team’s circumstances. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the 2025-26 season due to a ruptured Achilles, the Celtics need forward depth to maintain their championship-caliber roster. While no one can replace Tatum’s production, Murray-Boyles’ skill set makes him an ideal candidate to step in as a plug-and-play contributor with the potential to evolve into a high-level role player.
Defensive Prowess: A Draymond Green-Like Impact
Murray-Boyles’ calling card is his elite defense. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 240 pounds, he possesses the strength and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions. At the NBA Draft Combine, his 2.86-second shuttle time showcased his agility, allowing him to handle wings and forwards effectively. While he rarely switched onto smaller guards in college, his ability to play high drop coverage in pick-and-roll situations and hold his own against bigger players in the paint highlights his versatility.
Collin Murray-Boyles – feel on the short roll
CMB dribble handoff, flows into the short roll — plays through the bump vs. Thomas Haugh + sees Walter Clayton Jr. come to double. Instantly whips a skip pass for an open weak-side corner 3 pic.twitter.com/makM2KpCeM
— Brian Geisinger (@bgeis_bird) June 2, 2025
His defensive IQ is exceptional, making him a disruptive team defender. Murray-Boyles limited opposing scorers to just 38.3% shooting when guarded by him, a testament to his ability to contest shots at the rim and disrupt passing lanes. Even on a South Carolina team that struggled to a 2-16 SEC record, his high-motor play never wavered, showcasing the kind of character Boston values in its pursuit of another title.
Offensive Versatility and Room for Growth
Beyond his defensive gifts, Murray-Boyles brings a well-rounded offensive game. His feel for the game shines through as a connective passer, particularly in short-roll situations and dribble-handoffs. He excels at finding open teammates, whipping skip passes to the weak-side corner or delivering crisp bounce passes to cutters for easy buckets. These skills keep defenses scrambling, a trait that aligns with Boston’s emphasis on ball movement.
Collin Murray-Boyles defensive tape.
Opposing scorers shot 38.3% (!) when guarded by Murray-Boyles — the most disruptive defender in this draft class by far. pic.twitter.com/ktQDxaKdOy
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 24, 2025
As a scorer, Murray-Boyles dominates in the paint, leveraging his strength to finish through contact. His 64.5% field-goal percentage in the restricted area ranks in the 85th percentile among at-the-rim finishers. However, his jump shot remains a work in progress. Last season, he shot just 26.5% from three on low volume, and his 70% free-throw shooting raises questions about his shooting potential. Still, his smooth shooting form suggests room for improvement, which could be nurtured under Boston’s development staff.
The Draymond Green Comparison
Murray-Boyles’ blend of defensive instincts, playmaking, and high basketball IQ has earned him pre-draft comparisons to Draymond Green, a cornerstone of Golden State’s dynasty. Like Green, Murray-Boyles impacts winning through intangibles, making him a potential fit for a Celtics team built on team-oriented play. His ability to guard multiple positions, facilitate offense, and compete relentlessly could make him a long-term replacement for Al Horford as the veteran big man nears the end of his career.
Can Boston Pull It Off?
Trading up for Murray-Boyles is no guarantee, as his draft range remains uncertain. If he falls into the mid-to-late first round, Boston’s two picks could be enough to swing a deal. His immediate defensive impact and long-term potential make him a worthy target for a team looking to stay competitive without Tatum. Should his offensive game—particularly his shooting—develop further, Murray-Boyles could blossom into an All-Star-caliber player.
For a deeper dive into the Celtics’ draft strategy, check out the How ‘Bout Them Celtics draft preview, where Jack Simone and Tyler Rucker break down potential prospects with No Ceilings. As the draft nears, all eyes will be on Boston to see if they can land the next Draymond Green-like talent to bolster their championship aspirations.