Collin Murray-Boyles: A Rising Star for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2025 NBA Draft

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, teams are refining their strategies to find the perfect talent that can make an immediate impact and add long-term value. For the Atlanta Hawks, this draft presents a unique opportunity to enhance their roster with a player who brings both defensive prowess and untapped offensive potential: Collin Murray-Boyles from the University of South Carolina. The 6’7″, 245-pound forward has been making waves in college basketball, and his selection by the Hawks in mock drafts is a promising development for the team’s future.

The Rise of Collin Murray-Boyles

Collin Murray-Boyles’ journey to the NBA has been one marked by growth, adversity, and resilience. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Murray-Boyles’ basketball journey began at A.C. Flora High School, where he was named the Class 4A Player of the Year during his junior year, posting impressive averages of 18.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.3 blocks per game. His senior year saw him transfer to Wasatch Academy in Utah, where he continued to excel, averaging 15.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

His standout performances earned him consensus four-star recruit status and a top-100 national ranking. He committed to South Carolina in 2022, where he quickly made an impact. Although his freshman year was interrupted by a bout of infectious mononucleosis, Murray-Boyles proved his resilience by coming back strong, earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors in February 2024 after a dominant 31-point game against Vanderbilt. By the end of his second year, he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, a clear sign of his growing influence on the court.

A Powerful Skill Set: Defensive Versatility and Playmaking Potential

Murray-Boyles is a player that fits perfectly with the growing emphasis on versatile, multi-dimensional athletes in the modern NBA. He has the size, athleticism, and defensive acumen to guard multiple positions. His elite finishing around the rim and rebounding ability make him a powerful force inside. Additionally, his playmaking skills for a forward are one of the most intriguing aspects of his game. He’s not just a big body in the paint; Murray-Boyles can facilitate plays, initiate offense, and make smart passes that lead to scoring opportunities for his teammates.

While Murray-Boyles’ offensive game is still a work in progress, especially with his shooting, his defensive abilities make him a valuable asset for any team. He has drawn comparisons to NBA All-Star Draymond Green, known for his defensive impact and versatility. Murray-Boyles, like Green, thrives as a multi-positional defender who can guard both wings and bigs, while also contributing on the offensive end as a facilitator.

At South Carolina, he was a force on both ends of the floor, ranking as one of the top players in the SEC in rebounds with an average of 8.4 per game, as well as scoring 15.5 points per contest. He’s shown the ability to dominate inside, but also has the potential to expand his range, making him an intriguing prospect for any team looking for a two-way player who can do it all.

The Atlanta Hawks’ Vision: A Strategic Fit

For the Atlanta Hawks, Murray-Boyles represents a player who can immediately contribute to their defense-first mentality while also offering offensive growth. The Hawks have been a playoff-contending team in recent years, and with the right moves in the draft, they could elevate themselves into serious championship contention.

Murray-Boyles’ skill set complements the Hawks’ existing roster, providing them with a versatile forward who can guard opposing stars and help create additional scoring opportunities for players like Trae Young and De’Andre Hunter. His defensive versatility would allow the Hawks to be more flexible with their rotations and give them more options when facing tough opponents in the postseason.

The Hawks have long been in search of a forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor—especially one who can guard multiple positions and fit seamlessly into the team’s defensive schemes. With Murray-Boyles, Atlanta would gain a player who can do exactly that.

Additionally, Murray-Boyles’ ability to develop as a playmaker and improve his shooting could add another dimension to the Hawks’ offense. His high basketball IQ and willingness to distribute the ball would make him a dynamic partner alongside the Hawks’ primary ball handlers, creating more fluidity in their offensive sets.

The Developmental Path Ahead

While Murray-Boyles has the raw talent to make an immediate impact, the transition to the NBA will require him to continue refining his skills, particularly his shooting. In the modern NBA, floor spacing and shooting are crucial, and improving his outside shooting will be key for his development. Fortunately, Murray-Boyles has shown a strong work ethic and adaptability throughout his career, and with the Hawks’ development staff behind him, it’s likely that he will improve in these areas.

The Hawks are known for fostering young talent and have a solid development system in place, which could provide the perfect environment for Murray-Boyles to hone his skills. If he continues to grow and refine his game, he could develop into a well-rounded forward capable of contributing as both a scorer and a defender at the highest level.

A Bright Future for the Atlanta Hawks

Collin Murray-Boyles’ selection by the Atlanta Hawks would be a smart move, aligning with the team’s long-term vision for building a balanced, defensive-minded roster while preparing for future playoff success. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a player worth investing in, and his development could be a key factor in the Hawks’ journey to becoming championship contenders.

As the NBA continues to evolve, the need for versatile players who can do it all—score, defend, pass, and rebound—becomes more pronounced. Murray-Boyles fits this mold perfectly, and his selection by the Hawks would not only enhance their frontcourt but also add a new dynamic to their overall game. If his development trajectory continues on its current path, Murray-Boyles could become a core piece of the Hawks’ future, helping lead them to greater heights in the years to come.

In conclusion, the Hawks’ decision to select Collin Murray-Boyles in the 2025 NBA Draft would be a testament to their commitment to building a well-rounded and defensively tough team. His potential is undeniable, and if his skills continue to evolve, he could become a crucial player for the Hawks’ franchise in the near future.