Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles has declared the team's defense can become a 'nightmare' for opponents following the blockbuster return of Kawhi Leonard. The second-year player's comments come as the Raptors build momentum in the preseason, including a dominant 148-98 win over the New York Knicks on October 13.
Murray-Boyles did not hold back when asked about the team's defensive ceiling with Leonard in the lineup. "Really good. I don’t think we have a limit to how good we can be," the 21-year-old told reporters. "If we’re all dialed in, I feel like it’s going to be a nightmare for any team if we’re all on the same page." He stressed that success hinges on communication and trust, not only talent. The mental side of help rotations and consistent effort will be the biggest focus.
Leonard's arrival is a seismic shift. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year and 2019 Finals MVP was reacquired from the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. He joins a unit that was already a top-five defense in the NBA last season. Toronto posted a 46-36 record and earned the fifth seed, pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in a tough first-round playoff series. Adding one of the best perimeter defenders of his generation raises the potential for an elite, switch-heavy system.
The No. 9 overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft is poised for a larger role. He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors last year, averaging 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in 57 games. His defensive versatility and hustle are seen as major assets. Analysts have drawn parallels between his sophomore trajectory and that of former Raptor OG Anunoby, who blossomed into a defensive star. Sharing the floor with Leonard provides an invaluable learning opportunity and could accelerate his development.
The immediate focus is continuing to build chemistry. Preseason results have been mixed, with a 114-106 win over the LA Clippers on October 10 but a 105-129 loss to the Miami Heat on October 3. They face the Knicks again on October 15 in their final preseason tune-up. If the team can deliver the connected defense Murray-Boyles envisions, they will be a tough out in the Eastern Conference. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page. The foundation is there for a defensive identity that wins games.
