The case for Collin Murray-Boyles with the 10th pick

Collin Murray-Boyles makes a lot of sense in the Valley.

The Phoenix Suns hold the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft this Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

It’s no secret that the Suns need to add size, physicality, and toughness to their front line. There’s one name that stands out who is projected to go somewhere in the mid-1st round.

A unique prospect who some consider polarizing, “CMB” checks a lot of boxes for the Suns’ needs. This is a pick I would endorse and be on board with entirely at 10.

Collin Murray-Boyles

• South Carolina — 20 years old
• 6’7” — 239 lbs. — 7’0 ¾” wingspan
• Role: Swiss Army knife, Versatile Defender
• 2024-25 Stats: 16.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG — 58.6/70.7/26.5 shooting split

Murray-Boyles was one of the most physical defenders in college basketball. His versatility on both ends stood out, and he showcased the ability to serve as an offensive hub with a tremendous feel for the game. He can make quick reads off the bounce and can finish with power.

He is an army tank down low and can be a handful in the post, whether it’s through playmaking or putting it in the basket. His presence in the post is felt, just ask his opponents.

Comparisons: Draymond Green, Anthony Mason, Julius Randle (offensive similarities visually), Boris Diaw, and Metta World Peace.

Scouting Report

The Ringer: He’s a remarkable defender who blends instinct and intelligence with strength, catlike reflexes, and lateral agility that’s unique for his frame. But … he’s a tweener (strike one) who doesn’t really shoot (strike two) and whose obvious playmaking vision and instincts are stymied by a neutral assist-to-turnover ratio (strike three)—without the absurd athleticism that allowed a player like Zion Williamson to transcend such mortal limitations.

It isn’t hard to imagine Murray-Boyles as a Swiss Army knife in the pick-and-roll on both sides of the ball. He can rumble into a blitz, creating havoc for the ball handler with his quick hands and broad frame; he can operate in the two-man game himself as either the initiator or the roller. He has the quickest hands in the class and would be a terror as a help defender digging at the nail.

The Ringer

ESPN mocked Collin Murray-Boyles to the Suns with the 10th pick in their latest mock draft.

Here’s the snippet on CMB:

“It’s not easy to peg Murray-Boyles’ draft range, with most pointing to the Nos. 10-16 range, which includes some of the most analytics-influenced teams in the NBA, Atlanta, Oklahoma City and Memphis. NBA teams say Murray-Boyles rates historically well in their draft models, thanks to his strong passing, foul-drawing ability, 2-point shooting, defensive playmaking and youth, which will appeal to several teams in this range.

Murray-Boyles’ toughness, unselfishness, defensive versatility and playmaking give him a high floor, even if his lack of size and perimeter shooting might make him a situational fit in certain lineup configurations.”

Fit In Phoenix

While his shooting leaves some question marks about spacing (especially looking at Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro as potential long-term rotation pieces), the rest of his game fits seamlessly into what Phoenix needs.

It’s easy to envision him as an offensive hub in Phoenix, taking pressure off Jalen Green and Devin Booker as a playmaking big. He impacts both sides of the floor and will make his teammates better.

You already added Dillon Brooks to bring an edge and some toughness. Pair that with Murray-Boyles, and you have two relentless “dogs” who are not afraid to mix it up at all times. Throw in the chaos of Ryan Dunn, and you are building a real identity.

Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Final Thoughts

As Danny Chau said, “There aren’t too many success stories in the NBA with a prospect profile like CMB’s. That’s a significant barrier; teams are looking for precedents to follow.”

That reason alone is a major factor as to why CMB isn’t a lock as a top-7 pick, given his production on the court and what the film says.

He may be a tough sell on paper, but the film speaks for itself. There are no guarantees in this range, but CMB looks like an interesting fit and should absolutely be a candidate for PHX with the 10th pick.

The expectations of this pick need to be tempered.

Yes, this list (attached below) of the past tenth overall picks isn’t a direct indicator of what will happen this year. But as a whole, it’s fair to say that once you get to the double-digit mark (of the draft) and beyond, the actual value for lottery picks starts to fall off rapidly.

There will be talent on the board, but can the Suns actually nail it? Only time will tell.

Will it be another Jalen Smith? Or will the Suns pull a Tyrese Haliburton out of the hat?

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