NBA Draft Analyst Offers Intriguing Paring for OKC Thunder in 2025 Class

Murray-Boyles is fresh off a strong sophomore season at South Carolina that saw the former four-star recruit average 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. The All-SEC honoree shot 58.6% from the floor, 26.5% from beyond the arc and 70.7% from the free throw line during his final year of college basketball.

At the NBA Combine, Murray-Boyles measured at 6-foot-6 and half an inch without shoes while weighing 239 pounds and recording a 7-foot and a quarter of an inch wingspan. While the Gamecocks star needs to improve his perimeter shot to become a more complete role player at the next level, Murray-Boyles size and length on the wing coupled with his defensive prowess make him an intriguing target for Sam Presti and company.

In addition to the aforementioned skills, Murray-Boyles is a good athlete who could be another transition weapon for Oklahoma City.

Murray-Boyles' perimeter shooting is the 20-year-old's biggest concern entering the draft, but OKC has proven to be a solid development spot for that skill. After hiring Chip Engelland, players like Lu Dort and Jaylin Williams have developed into credible perimeter shooting threats.

Dort shot 29.7% from beyond the arc during his rookie season, but connected on 41.2% of his triples in 2024-25 while taking 5.8 attempts per game. Williams shot 23.9% from 3-point range during his final collegiate season, but knocked down 39.9% of his shots from deep this season on 3.3 attempts per game.

While there is no guarantee that Murray-Boyles would be able to become the same level of shooter as the two aforementioned players, the 2025 draft prospect could improve enough to be a valuable rotation piece for OKC.