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By Anne Erickson
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Who's Toronto Raptors' x-factor this minute?
Last season, Collin Murray-Boyles wasn't just another rookie trying to find his footing in the NBA. He quickly became the kind of guy coaches love having on the floor, the player who brings some edge when a game starts getting a little too comfortable for the other team.
Now heading into his second season, Murray-Boyles is the Raptors' x-factor.
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That might seem like a lot to put on a young player, but his impact was hard to ignore once he got into the swing of things. He wasn't afraid of the moment, either. During Toronto's playoff run, Murray-Boyles became the first rookie in franchise history to record a playoff double-double with at least 15 points, 10 rebounds and two steals in a game against Cleveland. Not bad for a first-year player.
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What stood out wasn't just the scoring. It was the way he played. Murray-Boyles brings a physical edge that the Raptors have been looking for a long time. He battles on the glass, takes pride in defending and has a knack for making the kind of plays that swing momentum.
After returning from injury, he averaged 11.8 points while shooting 66.2% from the field. For a young roster still finding its identity, having someone who can impact the game without forcing things is valuable.
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Now comes the fun part. The second season is usually where expectations change. Teams have more film on you. The surprises are gone. Players have to prove they can keep improving once the league starts adjusting. Murray-Boyles has already shown he belongs.
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