Collin Murray-Boyles is an intriguing blend of experience and upside, but would he be a fit for the Sixers in the NBA Draft?
The NBA Draft is an annual showcase of elite talent, with every team zeroing in on the top of the draft board. Yet, each year, there’s always one player who rises from obscurity to become a fast-rising name across the league. In 2025, that player might just be South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles.
The Philadelphia 76ers will retain their first-round pick only if it falls within the top six. With a consensus forming around the top four prospects, the Sixers could find themselves picking at No. 5 or 6 — forcing them to think outside the box.
Should they take a big swing on a versatile combo-forward like Murray-Boyles?
Let’s break it down.
Strengths
Collin Murray-Boyles brings a combination of physical maturity and mental toughness. Standing 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, he boasts an impressive frame that he uses to his advantage in a variety of matchups. He overpowers smaller defenders in the post and punishes mismatches, but he’s just as dangerous facing up — thanks to his skilled footwork and a quick first step that helps him blow by slower opponents.
Offensively, Murray-Boyles has been highly productive, averaging 16.8 points in just over 30 minutes per game. He thrives in the paint, where he shoots a remarkably efficient 62.2% on two-point attempts. Most of his scoring comes around the rim and in the mid-post, showcasing his soft touch and natural feel for finishing in traffic. Beyond scoring, he’s also flashed intriguing playmaking potential — especially out of the post — displaying strong vision and decision-making for a forward.
Defense is where Murray-Boyles’ potential truly stands out. He plays with a high motor and brings consistent energy and effort on that end of the floor. While he may be slightly undersized for a traditional big or power forward, he embraces physicality and holds his own on the glass. He regularly defended bigger opponents in college and never shied away from battling in the paint. Looking ahead to the NBA, he projects as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions thanks to his strength, mobility, and competitive mindset.
By draft night, Murray-Boyles will still be just 20 years old, despite having played two seasons at South Carolina. He brings a strong mix of experience and upside, making him an appealing long-term investment — especially for NBA teams seeking a contributor who can make an impact from day one.
Weaknesses
Despite his strong frame and productivity, Murray-Boyles enters the draft with a few notable concerns — starting with his size and athletic profile. At 6-foot-7, he’s somewhat undersized for a traditional post player, and he doesn’t possess the elite vertical pop or lateral quickness needed to fully compensate. While his 7-foot wingspan helps, his ability to consistently defend quicker forwards or provide rim protection at the NBA level remains a question mark. He may struggle in matchups where length or foot speed is at a premium.
Offensively, the biggest limitation is his shooting. He shot just 26.5% from three and 70.7% from the free-throw line, raising red flags about his perimeter efficiency. In particular, his value in pick-and-pop or spot-up situations is limited without more consistent shooting mechanics. While he showed some willingness to expand his range — hitting 9-of-36 threes as a sophomore — it’s clear that he’s not yet a reliable floor spacer. Until he improves as a shooter, it’s difficult to project him as a true stretch-four or small-ball five.
Another area of concern is his tendency to turn the ball over when forced to create against higher-level defenders. He averaged 2.4 turnovers per game, and while he’s shown promise as a passer, he doesn’t project as a player who can consistently initiate offense or serve as a secondary ball-handler. He’s not the type of forward who can run sets or operate as a point-forward in the mold of a Draymond Green. His decision-making and ball-handling will need refinement at the next level.
Finally, while he’s been highly effective using his strength and touch to finish in college, much of his offense still comes through bully-ball tactics. As he transitions to the NBA, he’ll need to adjust to more athletic, disciplined defenders who won’t be as easily overpowered. Developing more finesse, counters, and a reliable face-up game will be key to sustaining his offensive success at the next level.
Potential Fit with the Sixers
Murray-Boyles presents an intriguing fit for the Sixers, especially if they end up picking in the 5–6 range and want to swing on upside without sacrificing physicality or toughness. His high motor, defensive versatility, and willingness to do the dirty work would fit well alongside stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, particularly on a roster in need of frontcourt depth and energy. He could thrive in a role that allows him to defend multiple positions, crash the glass, and bring a level of grit at the next level.
On the flip side, Murray-Boyles’ lack of shooting could be a deal-breaker for some teams —and the Sixers might be one of them. Ideally, he would slot in as a power forward next to Joel Embiid, providing defensive versatility and interior toughness. That fit becomes more plausible if Embiid continues to age into a more face-up, jump-shooting role. However, if Murray-Boyles’ perimeter game never develops, it could severely cap his long-term value. Without the ability to space the floor, he may be limited to functioning primarily as a small-ball five — an outcome that narrows his versatility and potentially clashes with lineups built around Embiid.
If the Sixers retain their pick and want a switchable forward who can contribute physically from day one, while still having room to grow, Murray-Boyles makes a lot of sense — particularly if they’re not locked into drafting for positional need. In a class where the talent flattens out quickly outside the top four, he could represent the kind of high-floor, high-effort pick that fits both the Sixers’ short-term rotation and long-term vision.