NBA Draft 2021: Intriguing early-entry decisions to watch in coming month

Trey Murphy – Virginia – 6’9, 206 lbs – Junior – June 2000

I stumbled upon Murphy when watching a Rice Owls game live two years ago. His length and shooting ability stuck out and I kept him on my radar.

After two years at Rice, Murphy transferred to Virginia where he had a standout season and has positioned himself to be drafted this upcoming July. Murphy is a late-bloomer. Murphy, unranked in RSCI, entered college at 6’5, before a four-inch growth spurt over the next two years.

In his first season of ACC play, Murphy shot a career-best 43.3% from deep. He was one of just two players in the country to have 20 dunks and 50 threes, showing off plus leaping ability (particularly off of two feet). He shoots a high-arcing ball with the release at face level, but his height makes it hard to alter.

The ancillary skills are what can take Murphy up a notch as an offensive player. His wiry frame makes it hard to finish through contact. He was a money-free throw shooter but got there less than two times per game. He shot 70% of the rim but on few attempts. Murphy wasn’t tasked with many creation responsibilities and showed some promise passing off of his shooting gravity.

Defensively, Murphy will need to add strength to hang with fours. Given he was in a mid-major weight room for two years, I’m optimistic that can occur. His length gives him an avenue to being a plus team defender, and like most Virginia players, he has good instincts on that end.

On mainstream boards, Murphy is floating anywhere from the late ’30s to back of the second round. Theoretically, he could return for his senior season and iron out some of those issues and boost his stock. But given his age and the fact that an NBA team is probably better suited for his development, I think it’s in his best interest to turn pro.

Producing huge statistical seasons is tough in Tony Bennett’s system and shooting that level from deep again will be a tough task. Not to mention the Cavaliers will likely be marginally worse after losing Sam Hauser and Jay Huff. In today’s league that prioritizes shooting, a 6’9 player who shot over 40% from deep and is a good leaper is worth a gamble.