WALTHAM, Mass. – The Boston Celtics are in need of obtaining a quality sharpshooter this offseason, and 19-year-old NBA-hopeful Jamal Murray thinks he would be a great fit for the role.
Not only does he believe that notion, but he also may have proved it Wednesday afternoon during his draft workout at the C’s training facility in Waltham, Mass.
The 6-foot-4 combo guard put on a 3-point clinic unlike that of any prospect who has stepped foot in the Celtics’ practice gym. He informed reporters that despite a “slow start,” to the 3-point drill, he made 79 out of 100 long-range attempts, which broke Kyle Wiltjer’s standing record of 77.
Murray, a native of Ontario, Canada, established himself as one of the most feared collegiate shooters in the nation this past season while at the University of Kentucky. He shot 113-for-277 from beyond the arc and is confident that his long-range game will translate to the NBA without a problem.
“I believe I can score on anybody,” Murray bluntly stated after the conclusion of his workout.
He’s carried that mentality with him wherever he has gone, and so far it’s held true.
When Murray committed to Kentucky last year, it was unclear what his role would be with the Wildcats considering the program’s stacked talent pool, particularly at the guard positions.
In order to earn a regular spot in the rotation, Murray transitioned from point guard to shooting guard. He ended up leading the team in scoring (20.0 PPG) and made the most field goals (244) in the SEC.
“At the college level I got better at playing the 2,” said Murray, who’s been projected as a top-10 pick in virtually every mock draft. “I got a better feel for coming off screens and finding my space, finding my rhythm.
“Before I was a natural point guard, so I kind of have a mixed game … Whether I’m a 1 or a 2, I can play the position and read the defense.”
One potential dilemma here is that Boston is very deep at the guard spots. Murray doesn’t see that as an obstacle, however; instead he believes that playing among so many defensive-minded guards would enhance his game.
“It’s only going to make me better, going up against guys like Avery Bradley, Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart…” he said. “All those guys are physical and could help me out offensively.”
Another factor that stands out, aside from Murray’s scoring, is his competitive nature, which he credits to his father. He said he and his dad used to compete in just about any activity, “Whether it was first one to eat a certain amount of wings, running to the door… we were competitive about everything, and I always wanted to have that edge.”
Murray’s father also got him involved in meditation at a young age. He incorporates a 40-minute mediation into his pre-game and pre-practice routine, which he says allows him to block out all pressure and head into every contest with a clear mind.
Ultimately, he believes that extreme level of focus will aid him in making an immediate impact at the NBA level, and he hopes that teams recognize his discipline and competitiveness when considering him on Draft Night.
“It’s something that I’ve been working for,” said Murray. “It’s something I’ve been sacrificing my whole life to and put a whole lot of dedication to, so it’s a big moment, a big stage. It’s something I’m ready for and something I’m looking forward to.”
And if Boston ends up calling his name on June 23, he says he’ll fit in just fine with the C’s.
“They’re guys that can play basketball with the size they have,” said Murray. “They can guard multiple positions, they can bang down low, they can rebound… kind of a little bit of everything. And I kind of see myself fitting for a team like that.”
