Minnesota Timberwolves: Scouting Jordan Murphy

Player Grade

Murphy has been a nice addition to the Timberwolves’ Summer League roster, and seems to be able to fill in the spots that teammate and fellow prospect Naz Reid can’t.

Considering the Wolves lack of depth at the 4 and 5 spots, Murphy could be a nice addition to that third-string lineup, which would give players like Gorgui Dieng, Robert Covington, Jordan Bell and Karl-Anthony Towns the security to play a little more aggressive style of basketball, knowing that if they get in foul trouble Murphy could come in and give the Wolves a few quality minutes.

As far as comparisons go, if Murphy reaches his full potential he could look something like a late-career Zach Randolph — a low post guy who’s able to batter opponents on the block, and on the other end of the court, provides a below-average shot-blocking presence and okay perimeter defense.

Murphy showed with the Golden Gophers that he’s capable of improving his stroke from deep, and under the teaching of KAT and Ryan Saunders, he might be able to become a better 3-point shooter than Z-Bo ever was.

Regardless of whether he adds element that to his arsenal or not, Jordan Murphy is a nice traditional big man, and the Timberwolves could benefit from adding him to their bench. Their roster is currently close to being full, but with only Naz Reid signed to a two-way contract, perhaps their other two-way slot would make sense here.

Player Grade: C