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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 21, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) dribbles the ball while being guarded by Arkansas Razorbacks guard Jabril Durham (4) during the second half of play at Bud Walton Arena. The Wildcats won 80-66. Mandatory Credit: Gunnar Rathbun-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) dribbles the ball while being guarded by Arkansas Razorbacks guard Jabril Durham (4) during the second half of play at Bud Walton Arena. The Wildcats won 80-66. Mandatory Credit: Gunnar Rathbun-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Jamal Murray, Kentucky Wildcats

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Stephen Curry

Safe Upside Comparison: Randy Foye

Position: Point Guard

Age: 18 (2/23/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 204 pounds, 6’7″

Slash Line: .436/.402/.763

Season Averages: 34.3 MPG, 18.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.0 3PM

Three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and John Calipari putting college basketball point guards on the NBA radar. The likes of Tyreke Evans, Derrick Rose, and John Wall are shining examples of how well Calipari develops floor generals for the next level.

He’s beginning to look like more of a combo guard than a point guard, but Jamal Murray is deservedly pegged as the next in line.

Murray is a near 6’5″ playmaker who can shoot with limitless range and finish in the paint with a gorgeous floater. He’s fearless when finding his shot, which is often justified by how dominant a player he can be once he finds his rhythm.

Murray is also a solid athlete who moves well in transition and can finish above the rim, all the while possessing intriguing instincts as a facilitator.

Murray is at his best when he can blend on-ball duties with an off-ball role—something the Golden State Warriors have perfected with Stephen Curry. His ultimate upside comparison is not suggesting that Murray will be the next Curry, but that he has the tools to excel in very similar ways.

It’s a very loose comparison, but Murray has the skills to be an All-Star in this 3-point-heavy era.

Next: The Unique 5

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