Media availability highlights:
“Shooting is a premium. I do that at a very high level with confidence…plug me in to any offense…”
Strengths:
Great size for a wing forward at 6’9” with a 7’1” wingspan. Excellent stand-still shooter. 50/40/90 guy last year. 43% on threes a testament to his shooting ability. An above-average athlete who should fit right in on an NBA court. Very good defender with outstanding length and movement skills. Can switch 2-4. Fundamentally sound and understands defensive coverage. Can provide some rim protection coming from the weakside with his quickness and length. Consistently disruptive in the passing lanes.
Weaknesses:
Struggles shooting off the dribble. Doesn’t offer much self-creation and won’t be a secondary playmaker. Very limited offensive game, mostly consisting of lobs and catch-and-shoot three-pointers.
Thin and will get rag-dolled by strong wings and bigs. Will need a year in an NBA weight room to add strength and bulk. Will have trouble fighting thru screens.
Warriors Fit:
Could fit as wing depth behind Andrew Wiggins and provide spacing with spot-up shooting. Has upside to be similar to Trevor Ariza or Reggie Bullock. Solid role player from Day One with limited upside, but bankable skills for a long career. Good basketball IQ, should help the second unit on both ends of the court.
This is why I like Murphy at 14 more than any of the guards. No, he is not a super athlete but a knock down shooter who can play 3/4 and switch up/down to 2-4 and maybe 5 (especially vs small ball 5s) really strengthens us off the bench.
Also, all reports is he is really smart (Yale recruit) & high character (chose UVA to transfer vs traditional basketball schools)
I didn't hear much about Murphy early in the draft discussion, but his name is coming up more and more these days. Add him to the list of prospects I would be happy to see don a Dubs jersey.