IT WAS a solid result for the Toronto Raptors at the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago last month, using both their first and second round selections to acquire a pair of players that address positional needs on the team.

The Raptors are in a tricky spot, boasting a big three of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram, but still struggling to make the postseason. However, they did manage to secure a top-10 selection at the 2025 intake, and in one of the deepest draft pools in recent memory, it was a handy pick to have and could shape their future.

The Raptors made two selections at the 2025 NBA Draft, adding a defensive forward and recent NCAA champion with their picks, and both players look like they could be key in the Raptors securing their second title.

Toronto Raptors

Drafted Players

Collin Murray-Boyles (pick nine), Alijah Martin (pick 39)

The Raptors added a frontcourt and a backcourt player with their two picks at the 2025 draft, as they continue to round out their roster with more young talent that should lead them into the next era.

With their first selection, the Raptors were linked to several frontcourt options, and were expected to pounce on Khaman Maluach, but preferred Murray-Boyles instead, as they look to pair him next to the recently-signed Jakob Poetl.

Murray-Boyles was the best all around defender in the draft class, showing the ability to not only protect the paint, but also switch out onto smaller opponents and put pressure on the ball-handler with tremendous poise and versatility. He was one of the best defenders available in any draft over the past few years, and will make Toronto much more restrictive on that side of the ball.

His IQ on the defensive end is unmatched in this draft class, making the right rotations, timing his closeouts and consistently making life difficult for the opposition with how frequently he can disrupt their play in the halfcourt.

While his shooting does have some work to be done if he is to be truly impactful on both sides of the ball, he has enough inside scoring tools and production to provide some level of impact as a scorer this early in his career.

With their second pick of the draft, the Raptors acquired Martin on night two of proceedings, who was fresh off winning an NCAA championship with the Florida Gators. Although undersized for the shooting guard position at six-foot-two, he still has elite offensive skill and can score with the best of them, while his defensive traits are just as impressive.

At 23 years of age, Martin should be ready to impact sooner rather than later, and can be assigned to defend the opposition’s better backcourt performers, which already adds to his value within the Raptors team.

Toronto certainly improved its defence from its 2025 NBA Draft haul, with the Raptors complimenting the offensive-minded stars already on the list and balancing out the roster in an impressive step forward.