Collin Murray-Boyles arrives lean as Raptors manage Leonard and eye guard depth

Collin Murray-Boyles has reported to Toronto Raptors training camp with a noticeably trimmer frame after an offseason spent reshaping his body. The second-year big man, drafted ninth overall in 2025, is looking to build on a rookie campaign that gained momentum as the year went on and to solidify his place in head coach Darko Rajakovic’s frontcourt rotation.

Murray-Boyles trims down while team stresses physicality

General manager Bobby Webster praised the 2025 lottery pick’s physical transformation, calling him a "lean, mean, fighting machine." Rajakovic has also highlighted the forward-centre’s improved explosiveness and quickness, while emphasizing that the reduced weight cannot come at the expense of his force around the rim. Murray-Boyles credited long-distance running as a key part of his new routine and said he dropped a significant amount of weight, though no specific number was given.

Rajakovic described the process of using Murray-Boyles at both power forward and centre as a work in progress. The coaching staff wants him to play with consistent force regardless of position, attacking the paint aggressively and leveraging his activity on both ends to earn minutes in a crowded frontcourt.

Leonard held out, Barnes precautionarily removed

New star wing Kawhi Leonard did not play in the Raptors’ preseason opener in Quebec City, an absence that had been anticipated by the organization. He is expected to sit out the next exhibition in Vancouver as well while he focuses on conditioning after the offseason instead of early October minutes.

Scottie Barnes made a strong impression in his first preseason appearance, stuffing the box score in limited time before leaving the game. He bumped his knee in the first half and did not return, with Rajakovic characterizing the decision to hold him out as precautionary. The move underscores the franchise’s cautious approach with its versatile forward, who is central to Toronto’s plans.

Backcourt struggles spotlight offensive questions

Toronto’s preseason opener against a revamped Miami Heat group led by Giannis Antetokounmpo raised more questions on offense than on defense. While the Raptors had stretches of solid resistance, their scoring outside of Barnes and RJ Barrett was limited, particularly with Leonard unavailable.

The backcourt drew particular scrutiny. Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter combined for just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting in the first half, underscoring the need for more perimeter punch. Quickley is viewed as central to balancing the offense as the primary guard, and Walter is likely to be asked for increased scoring when Leonard rests. Early preseason or not, the showing highlighted where Toronto’s guards must improve before the games start to count.