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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts and celebrates as he makes a three pointer against the Florida Gators during the second half at Stephen C. O
Mar 1, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts and celebrates as he makes a three pointer against the Florida Gators during the second half at Stephen C. O /

4. Jamal Murray, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard

Age: 19 (2/23/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 207 pounds, 6’7″

Slash Line: .451/.421/.779

Season Averages: 34.9 MPG, 20.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.2 3PM

Analysis

There’s no prospect better suited for the trajectory of the modern NBA than Kentucky Wildcats point guard Jamal Murray. I may have him ranked higher than others, but Murray is proving that, if nothing else, he can create his own offense and shoot from anywhere.

A 6’5″ point guard who is fearless in his pursuit of putting points on the board, Murray is one of this year’s truly elite prospects.

Murray is an outstanding shooter who can work off-ball and convert off the catch, which creates positional versatility. He’s also more than capable of creating his own looks and fearlessly sinking 3-point field goals with deep and often irresponsible range.

The term, “Irresponsible,” loses its applicability when one considers how efficiently Murray converts from distance.

Murray plays a Deron Williams type of game in the way he combines bruising strength and craftiness with the ball in his hands. He can terrorize teams as a shooter in an almost Stephen Curry capacity, which makes him a threat from literally anywhere within 28 feet.

Murray certainly has his flaws, including his defensive inconsistency and underwhelming nature as a facilitator, but he is tailor made for the modern NBA.

Next: The Complete Package