Raptors preseason roundup: Murray-Boyles impresses, then exits early with elbow bruise
raptors-preseason-roundup-murray-boyles-elbow-boucher-barrett-hepburn
TORONTO — Ninth overall pick Collin Murray-Boyles continued his strong preseason start Friday against Boston, showing the same defensive range and passing vision that have caught Toronto’s attention. The 6’7″ forward, who has been encouraged to launch open three-pointers after minor tweaks to his mechanics, took the floor looking for his shot, head coach Darko Rajaković said.
The night ended abruptly when Murray-Boyles suffered a right elbow contusion late in the first quarter. He logged only eight minutes before leaving the game in obvious pain. Rajaković told reporters that X-rays were negative, and Sportsnet reported the 20-year-old will likely undergo an MRI. “When the adrenaline wore off, it really hurt,” Murray-Boyles said.
Ingram productive, Boucher shines against former team
Veteran forward Brandon Ingram, acquired in the offseason, has averaged nearly a point per minute through three exhibition games and again looked sharp versus the Celtics.
On the opposite sideline, ex-Raptor Chris Boucher enjoyed a big night against his old club. The 32-year-old center, who joined Boston in free agency after seven seasons in Toronto, delivered 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds in 23 minutes. In a first-person article for The Players’ Tribune, Boucher revisited his path from homelessness in Montreal to an extended NBA career, expressing gratitude for the Raptors organization and Canadian fans.
Limited trade market for Barrett
Toronto explored trade possibilities for swingman RJ Barrett during the summer but found little interest, according to Sportsnet. Barrett, a Toronto native selected third overall in 2019, is owed $27.7 million this season and $29.6 million in 2026-27 before reaching unrestricted free agency.
Hepburn makes case on two-way deal
With all five regular starters resting Friday, undrafted guard Chucky Hepburn seized extended minutes. The 22-year-old, signed to a two-way contract, posted 13 points, eight assists and four steals in 27 minutes.
Roster decisions ahead; Lawson staying focused
Both The Athletic and Sportsnet indicate the Raptors may open the season with 14 standard contracts. Swingman A.J. Lawson, in camp on a non-guaranteed deal, has supporters in the front office despite a roster already heavy on lean perimeter players. “You just have to be yourself,” Lawson said. “Play hard every time I’m out there, show I can defend, create and hit shots. If I keep doing that, I’ll be OK.”
The Raptors close their preseason schedule next week before finalizing the roster and determining Murray-Boyles’ status once imaging is complete.
Source: HoopsRumors
