2016 NBA Mock Draft: Full Two-Round Breakdown

2016 NBA Mock Draft: Every Team’s Ideal Fit

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) shoots the ball against Stony Brook Seawolves forward Jameel Warney (20) during the second half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

6. New Orleans Pelicans: Jamal Murray, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19 (2/23/1997)

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

Slash Line: .456/.421/.788

Season Averages: 35.2 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.2 3PM

According to Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com, head coach Alvin Gentry called Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday the New Orleans Pelicans’ core. In other words, Davis and Holiday are the franchise players, and they aren’t going to be dealt or replaced.

Thus, the Pelicans select Kentucky Wildcats shooting guard Jamal Murray—the player who can be what Eric Gordon was supposed to be.

Murray is essentially Buddy Hield with better handles, positional versatility, and higher upside. He may not have the length one desires from a 2, but he’s an outstanding shooter with the court vision to run point in a pinch.

That’s something New Orleans will likely ask Murray to do, whether Holiday stays healthy or not.

Gentry knows how to maximize the value of a shooter, and he runs an offense that utilizes a number of different ball-handlers. Murray’s ability to work off-ball, as well as his upside as a facilitator, makes him the perfect selection.

Murray must improve his defensive consistency, but he can be an excellent fit in New Orleans.

Next: Denver Nuggets

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