2016 NBA Draft: Jamal Murray Player Breakdown

Mar 12, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) leaves the court after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of game eleven of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 93-80. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) in overtime against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Comparisons

In terms of a safe NBA comparison, Jamal Murray is comparable to Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Randy Foye. Foye never became a star of the Association, but he’s in his 10th season, has averaged 10-plus points per game in seven different seasons, and has a career 3-point field goal percentage of .369.

Murray is a better shooter than Foye, and he projects to be a superior player, but the 32-year-old is a safe comparison.

The obvious question is whom Murray compares to from an upside perspective. There are a number of options, and while most will turn to the statistics to find an answer, this is all about skill set, body, style of play, and potential.

March 29, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

It may seem lofty and impossible, but Murray’s ultimate upside comparison is somewhere between a Brooklyn Nets version of Deron Williams and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.

Murray can run point and facilitate, but is at his best when he complements that ability by working off-ball and spacing the floor without limit to his range—much like Curry. His body and style of play is also comparable to Williams with the Nets, as he can utilize his body and strength to create both in isolation and off-ball.

Simply put, Murray can be a genuine star at the next level.

Next: Ideal Fits

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