Spates wrote:REJECTEDBYCLARK wrote:
This board is making the same mistake with Khaman as it did with Thompson twins. Just fundamentally misinterpreting who they are as players, endlessly comparing him to slew of trash African centers, blaming him for playing at Duke or being newer to game (if we omit this fact it still doesn't change how excellent his production is for 18 yo), blaming him for being a play finisher at center.
I'm not buying it.
I can tell you for sure that I was a huge fan of the Thompson twins...
Listen, I see maluach play and nothing really stands out. I'm not one to misinterpret blocks and dunks as high impact plays. Sure, it has its utility, but we're not looking for Serge Ibaka right now. Those types are ancillary.
I'm not certain about the kids defensive impact because he looks weak and barely in control of his body. And offensively I'm not certain we'll draw the attention to open lanes for him. Add to that, every screen looks like a foul. I don't think he's getting away with that on the raptors.
CMB on the other hand has unconditional defensive impact. I think he's a complete stud. I'm surprised supporters of the Thompson twins don't recognize a similar defensive oppression from him. Tbh I cannot project his offensive game. He's 6'7 and plays inside so i understand the hesitation. He's an exceptional passer and finisher. And a straight bully. I wish the vision was clearer but he's so impressive at what he does that you gotta respect the game and let your coach figure it out.
With Masai, Bobby, and Dan's track record, if they select Maluach I'll believe but I'd be really surprised
CMB is an undersized PF or C, not a guard or swing like the Thompson twins so there's no comparison there. His best skill seems to be his post up ability, but why would you want to build an offence around a 6'7" post up "big" in 2025? I would be deathly afraid of his post up ability not translating from college to the NBA where most players guarding him will be bigger than him and there will be fewer post up opportunities because that's not what the NBA does now, it's all about pick and roll play, passing, and perimeter scoring. Speaking of passing, that is suspect too, 2.4 APG on 2.4 TOV, Scottie was way ahead of that in his only college season and so was Draymond Green by his second season, I don't see the comparison. Another red flag is that his stats didn't really get better from freshman to sophomore, his numbers scale almost linearly with minute increases if you look at per 40 numbers.
This is what the Ringer had to say about him, they have him 21st on their mock right now and if what they say is accurate he is not even a lottery pick in this draft (most mocks have him as fringe lottery right now, an early teens pick):
It might not be a smart move trying to pitch the idea of Murray-Boyles in an elevator. He’s a remarkable defender who blends instinct and intelligence with strength, catlike reflexes, and lateral agility that’s unique for his frame. But … he’s a tweener (strike one) who doesn’t really shoot (strike two) and whose obvious playmaking vision and instincts are stymied by a neutral assist-to-turnover ratio (strike three)—without the absurd athleticism that allowed a player like Zion Williamson to transcend such mortal limitations (OK, we’re done here, pal).
There aren’t too many success stories in the NBA with a prospect profile like CMB’s. That’s a significant barrier; teams are looking for precedents to follow. Just watch him play, though. It isn’t hard to imagine Murray-Boyles as a Swiss Army knife in the pick-and-roll on both sides of the ball. He can rumble into a blitz, creating havoc for the ball handler with his quick hands and broad frame; he can operate in the two-man game himself as either the initiator or the roller. He has the quickest hands in the class and would be a terror as a help defender digging at the nail. CMB’s brand of versatility may be unorthodox, but his particular gifts and outright motor could give shape to a defense.
On offense, Murray-Boyles is a handful in the post, where his power, footwork, and passing vision really shine. Of course, there aren’t many teams in the NBA clamoring for a 6-foot-7 post hub these days. South Carolina has given CMB plenty of room to explore the limits of his offensive repertoire—his usage rate is up there with the biggest names in college basketball. His on-ball creation is still a work in progress, as evidenced by his turnovers, but for a player with his oxlike frame, Murray-Boyles has shown the ability to vary his drives by changing speeds and accentuating either his touch or his bullying force, depending on the situation.
As reductive as it sounds, CMB’s trajectory could very well come down to his shooting. Draymond Green once had positional concerns despite outstanding defensive aptitude, but his gradual improvements from behind the arc (and a David Lee hamstring injury) ultimately helped him get his foot in the door at Golden State. It’ll be an uphill climb for Murray-Boyles, but teams have been looking for their own personal Draymonds for more than a decade, and CMB actually has the skill set, not just the chalk outline of one, to make it happen.
