Why the Raptors’ Sneaky Pickups WILL TERRIFY the NBA

Why the Raptors’ Sneaky Pickups WILL TERRIFY the NBA

The Toronto Raptors may have stumbled on to one of the sneakiest offseason editions, and his name is Sandro Mamukesi. Fresh off an impressive showing at Euro Basket, the 611 forward/c center turned heads by leading Georgia to victories over established powers like Spain and France. In that run, he averaged roughly 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists while shooting with poise and confidence, establishing himself as more than just a role player. He was a driving force for his national team. That same confidence is exactly what he now brings to Toronto, where he joins on a veteran minimum contract that already looks like it could deliver major value. Mabilishi’s path in the NBA has been one of gradual growth. But his flashes have always been intriguing. During his stint with the Spurs, he showcased his ability as a modern stretch big. Unlike many bigs, Sandro was comfortable handling the ball, making quick reads, and initiating fast breaks after rebounds. Skills that fit perfectly in today’s positionless NBA. For the Raptors, his arrival couldn’t come at a better time. The front court rotation behind Scotty Barnes and Yaka Purle still lacks a true blend of size, spacing, and skill. And Mamu Killilishi offers all three. He can stretch defenses to the perimeter, open up driving lanes for Barnes, and keep the offense flowing with secondary playmaking from the elbow or the top of the ark. Defensively, while he isn’t an elite rim protector, his mobility allows him to switch across multiple positions. His ability to compete on the glass while still sprinting the floor makes him a strong candidate for minutes in both small ball and traditional lineups. What makes Mamu Kellishi especially intriguing is his blend of confidence and maturity. Leading Georgia to its biggest international success gave him a taste of being the guy on a big stage and that experience could fuel his transition into a larger role in the NBA. Players who shine in international tournaments often carry that momentum back into the league. Think of guys like Bogdan Bogdanovich or even Luis Skola in years past who’ve leveraged FIA stardom into stronger NBA seasons. If Sandro keeps playing with the same swagger, Toronto might have landed a player who outperforms not only his contract but expectations leaguewide. In a summer where most of the headlines have focused on bigger names and blockbuster trades, the Raptors quietly adding Mamukesi could be one of the smartest moves of the off season. If his shooting touch remains steady and his confidence continues to rise, he gives Toronto a muchneeded stretch that complements both its core and its young rotation. For a team trying to climb back into the playoff picture, finding hidden gems like Sandro is exactly the type of move that can shift a season. Simply put, if he carries his Euro basket form into the NBA, the Raptors have uncovered one of the biggest bargain signings of the entire summer. Toronto’s ninth overall pick in 2025, Colin Murray Boils enters the NBA as a 67 forward with long arms, a sturdy frame, and a motor that immediately stands out. In college, he steadily grew from a solid role player to a high impact two-way contributor who could fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and defensive plays. His athleticism around the rim, combined with good instincts on defense, made him one of the most versatile front court players in his class. He showed flashes of scoring in multiple ways. From strong finishes in the paint to short jumpers and quick post moves. His defensive awareness, shot blocking ability, and knack for creating turnovers make him someone who can thrive in a system built on effort and switching. He doesn’t shy away from contact and uses his strength well to battle bigger opponents. Even as an underclassman, his presence on the floor was felt through hustle plays, rebounding, and energy. The Raptors have built a reputation for valuing length, defense, and high basketball IQ. And Murray Boils checks all of those boxes. He’s projected as the type of player who can slide between multiple positions, helping on the glass while also defending wings and forwards. Again, Toronto’s front court rotation has reliable pieces like Scotty Barnes and Yaka Purle, but they need more depth and energy behind them. Murray Boils offers that spark, bringing an edge to the bench unit that can keep the intensity high when the starters rest. His ability to finish around the rim could be valuable when paired with guards who drive and dish. On the defensive end, his motor and instincts give him a chance to earn minutes early by simply doing the dirty work. For Murray Boils to become more than a role player, he’ll need to round out certain parts of his game. His perimeter shooting remains a major weakness as defenders are comfortable leaving him open from beyond the ark. Developing a reliable outside shot will not only raise his ceiling, but also allow him to coexist more easily in lineups with other non-shooters. At his size, he’ll also have to deal with taller and stronger front court players who may try to overwhelm him. That means his footwork, timing, and positioning must be sharp to compete in those matchups. He also needs to prove he can stay consistent from night to night, especially with his effort and decision-making. The NBA season’s a grind, and rookies often fade under it if they’re not fully prepared. If he can show steady growth in these areas, he’ll carve out a lasting role in Toronto. In many ways, Murray Boils reminds me of a young Chris Bosch because of his fluid footwork and polished ability in the post. While he may not have the same height, his moves around the basket carry a similar sense of balance and touch. Bosch built his reputation on graceful pivots, quick spins, and an ability to score in tight confines. And Murray Bole’s flashes the same qualities. He has the confidence to go into the paint, use fakes, and create angles that make up for his lack of size against bigger defenders. Just like Bosch early in his career, he relies on timing and skill more than brute force. His soft hands and ability to finish through contact show the kind of composure you want in a big. If he continues to refine his postc scoring and expands his offensive range, he could give Toronto a dynamic option inside. The resemblance to Bosch may not be exact, but the foundation is there. As a rookie, Murray Boils is unlikely to be thrust into a starting role, but that might work in his favor. He can learn the ropes as a high energy forward who provides rebounding, hustle, and defense off the bench. His value will likely come from doing the little things such as contesting shots, switching on screens, and cleaning up second chance points. He’ll be relied on to give Toronto tough minutes when the starters sit, keeping the intensity steady. Offensively, his touches may be limited to cuts, rolls, and putbacks, but that’s enough if he finishes at a high rate. The Raptors don’t need him to be a score right away. They need him to be reliable. His competitive nature and willingness to embrace a role will make him a fan favorite quickly. By proving himself early, he could earn a steady place in the rotation. Looking further down the road, Murray Boils has the potential to develop into more than just a bench energy guy. If his shooting improves and his offensive confidence grows, he could become a versatile forward who gives Toronto both scoring and defensive value. His ability to switch on to guards, battle in the post, and provide rim protection could make him a staple of closing lineups. The Bosch comparison becomes even more realistic if he adds a jumper to his arsenal, opening up his ability to face up and stretch the court. In a system that emphasizes player development, he’ll have every opportunity to expand his game. The Raptors have a history of maximizing players with raw skills and strong motors. Murray Boils already brings the effort and physical tools, so the rest is about polish. If things go right, Toronto may have secured a long-term building block. Of course, the NBA is littered with players who had talent but couldn’t make the leap. Murray Boils has to prove that his game translates against the best athletes in the world. If his jumper never develops, his offensive role may remain limited and defenders could shrink the floor against Toronto. He also must show that his size won’t hold him back when guarding bigger front court players. Injuries or conditioning could play a role as well as the grind of the season is unlike anything he’s faced before. The mental side of the game will also be crucial as rookies often struggle with confidence when minutes are inconsistent. His best chance of sticking will be leaning into what he already does well, defending, rebounding, and finishing with energy. If he locks into that identity, the Raptors can slowly build the rest of his game around it. Colin Murray Boils represents a classic Raptors pick. A hardworking, versatile forward with plenty of upside, but also a few key areas to polish. His defense, rebounding, and motor give him a clear path to playing time early in his career. What makes him truly intriguing is his combination of touch, footwork, and interior scoring, which already shows a young Chris Bosch. Toronto doesn’t need him to be a star right away, but they’ll give him every opportunity to grow into one if he improves his shooting and sharpens his consistency. He could be a cornerstone piece alongside Scotty Barnes and the rest of the young core. His fit is natural in a system that values defense and unselfish play, and his personality seems wired for steady improvement. For a team looking to take steps back toward contention, Murray Boils could end up being one of their hidden gems. The road won’t be easy, but the foundation is already there.

The Toronto Raptors might have struck gold with two under-the-radar frontcourt additions: Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles. Mamukelashvili is coming off a breakout run at EuroBasket, where he helped Georgia knock off European powerhouses with his size, shooting, and versatility. Meanwhile, Murray-Boyles enters his rookie season with the energy, footwork, and post ability that already has fans comparing him to a young Chris Bosh. In this video, we break down why Mamukelashvili could be the sneaky veteran signing of the offseason and how Murray-Boyles has the tools to develop into a cornerstone piece. From stretch shooting to hustle defense to interior polish, the Raptors may have quietly built the foundation of a future powerhouse.

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Why the Raptors’ Sneaky Pickups WILL TERRIFY the NBA