The 2022 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Keegan Murray 2022 NBA Draft Profile.
Keegan Murray Background
Position: Forward
Size:Â 6-foot-8, 215 pounds
Class:Â Sophomore
School:Â Iowa
2021-22 stats:Â 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks per game, 55.4% FG%, 39.8% 3FG%, 74.7% FT%
Murray was one of the most improved players in college basketball last season. After finishing up his sophomore season, Murray declared for the 2022 NBA Draft.
Although he was just a three-star prospect, Murray was able to get a scholarship offer to Iowa. He was mostly a reserve as a freshman, averaging 7.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Murray was able to help the team make the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. In his sophomore campaign, Murray averaged 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. The Hawkeyes earned a no. 5 seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, but were upset in the first round.
Following a disappointing end to the season, Murray entered the draft. He is currently projected to be a lottery pick.
Keegan Murray Strengths
Murray can score in plenty of different ways. He runs the floor well and can even bring the ball up in transition before finishing at the rim. His post-scoring is also decently refined, as he uses good footwork to beat his man. On top of that, he has shown a good shooting touch, as he shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range last season.
His rebounding has been a strength that has shown since he was a freshman. He has averaged over 10 rebounds per 40 minutes in each of his two collegiate seasons. Murray boxes out on the defensive end and can also go grab rebounds on the offensive end as well. He won’t be an elite NBA rebounder, but he should be very solid.
He also isn’t an elite shot-blocker, but he did show proficiency in that area. Murray blocked almost two shots per game as a sophomore. His timing and awareness help him to block shots whether it is his man or when he is helping.
Keegan Murray Weaknesses
Like several other draft prospects, Murray needs to fill out his frame. At 215 pounds, he could be outmuscled in the post and even some perimeter players will be much stronger than he is. Hitting the weight room will give him more of an NBA body, but will also help him match up if he has to play more in the post at the pro level.
In the NBA, Murray may have trouble finding a true position. He was able to take advantage of slower post players and smaller perimeter players at the collegiate level. Now he will have to play the power forward or small ball center spot against much more athletic players than he saw at Iowa.
His perimeter defense could come into question at the next level. He doesn’t have the greatest footspeed, so if he is playing against good wing players, they could beat him to the basket. His length helped him defend in college, but he’ll be up against players of similar length in the NBA.
Projected Draft Range:Â Lottery Pick
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