2016 NBA Draft: Most overrated prospects

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Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) dribbles against the Stony Brook Seawolves in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky

Jamal Murray burst onto the scene by scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter and overtime for team Canada in a victory over team USA in 2015 Pan Am Games. He carried that moment to a really good freshman season at Kentucky where he averaged 20 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 40.8 percent from three, and now most mock draft have Murray slated to be picked somewhere between 3-5 in the 2016 NBA Draft.

But that feels a little bit too high for a player that may not be able to be much more than a spot-up shooter at the next level. My comfort level with Murray would be around pick seven or eight after wings like Jaylen Brown and Buddy Hield are off the board.

Murray put up gaudy scoring numbers for the Wildcats, but he struggled to score against longer, more athletic defenders, leading some to wonder if he’ll be able to create his own shot at the next level. He’s projected to be a combo guard in the NBA, but he’s got a score-first mentality which can lead to him taking some bad shots. And he makes questionable decisions with the ball in his hands, finishing his freshman season with more turnovers than assists.

Plus, Murray not a very good defender, and that’s not for lack of trying. He gives good effort on the defensive end, but his average athleticism and smaller build hinder his defensive ability.

To read more about Jamal Murray, click here.

Next: 4. Dejounte Murray

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