NBA Draft 2016: Top 100 Prospects, Possible Lakers Targets

Nov 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) is defended by Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) is defended by Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 16, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) shoots the ball during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men
Mar 16, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) shoots the ball during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men

5. Jamal Murray

Age: 19
Position: PG/SG
School/Country: Kentucky
Height: 6-5
Weight: 201 pounds

For whatever reason, Jamal Murray has been somewhat of a divisive figure among scouts and people looking at the draft. Though production isn’t everything at the college level, Murray’s one year with the Kentucky Wildcats was impressive enough, though, that you’d think there’d be more buzz about his NBA prospects—yet that truly doesn’t seem to be the case at this point.

In his lone season in Lexington, Murray put up gaudy numbers as just a freshman. He averaged 20 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the floor and a solid 40.8 percent from three while taking 7.7 attempts per game. Murray showed that he can be a top-notch scorer at the college level and has a versatile offensive skill set that should seemingly allow him to continue filling up the cup at the next level.

While Murray’s disinterest in defense at times and the fact that he’s a bit of a combo guard isn’t the greatest look for him, he has obvious NBA traits and could be a weapon at the next level. As such, I’ll rave about him if nobody else is going to.

Next: No. 4 Bender