Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential

By Holden Walter-Warner

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Darius Garland #10 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on December 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Darius Garland #10 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on December 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 25: Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs controls the ball during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 25, 2022 in Houston, Texas, nking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential: Dejounte Murray

At the trade deadline, the San Antonio Spurs sent Derrick White to the Boston Celtics. Some may have been surprised by the development, but it cemented a clear truth – the Spurs are Dejounte Murray’s team.

Murray is more than just a good starter for the Spurs. He’s the team’s best homegrown star in some time. Murray is flirting with prime Russell Westbrook territory, averaging 19.9 points, 9.3 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game.

Murray’s rise as an offensive player has not dulled his shine on the defensive end, either. He leads the league with 2.0 steals per game, on pace to lead the NBA in the category for the first time. Oddly, he barely graces the top 20 in defensive win shares.

The star guard could still use a bit more proficiency from three-point range. For the first time in his career, Murray is averaging more than one three-point bucket a ga, but he’s still shooting just 31.9 percent from three. For the two seasons, he’s averaged at least three three-point attempts per game, he’s shot a combined 31.8 percent.

One thing working against Murray is his age and experience. This is Murray’s sixth season in the NBA if you include the 2018-19 season, which he missed entirely due to a torn ACL. He’ll be 26 years old by the time the next season begins.

Murray is under contract for the next two seasons after this one and clearly deserves to be the focal point of the Spurs’ first true rebuild in a generation. For Murray to unlock more of his potential, he’ll need a stronger supporting cast in San Antonio.