The Sixers aren’t about to let conventional wisdom stand in the way of their quest to return to respectability in the Eastern Conference.
According to a report by Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday, some within the Sixers organization think that former Kentucky guard Jamal Murray has the highest upside of any prospect in this year’s draft class, and the team may consider selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick.
“Jamal Murray, we certainly got a chance to see him a couple of weeks ago. He’s certainly going to be one of those kids who’s going to be in contention for the No. 1 pick,” Pompey quoted Sixers vice president of player personnel Marc Eversley as saying. “We like him a lot. He’s going to bring a lot to wherever he goes in the NBA, certainly a talent.”
The 19-year-old Murray may be the best pure scorer from this year’s crop along with Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield. He averaged 20.0 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists per game on 50.2 percent shooting from the field and 40.8 percent from deep in his lone season at Kentucky.
While the Sixers are still expected to select Ben Simmons with that No. 1 overall pick, they are in desperate need of a scoring threat on the wing who can space the floor like Murray can so at the very least, it seems to be an ongoing conversation as to who they will ultimately pick.
Image Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
H/T Rotoworld
