The Toronto Raptors are banking on significant internal development from young bench players Ja'Kobe Walter and Collin Murray-Boyles to bolster their championship aspirations next season. Their recent form of three wins and two losses in their last five games, including a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026, highlights the need for consistent production beyond their star duo.
Why are Walter and Murray-Boyles so important to the Raptors?
Head coach Darko Rajakovic's bench struggled mightily last season. They lacked the offensive stability and playmaking to keep pace with opposing second units. Walter and Murray-Boyles, aged 22 and 21 respectively, are now expected to shoulder that load. They may not start over RJ Barrett or Jakob Poeltl yet, but their roles will be expansive. Both could play starter-level minutes and even feature in closing lineups early in the season.
Walter's elite outside shooting provides a critical spacing element. In his second NBA season, the 2024 19th overall pick shot 40.9% from three-point range. After the All-Star break, that number skyrocketed to 47.6%, which was the second-highest percentage of any player making two or more threes per game in that stretch according to StatMuse. His defense has also grown within Rajakovic's demanding system.
Murray-Boyles, the 9th pick in 2025, had a different path. His defensive versatility was immediately obvious as a rookie. He defended the post, roamed the paint, and switched onto perimeter players with ease. Unexpected development as a paint scorer and on the offensive glass made him indispensable during the playoffs, especially when Poeltl was injured.
What makes them Most Improved Player candidates?
Individual awards often follow team success. If the Raptors make a deep playoff run, players who raise their games get noticed. Walter's trajectory as a three-and-D wing is perfect for the modern NBA. A jump in his scoring average and defensive impact would put him on the award radar. You can track his progress and the team's overall stats throughout the season.
Murray-Boyles's case is built on expanding his offensive role. If he becomes a consistent double-digit scorer and rebounder while maintaining his elite defensive versatility, he'll garner serious consideration. His playoff emergence last season is a strong foundation. Injuries, trades, or simply outperforming starters could thrust either player into a starting role, which would massively boost their award profile.
How does this fit with the Raptors' star-powered vision?
The anticipated pairing of Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes creates one of the league's most electric duos. But championship teams usually need a third high-level contributor. The Raptors' other three starters will earn a combined $81.6 million next season, so they need to be stars in their roles. A reliable bench led by Walter and Murray-Boyles bridges the gap between the stars and the role players.
It takes more than two players to win a title. Consistent bench production was a glaring weakness last year. Addressing it internally with young, improving talent is a smart team-building strategy. The development of these two young players could be the difference between a good season and a great one for Toronto. Fans should keep an eye on the team's standings to see how this internal growth translates to wins.
