I want Jamal Murray on the Celtics so bad that I can't sleep...

[MaxAMillion]

Murray can shoot so you can scratch him off your list. DA will take Brown and the excuses will come in 3 years when he proves to be a bricklayer.

[manl_lui]

although I was disappointed we missed out on top 2, I don't know why, people are saying this is a weak draft but yet I am still very excited about this draft. I think there could be some hidden gems in this draft that can be a superstar and I hope we are able to be the one to draft him

[crimson_stallion]

wow! I so don't want Murray I can't sleep because I know this guy fits danny Ainge's criteria.

 - too small to be a SG - check
 - not really a PG - check
 - combo guard - check

if danny had the #1 pick he'd still take this guy.

Haha so true but you forgot one thing - danny tends to go for giys who have versatility and/or defensive ability.  Murray has neither. I dont see danny taking him at #3.

Ibthink it's going to be Hield, Dunn, Brown or (if he chooses to gamble) Bender.

I think Murray just isnt a Danny Ainge type of player, and i dont think hes a good 2 years away from being able to contribute in the NBA becauee hes gonna need to dramaticallu improve his ball handling, passing instincts and defense if he has a hope of getting more then backup minutes in the NBS.

[chambers]

I prefer Hield over Murray quite significantly .

I think murray is goin to drop to #6,7,or 8.

 Hield over Murray make no sense at this point. You must explain.

Murray can't defend a chair, his athleticism and length are questionable for an NBA SG and his handles aren't good enough for an NBA PG.

I just don't think he'll be the scorer in the NBA that he is in the NCAA.

I like him, I just think he's over rated and projects to be more of a bench scorer with no defense like Jamal Crawford or a poor man's JR Smith.

[mef730]

Hi, my name's Mike and I'm a draft addict.

(Waits for peanut gallery)

I keep thinking that I can't wait until draft day, then I keep thinking that I shouldn't be wishing my days away, then I start thinking that I should stop thinking so much...

OP, if if makes you feel any better, I'm a decade older than you are, with the same two kids and good life. But this draft has taken over.

I actually have a draft day dilemma. Draft night is my anniversary. Naturally, that causes a conflict.

So now I have to decide whether I'm going to let my wife stay in the room with me while I watch the draft. She always wants to, you know, talk. Can't have that while I'm debating Brown/Murray.

Mike

Hi Mike . I'm a draft junkie, as well.  All I can tell the both of you is to try and take the approach that I finally adopted last year - relax and enjoy the 4 hours of comedy that is Danny Ainge and the NBA Draft.  Sure, it's black comedy for Celtics fans, lol, but just remember that we have no say in the matter and that it's not our call.  We're never going to get the players we want, as fans, anyway, because that's simply unrealistic, so sit back, and instead of getting your shot glasses ready for the Jay Bilas drinking game, lol, talk with your wife , instead.  She's much more important than anything related to basketball.

Advice taken! A three-way blockbuster trade has been made. In exchange for letting me watch the draft, she is going to a work event that she had wanted to go to on that night. In return for both, we will take the afternoon off and do that thing that married couples with kids are always aching to do, if you know what I mean: fall asleep at the movies.

In a separate trade, my son has agreed to watch the draft with me in exchange for my buying popcorn.

Mike

[Beat LA]

Hi, my name's Mike and I'm a draft addict.

(Waits for peanut gallery)

I keep thinking that I can't wait until draft day, then I keep thinking that I shouldn't be wishing my days away, then I start thinking that I should stop thinking so much...

OP, if if makes you feel any better, I'm a decade older than you are, with the same two kids and good life. But this draft has taken over.

I actually have a draft day dilemma. Draft night is my anniversary. Naturally, that causes a conflict.

So now I have to decide whether I'm going to let my wife stay in the room with me while I watch the draft. She always wants to, you know, talk. Can't have that while I'm debating Brown/Murray.

Mike

Hi Mike . I'm a draft junkie, as well.  All I can tell the both of you is to try and take the approach that I finally adopted last year - relax and enjoy the 4 hours of comedy that is Danny Ainge and the NBA Draft.  Sure, it's black comedy for Celtics fans, lol, but just remember that we have no say in the matter and that it's not our call.  We're never going to get the players we want, as fans, anyway, because that's simply unrealistic, so sit back, and instead of getting your shot glasses ready for the Jay Bilas drinking game, lol, talk with your wife , instead.  She's much more important than anything related to basketball.

Advice taken! A three-way blockbuster trade has been made. In exchange for letting me watch the draft, she is going to a work event that she had wanted to go to on that night. In return for both, we will take the afternoon off and do that thing that married couples with kids are always aching to do, if you know what I mean: fall asleep at the movies.

In a separate trade, my son has agreed to watch the draft with me in exchange for my buying popcorn.

Mike

What a woman!  Count your lucky stars, my friend.  Now as far as this blockbuster trade, did you have to mortgage your future to get it done or were you able to pick up future assets in the deal, lol? Getting your son to watch the draft with you sounds like adding 'cash considerations' to a real NBA trade, btw, haha.  Also, allow me to recommend this for your draft watching snack -



Well, I like it, anyway .

[Tr1boy]

The OP may start getting cold sweats and start getting nightmares
Murray is off the radar

[SHAQATTACK]

Get ready for a massive letdown

[mef730]

Hi, my name's Mike and I'm a draft addict.

(Waits for peanut gallery)

I keep thinking that I can't wait until draft day, then I keep thinking that I shouldn't be wishing my days away, then I start thinking that I should stop thinking so much...

OP, if if makes you feel any better, I'm a decade older than you are, with the same two kids and good life. But this draft has taken over.

I actually have a draft day dilemma. Draft night is my anniversary. Naturally, that causes a conflict.

So now I have to decide whether I'm going to let my wife stay in the room with me while I watch the draft. She always wants to, you know, talk. Can't have that while I'm debating Brown/Murray.

Mike

Hi Mike . I'm a draft junkie, as well.  All I can tell the both of you is to try and take the approach that I finally adopted last year - relax and enjoy the 4 hours of comedy that is Danny Ainge and the NBA Draft.  Sure, it's black comedy for Celtics fans, lol, but just remember that we have no say in the matter and that it's not our call.  We're never going to get the players we want, as fans, anyway, because that's simply unrealistic, so sit back, and instead of getting your shot glasses ready for the Jay Bilas drinking game, lol, talk with your wife , instead.  She's much more important than anything related to basketball.

Advice taken! A three-way blockbuster trade has been made. In exchange for letting me watch the draft, she is going to a work event that she had wanted to go to on that night. In return for both, we will take the afternoon off and do that thing that married couples with kids are always aching to do, if you know what I mean: fall asleep at the movies.

In a separate trade, my son has agreed to watch the draft with me in exchange for my buying popcorn.

Mike

What a woman!  Count your lucky stars, my friend.  Now as far as this blockbuster trade, did you have to mortgage your future to get it done or were you able to pick up future assets in the deal, lol? Getting your son to watch the draft with you sounds like adding 'cash considerations' to a real NBA trade, btw, haha.  Also, allow me to recommend this for your draft watching snack -



Well, I like it, anyway .

Nah, the kid would be watching it, anyway. I just threw in the popcorn because he likes it. Time alone with my 7-year old sometimes comes at a premium.

Mike

[Beat LA]

^

Yeah, I was just teasing, anyway, lol . Let's hope that we all have some fun Thursday night, although I wouldn't count on it .

[Ilikesports17]

^

Yeah, I was just teasing, anyway, lol . Let's hope that we all have some fun Thursday night, although I wouldn't count on it .

lol not much faith in Ainge I take it?

I happen to really believe in him. I am confident, despite the Fab Melos and the Jajuan Johnsons that Ainge will do whats best for the Cs with pick 3. Call me delusional but it helps me sleep

[action781]

I'm also a draft junkie, but, this year, I honestly have no strong preference between any of 5 players.  All have strengths but weaknesses that are scary:

* Murray: Lights out shooter, great scorer, but not super athletic
* Brown: Great athlete, smart, competitor, but can't shoot.
* Bender: Length, defensive quickness/flexibility, but young, rail thin and unproven.
* Dunn: Great athlete and floor general, but can't shoot
* Hield: Light's out shooter, great scorer, but 3 years older than Murray.
(I'm vary wary of Chriss because of the way he's flown up draft boards.  Not too high on athleticism that doesn't result in college production).

For that reason I'm looking forward to draft night to see what happens (hoping for a trade down to get extra assets), but I have no problem sleeping because you can sell me on (or against) any of those 5.

I think this is a pretty good take. I'd basically be fine with any of them.

I'm with both yall here, happy with any of those guys.  All have the potential to be fine players maybe even potential all-stars and all seem to be solid character/work ethic guys, so their futures will largely come down to the team properly developing them.  Murray is a the bottom of those 5 for me, but I ain't gonna be mad if we take him. 

You know who I've got at a close #8 though, just ahead of Chriss, is Skal Labissiere.  I was super high on him coming into the year, he disappointed, but I think it was simply a bad situation for him as Kentucky was not in a patient situation -- they are more focused on winning ball now rather than developing talent, which Skal just needs a bit of as most young big men do.  Reminds me of Myles Turner coming into freshman year very hyped, disappointing in college, but starting to show promise in the pros.

[Beat LA]

^

Yeah, I was just teasing, anyway, lol . Let's hope that we all have some fun Thursday night, although I wouldn't count on it .

lol not much faith in Ainge I take it?

I happen to really believe in him. I am confident, despite the Fab Melos and the Jajuan Johnsons that Ainge will do whats best for the Cs with pick 3. Call me delusional but it helps me sleep

None at all, lol , but I hope you're right.

[KG Living Legend]

I prefer Hield over Murray quite significantly .

I think murray is goin to drop to #6,7,or 8.

 Hield over Murray make no sense at this point. You must explain.

Murray can't defend a chair, his athleticism and length are questionable for an NBA SG and his handles aren't good enough for an NBA PG.

I just don't think he'll be the scorer in the NBA that he is in the NCAA.

I like him, I just think he's over rated and projects to be more of a bench scorer with no defense like Jamal Crawford or a poor man's JR Smith.

 As far as wingspan goes basically 6'7" same as avery. So that's solid. His vertical allegedly at 33.5" standing and 39" max are both very good numbers.

 He also strong for his age, He competes hard on defense, I like the chances of him learning to be solid on defense better than Smart's chance of being good on offense.

 His Handle is good and with work could be very good. I love the kid.
 

[crimson_stallion]

I prefer Hield over Murray quite significantly .

I think murray is goin to drop to #6,7,or 8.

 Hield over Murray make no sense at this point. You must explain.

Murray can't defend a chair, his athleticism and length are questionable for an NBA SG and his handles aren't good enough for an NBA PG.

I just don't think he'll be the scorer in the NBA that he is in the NCAA.

I like him, I just think he's over rated and projects to be more of a bench scorer with no defense like Jamal Crawford or a poor man's JR Smith.

 As far as wingspan goes basically 6'7" same as avery. So that's solid. His vertical allegedly at 33.5" standing and 39" max are both very good numbers.

 He also strong for his age, He competes hard on defense, I like the chances of him learning to be solid on defense better than Smart's chance of being good on offense.

 His Handle is good and with work could be very good. I love the kid.

Apologies, but I do not see that logic.  I mean I get the numbers, but I don't see how they do anything to indicate Murray has potential as a defender.

Murray's overall measurements are about on par with Avery Bradley, but that's not really a good thing because Bradley is constantly hated on here for being undersized as a SG.  In fact if there is one thing that Bradley doesn't have going for him, it's his size. 

HOWEVER Avery Bradley makes up for his lack of size by being an explosive athlete with an extremely quick first step and exceptional lateral quickness.  It's this quickness that allows AB to be able to apply full court pressure against quick guards, which is the entire basis of Bradley's defense.  Without that explosive lateral quickness and acceleration, Bradley would not be a good defensive player.   

Another thing - Bradley actually uses his slim frame to his advantage.  It helps him slither between / around screens, another thing that is benefited by his lateral quickness (as he can run quickly around screens).

Murray has none of those attributes, which is why he could never come close to being even a shadow of the defensive player Bradley is. He has all of Bradley's weaknesses (size) and none of his strengths (quickness) which is why he's likely to be a very poor defender at the NBA level. 

Secondly, here is a statistic that might scare you.  As a freshaman Avery Bradley averaged 2.1 assists and 1.5 turnovers -  a half respectable average of 1.4 Assists Per Turnover.  Jamal Murray averaged 2.2 assists and 2.3 turnovers - an average of 0.95 assists Per Turnover.

That's right kids - Jamal Murray has even worse Point Guard skills then Avery Bradley did at the same point in his career.  That man has no hope of ever becoming a PG in the NBA, so anybody dreaming that dream, you'd best give it up now and avoid disappointment.

So what does Jamal Murray offer then?  An slightly better shooting version of Avery Bradley (AB shot 37.5% from three as a freshman) with slightly worse point guard skills who lacks quickness and can't defend.  Yikes.