The Portland Trail Blazers had a far better season than many anticipated, notching 36 wins in a loaded Western Conference. Their fantastic year came about as a result of a defense that really took off in the second half of the season.
With a talented roster comprised of aging veterans and promising youngsters, the sky is the limit for this version of the Trail Blazers. But they can further improve the roster in the 2025 NBA Draft, and one analyst believes leaning into their defensive renaissance is the way forward.
Trail Blazers Predicted To Select Versatile Defender in 2025 NBA Draft
The Trail Blazers took a step forward defensively under Chauncey Billups last season, finishing 16th in the league with a defensive rating of 113.7. However, with Jerami Grant potentially on the move, it could open up a spot in the rotation alongside last year’s surprise breakout, Toumani Camara.
Even if Grant isn’t moved, the Trail Blazers need to add talent to improve on their 16th rank, and Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor feels their best bet could be South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles, a sturdy, 6-foot-7, 239-pound forward who is widely compared to 2016 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green.
“The Trail Blazers made amazing progress this season across the board, and following the All-Star break they had a top-five defensive rating,” O’Connor wrote. “Murray-Boyles would serve as a double down on that identity since he operates like a defensive savant the way he locks down every position, uses his ninja-quick hands to swipe at the ball, and inhales rebounds.
“He’s a special defensive presence, and offensively, he’s a bulldozer finisher with a playmaking feel. Improving his jumper would move him out of tweener territory and into All-Star status.”
Murray-Boyles’ game is built on defense, hustle, and versatility. He can guard multiple positions, including switching onto smaller players on the perimeter and holding his own inside against bigger post scorers. His rebounding and shot-blocking add another dimension that could help Portland’s defense.
Known as one of the most physical and versatile defenders in college basketball, Collin Murray-Boyles was an offensive hub for South Carolina this season, demonstrating strong playmaking ability, unselfishness, and overall feel for the game. https://t.co/Tgd6UMOYEt pic.twitter.com/SaaLEk02nI
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 15, 2025
However, as O’Connor pointed out, he still needs to work on his shooting. He shot just 26.5% from 3-point range this past season, which could limit his ability to space the floor at the next level.
While some have raised concerns about his long-term upside as well, his college production speaks for itself. Over 32 games as a sophomore at South Carolina, he averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He shot an efficient 58.6% from the field, showcasing his ability to score inside and impact the game in multiple ways.
PFSN’s Brandon Austin would agree with O’Connor and also predicted the Trail Blazers could select Murray-Boyles at No. 11 overall.
“Defensively, Murray-Boyles is one of the most disruptive prospects in the class, displaying quick hands, impeccable timing, and the agility to guard multiple positions,” Austin wrote. “If he becomes a perimeter threat, he could develop into a lethal two-way weapon.”
Like Green, who was drafted No. 35 overall but became a four-time champion, Murray-Boyles’ basketball IQ and defensive versatility could translate to immediate impact for Portland, and that’s precisely what they need at the moment.
