Raptors Rookies Play in NBA Rising Stars Event

Two young players from the Toronto Raptors, Alijah Martin and Collin Murray-Boyles, were chosen to play in the NBA Rising Stars event. This event is for new players. Alijah Martin played well and scored points. Collin Murray-Boyles was chosen but did not play in the last game. This shows the Raptors are working to help their young players get better.
By Newsroom | Basketball, NBA |

The NBA's Rising Stars event showcased emerging talent, with Toronto Raptors rookies Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin participating. Martin demonstrated strong performance in a losing effort, while Murray-Boyles was selected but did not play in the final game. This event highlights the Raptors' focus on player development, as the team currently holds a competitive record in the Eastern Conference.

Raptors’ Martin shines in Rising Stars Game while Murray-Boyles sits for final - 1

Rising Stars Selection and Performance

Alijah Martin's Impact

Alijah Martin, a rookie drafted 45th overall, was selected to the NBA G League pool for the Rising Stars event. He played for "Team Austin," coached by Austin Rivers, in the opening game of the mini-tournament. Despite his team's loss, Martin contributed six points, four rebounds, and three assists. He also hit a pair of three-pointers as his team neared the target score. Martin's selection marks him as the first player in Raptors 905 history to receive this honor. He has been a significant contributor for the G League affiliate, averaging 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 21 starts.

Read More: NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: Fun Basketball Games in California

Raptors’ Martin shines in Rising Stars Game while Murray-Boyles sits for final - 2

Collin Murray-Boyles' Participation

Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles was chosen to represent the Raptors on the Rookie Team in the Rising Stars Game. He was announced as a participant on January 26, 2026. Murray-Boyles has shown promise throughout the season, averaging 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 37 games. His impact is particularly noted in his starting appearances, where his production increased to 9.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He ranks high among rookies in offensive rebounds and screen assists, underscoring his role as a connector. However, Murray-Boyles was noted as being absent from the final game of the Rising Stars tournament.

Raptors’ Martin shines in Rising Stars Game while Murray-Boyles sits for final - 3

Team Context and Development

Raptors' Current Standing

The Toronto Raptors are experiencing a strong season, entering play on January 27, 2026, with a 29-19 record, placing them third in the Eastern Conference. This season also sees Scottie Barnes selected for the main NBA All-Star festivities, with Head Coach Darko Rajaković and his staff set to coach Team World. The team's performance is attributed to a strategic approach to talent development.

Read More: LeBron James May Retire With Cleveland Cavaliers

Raptors’ Martin shines in Rising Stars Game while Murray-Boyles sits for final - 4

Player Development Blueprint

The recognition of Murray-Boyles and Martin on a global stage like the Rising Stars event is seen as validation for the Raptors' scouting and development strategies. Despite limited minutes with the main Raptors team for Martin (averaging 2.6 points in 13 games), his G League performance has been highlighted. Similarly, Murray-Boyles' increasing production with more responsibility and his selection to the Rising Stars game illustrate the organization's focus on cultivating its young talent. Other players like Jamal Shead, who has played all 48 games and leads the team in net rating, have also shown strong performances, though not selected for the Rising Stars Sophomore team.

Evidence and Observations

  • Alijah Martin's Rising Stars Game Performance: Contributed 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the opening game for Team Austin. (Article 1)

  • Collin Murray-Boyles' Selection: Named to the Rookie Team for the Rising Stars Game. (Articles 6, 7, 8)

  • Martin's G League Stats: Averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists in 21 starts for the Raptors 905. (Article 2)

  • Murray-Boyles' Season Stats: Averaged 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 37 games. (Articles 7, 8)

  • Raptors' Season Record: 29-19 as of January 27, 2026. (Article 6)

  • Player Absence: Alijah Martin was the only player not to play in the final between Team Melo and Team Vince. (Article 1)

Expert Insights

"Seeing Murray-Boyles and Martin recognized on a global stage validates their recent scouting successes." (Article 7)

Read More: Kentucky Basketball Team Expected to Compete for 2026 Championship

This observation suggests that the selection of these two players is directly linked to the perceived effectiveness of the Raptors' talent identification and nurturing processes.

Conclusion and Implications

The participation of Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin in the NBA Rising Stars event underscores a successful phase in the Toronto Raptors' player development initiative. While Martin showcased his offensive capabilities in the preliminary stages of the tournament, Murray-Boyles, despite his selection, did not feature in the final game. The Raptors organization, currently performing well in the Eastern Conference, appears to be benefiting from its strategy of integrating and developing young talent, as evidenced by the recognition of these rookies on an international platform. The contrasting visibility in the actual Rising Stars games—Martin playing in a losing effort and Murray-Boyles being absent from the final—warrants further examination of team strategy and player availability during such events. The development of players like Shead, despite not being selected for the Rising Stars, also points to a broader organizational depth.

Read More: V.J. Edgecombe Leads Team Vince to Win at Rising Stars Game

Sources Used:

Read More: JJ Redick Says Victor Wembanyama is One of the Best Players

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who played in the NBA Rising Stars event for the Raptors?
Rookies Alijah Martin and Collin Murray-Boyles played in the NBA Rising Stars event.
Q: How did Alijah Martin do in the event?
Alijah Martin played for Team Austin and scored six points, had four rebounds, and three assists.
Q: Did Collin Murray-Boyles play in the final game?
Collin Murray-Boyles was chosen for the event but did not play in the final game.
Q: How is the Raptors team doing this season?
The Toronto Raptors are having a good season and are third in the Eastern Conference.