3. Boston Celtics – Jamal Murray
Original pick: Jaylen Brown
Now, this is a very interesting turn of events for the Boston Celtics, who originally selected the aforementioned Jaylen Brown.
Instead, they now turn their attentions to Jamal Murray, of the University of Kentucky. Originally, Murray was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the seventh overall pick, and he has turned into a walking bucket.
Murray has averaged 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in his three seasons in the NBA. But for the past two seasons, Murray has taken a big leap, but it always feels like he’s about to take another.
Last season was the best of his career, by far. He averaged career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists, posting 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, and helped lead the Denver Nuggets to the second round of the playoffs.
The best part of it all, Murray is still only 22 years old and has so much more room to grow. His game often leaves a lot to be desired in a frustrating manner, and can often become a streaky shooter. Overall, though, he’s a superb scoring guard, shooting a comfortable 36-percent from three in his career.
Murray might not be an ideal fit beside Isaiah Thomas, who is on the verge of his devastatingly good season, but at 19 years old, you can mold him into whatever you want. The Celtics track record tells us that much.