BASKETBALL Raptors rookie Murray-Boyles chosen for NBA Rising Stars game

The Toronto Raptors’ youth movement is officially heading to Hollywood. The NBA announced Monday that rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars game during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. This selection marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as Murray-Boyles becomes the 10th Raptors rookie to earn the honor and the first to do so since Scottie Barnes in 2022.

Selected ninth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of South Carolina, the 20-year-old Murray-Boyles has wasted little time carving out a niche in head coach Darko Rajaković’s rotation. Through 37 games, he has been a steadying force for a Raptors squad that currently boasts an impressive 29-19 record. While his season averages—7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists—might seem modest at a glance, the advanced metrics and “hustle stats” paint the picture of a rookie playing well beyond his years.

Murray-Boyles currently ranks second among all NBA rookies in offensive rebounds per game (2.5) and fifth in screen assists, highlighting his role as a physical, high-IQ connector. His impact has only intensified when given more responsibility; in his 13 starts this season, his production jumped to 9.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His definitive “arrival” moment occurred on January 11 during a thrilling overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he recorded a massive 17-point, 15-rebound double-double, adding three assists, three steals, and three blocks for good measure.

The Rising Stars event, set for Friday, February 13, will see Murray-Boyles compete alongside the league’s brightest young talents, including top-five picks Cooper Flagg (Mavericks), Dylan Harper (Spurs), and VJ Edgecombe (76ers).Adding to the Raptors’ celebrations, rookie guard Alijah Martin has also been named to the event as part of the G League player pool. The 24-year-old Martin has been the engine behind a historic season for the Raptors 905. He led the affiliate to a perfect 14-0 record in the Tip-Off Tournament and has averaged 18.7 points while shooting a lethal 39.2% from three-point range. Martin has already seen the floor in 10 games for the parent club this season, and his inclusion in the All-Star festivities rewards his journey as one of the most polished older rookies in the system.

The tournament format for the Rising Stars game remains a fan favorite. The 21 NBA rookies and sophomores will be drafted into three teams by honorary coaches and basketball icons Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter. A fourth team, comprised of G League standouts like Martin, will be coached by former NBA veteran Austin Rivers.

For a Raptors organization focused on weaving a competitive present with a sustainable future, seeing Murray-Boyles and Martin recognized on a global stage validates their recent scouting successes. As the team continues its push toward the 2026 playoffs, this All-Star nod serves as a promising preview of the talent expected to lead the “We The North” era for years to come.

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