Redrafting the 2016 NBA Draft

Dejounte Murray fully blossomed last season with San Antonio, emerging as the Spurs’ alpha in the wake of DeMar DeRozan’s departure. The results were undeniable: 21.1 points and 9.2 assists per game with new career highs in 3-point volume and steals. Murray starred on both sides of the ball and led San Antonio to an improbable play-in appearance.

Now with Atlanta, we will see just how far Murray’s stardom stretches. He’s an excellent driver and facilitator — a dynamic athlete who can gash defenses straight down the middle with long strides and explosive burst. But how does he look playing next to Trae Young, another ball-dominant point guard? Can Murray continue to refine and improve his jumper? And how active does he stay when the ball’s not in his hands?

While it’s fair to question how Murray will fare as second banana post-breakout, those concerns are dwarfed by the inevitable defensive improvements he will bring about in Atlanta. Murray’s length, athleticism, and activity level will transform the Hawks’ porous perimeter defense.

With the capacity to shut down the opposition’s best player on one end and then spearhead the offense on the other end, Murray has ascended into true star territory. He earned his first All-Star appearance last season and I wouldn’t put it past him to earn a couple more.