From: Iowa
Age: 21
Measurables: 6-8, 215 pounds
Key 2021-22 stats: 23.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.3 spg, 55.4 FG percentage, 39.8 three-point percentage
NBA.com consensus mock draft position: 5 (June 6 update, previously was 6)
OVERVIEW
While making an enormous jump in production from his 2020-21 freshman season at Iowa (he averaged a modest 7.2 points and made just four starts), forward Keegan Murray emerged as one of the NCAA’s best and most versatile offensive players. According to USA Today, Murray is the only college player on record to register 60 dunks and 60 three-pointers in the same season, showing his ability to score in the paint and from beyond the arc. The national media outlet added of Murray “it is easy to see why teams will line up to target someone with his potential impact. Due to his skill set on both sides of the floor, Murray projects as someone who can make an immediate impact in the pros.” NBA.com concurred, describing Murray as a “Good decision-maker with the intelligence and athleticism to become a reliable defender on either big men or wings. Has steady jump shot that should improve with time.”
DRAFT RANGE
Based on mock drafts – and assuming there are no trades in the middle portion of the lottery – Murray stands an excellent chance of not having to relocate too far from his home state of Iowa. He’s commonly projected to be selected by a pair of teams in the Central Division, going either fifth to Detroit or sixth to Indiana. In NBA.com’s survey of 12 different mocks, 11 project Murray to be a Piston or a Pacer, with the lone exception being SB Nation listing him eighth to New Orleans.
PRO PLAYER COMPARISONS
Jerami Grant, Kyle Kuzma, Michael Porter Jr. or Pascal Siakam?
Based on Twitter voting, these were all good options to compare with Murray, with every selection garnering at least 20 percent of ballots (and that’s not even including a couple “write-in” suggestions of Harrison Barnes and Shane Battier). Kuzma edged the field by picking up 30 percent of the fan vote, an assessment that a scout from a different NBA team corroborated.
Scout’s take: “Better shooter than Kyle but like Kyle, Murray has a score-first mindset. Good handle and passing ability for his size. Projects as an average defender. Will have to use his IQ to make an impact on that end.”
Other Big 10/Big 12 frontcourt prospects
Jeremy Sochan, Baylor
Nicolas Batum, Draymond Green, Aaron Gordon or Chuma Okeke?
Scout’s take: “Offensively, his game is similar to Kyle Kuzma – scoring potential is there especially if his shot develops. Showed flashes of being able to create his own shot. Defensively, he reminds me of Aaron Gordon. Has the potential to guard (positions) 1 through 4. He will be a good defender in this league.”
Kendall Brown, Baylor
Al-Farouq Aminu, Mo Harkless, Grant Williams or Kenrich Williams?
Scout’s take: “Obi Toppin is my comp for him. Explosive athlete who has a lot of potential on both ends of the floor but is raw, especially offensively. Brown runs the floor hard and should be able to make an impact in transition.”
E.J. Liddell, Ohio State
Paul Millsap, Eric Paschall, Antoine Walker or PJ Washington?
Scout’s take: “Jae Crowder is my comp. His best skill is his toughness. Undersized but has the ability to guard bigger guys due to his strength and toughness. Shot is coming around, but his impact early in his career will be on the defensive end.”