Atlantic Notes: Murray-Boyles, Wade, Hukporti, Nets

While rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles had a promising regular season for the Raptors, he solidified his place at the heart of the team’s long-term plans with his performance in the playoffs, where he averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks while helping the Raptors push the eventual Eastern Conference finalist Cavaliers to seven games.

Murray-Boyles’ offense, which is further along than expected, is a big part of why the team trusted him to play such a significant role in that series, and that trust will be critical as he adjusts to whatever role comes next, Eric Koreen writes for The Athletic.

“One of the biggest compliments you can have as a rookie is to get recognition for contributing in a playoff series,” Murray-Boyles said. “A lot of rookies don’t get a chance to feel what it’s like to play in playoff games early on. Me being able to do that and also create an impact is just proof of the work I put in.”

Murray-Boyles said he has studied the game tape of teammate Scottie Barnes, whose limitations as a shooter don’t prevent him from acting as a dangerous play-maker on offense — that’s similar to how the team envisions the second-year big man functioning in the offensive scheme.

While Murray-Boyles was expected to be a key part of the Raptors’ Summer League squad, a hand injury caused him to miss the event, but he’s excited for the season to come.

We have more from around the Atlantic Division:

• When free agency opened, the Sixers’ first priority was bringing in Dean Wade, a player who has never averaged more than six points in a season, Adam Aaronson writes for the Philly Voice. For a team suddenly loaded with shot creators and limited on the other end, Wade’s defensive versatility at 6’9″ is more important than ever. His offensive rebounding and ability to space the floor – he’s a career 36.7% shooter from deep – without requiring many touches are also going to be very valuable for the team as it looks to regain its contender status.
• The Sixers switched out their experienced backup center, Andre Drummond, for a much less proven choice in Ariel Hukporti. While his strengths and weaknesses overlap with many of Adem Bona‘s, Hukporti is a much bigger and stronger player, Aaronson writes, giving the team a shot at having a real rim protector off the bench. However, he’ll have to get his issues with fouling under control if he wants a chance at carving out a major role for himself this season.
• General manager Sean Marks believes it’s important not to use up all your potential flexibility in the offseason, especially when you have a roster as in flux as the Nets‘ is, Erik Slater writes for Clutch Points. “When you’re rebuilding a team like we have been the last couple of years, that’s important,” Marks said. “You just never know what’s going to come your way. So for us to have that optionality will be really important. But at the same time, I like the roster we have.” That could mean that Brooklyn – the only team with real cap room remaining – is done making moves for the time being, but it’s safe to assume the front office will continue assessing its options in the coming weeks and months.