The self-proclaimed best player in the upcoming NBA Draft is in Minneapolis today for a private workout with the Timberwolves, according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.
ICYMI: it's Jamal Murray day at Mayo Clinic Square. He's here for an individual workout, I hear. #twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 13, 2016
After being pressured by reporters during a workout with the Boston Celtics last week, Murray said he thinks he’s the best player in the draft.
“That’s not a knock on anybody, I’m just looking back on the work I’ve put in, how far I’ve come, how quickly I learn, how quickly I adapt to my surroundings and how easy I fit into a team,” Murray said, via ESPN. “I believe I’m the best player in the draft, but every team needs what they need.”
Odds are stacked against Murray going No. 1. Most mock drafts have LSU’s Ben Simmons going first, followed by Duke’s Brandon Ingram. That’s likely why Murray only plans on working out for the Celtics, Suns, Wolves and Pelicans, according to Celtics Hub.
Jamal Murray will only work out for Boston (3rd pick), Phoenix (4th pick), Minnesota (5th pick) and New Orleans (6th pick), per @CelticsHub.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 9, 2016
The Steph Curry comparison
Murray joined NBA MVP Steph Curry as the only players in NCAA history to knock down 113 3-pointers in their freshman season. Curry made 120 as a freshman at Davison and Murray made 113. Ironically, both shot 40.8 percent from three as freshmen.
Interesting guy
Murray’s definitely an interesting guy. He’s doing a pre-draft series with The Player’s Tribune and in part 1 he talks about how he meditates 30-40 minutes every day and hones his shot by shooting blindfolded.
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More on Murray
He’s from Canada. Minnesota is already an NBA Canadian hot spot with Andrew Wiggins on the team. And like Wiggins, Murray was at one time the top high school player in Canada.
Another tie to Minnesota is Karl-Anthony Towns, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft who was also a Kentucky standout under head coach John Calipari.
“He can stretch the defense, play off the ball and the NBA is going positionless,” Calipari said of Murray in an interview with ESPN’s Andy Katz. “He can flat-out shoot the ball and is physically ready.”
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