2022 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Who will shine during March Madness?

Murray has a breakout sophomore season, upping his statistical production in nearly every category and establishing himself as one of the best big men in the second tier of this draft class. He finished the season averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc. His face-up game may not translate to be quite as potent as it was at Iowa but he can spot-up, punish smaller defenders in the post and will still be able to create some advantages from the elbow against certain defenders. He’s also an active and engaged defender who can protect the rim and defend in space.

The Pacers haven’t had a pick this high in quite some time and this is an opportunity for a quick reset around Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton and Malcolm Brogdon. It seems likely the Pacers will lose T.J. Warren in free agency and Murray would be a perfect fit at the 4 next to Myles Turner, forming an imposing defensive frontcourt and one that could work interchangeably to some degree at the other end, bouncing between cutting, spotting up and screening. Murray’s well-rounded game could solidify the Pacers’ rotation and push them right back into the playoff hunt next season.