[Herky] The Best NBA Draft Prospects Returning to School

[Larry Edwards]

Keegan Murray, F, Iowa | Sophomore 

Height: 6' 8" | Weight: 215 | Age: 20 

Although Murray’s emergence was somewhat obscured by the Luka Garza spotlight, he often looked like arguably Iowa’s most interesting long-term prospect and should be a linchpin for next season’s team. Gifted with impressive mobility and shot blocking instincts, Murray is well-suited for the NBA as a roving, defensive-minded forward who impacts games with his length, can switch ball screens, and cover ground and space that most players can’t. Given how useful that skill set is when covering for a center like Garza, Murray was probably deserving of more minutes as a 20-year-old freshman. A native of Iowa City whose father played at Iowa, Murray developed off the radar, took a prep year and turns 21 in August. 

Murray’s individual offense is still a work in progress, and he was never really showcased last season, but he’s a smart cutter, the ball doesn’t stick in his hands, and his shot isn’t bad. He may not be much of a creator for others, but he plays within his means. rarely forces a bad shot, and generally made the most of the opportunities he got in a Garza-centric offense. Murray is probably better suited as a four than a three in the long run, but his defensive versatility blurs those lines in a positive way. He should be on the first-round radar going into the fall, with his development as a scorer determining how quickly he advances up NBA draft boards. 




https://www.si.com/nba/2021/06/01/nba-draft-top-prospects-returning-to-school 




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