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Boston Celtics Draft Profile: Dejounte Murray

By Joshua Bateman

Jan 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Dejounte Murray (5) shoots against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Dejounte Murray (5) shoots against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dejounte Murray is an intriguing option for the Boston Celtics in the NBA Draft on thursday, but it may be an unrealistic pairing. The Celtics have already spent all kinds of draft picks on guards, but in this draft the Celtics have enough picks to accommodate anything. The question will be if Murray can present enough value to the Celtics with where they can pick him.

The Celtics may get multiple opportunities to draft Murray. The number 3 pick is far too high for him but he could be considered at 16 or 23. With three first round picks the Celtics will not shy away too much form drafting guards and Murray could flourish with the Celtics.

His combination of size, length and athleticism gives him phenomenal position versatility with Brad Stevens. At 6’5 170 he would have no problem playing either guard position. If he can add some weight to his frame then he also has the defensive potential to play the 3 in small ball lineups. If the Celtics do believe Murray has the ability be used as a small forward at times, then that could make it easier for him to have a role as a rookie. The Celtics may be bracing themselves for the loss of Evan Turner, and they could look to someone like Murray to become his replacement.

There are many different ways that Stevens could use Murray, and with just one year of college experience, Stevens will have a great opportunity to develop would could be a good two way talent.

One thing working in Murray’s favor is that he is more ready on the defensive end than the offensive end. Playing time is directly tied in to how much Stevens can trust a player on defense. It’s the reason Marcus Smart and Turner have such significant roles, despite being limited on the offensive end.

Unfortunately, his defensive potential will not be enough to get him playing time. With Terry Rozier already ahead of him too, Murray’s role would be minimal

In anticipation of the Celtics losing some of their back court, Murray’s defense would ensure that they do not lose that edge. His length could do wonders with the players he would have around him. Murray’s 1.8 steals per game in college is a great sign that he could immediately contribute on the defensive end.

March 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Rosco Allen (25) shoots the basketball against Washington Huskies guard Dejounte Murray (5) during the second half of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Huskies defeated the Cardinal 91-68. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Rosco Allen (25) shoots the basketball against Washington Huskies guard Dejounte Murray (5) during the second half of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Huskies defeated the Cardinal 91-68. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Murray has also shown the potential to be a great on ball defender. Turnovers make a huge difference for the Celtics’ defense but they get those opportunities because of their ability to play great on ball defense. Murray may need time to develop physically before he can be a reliable on ball defender but he has all the tools to fit right in with one of the best cores of defensive guards in the league.

There is not as much confidence in his offense, but that may only be limited to three point shooting. It is frustrating to see the Celtics continue to add suspect three point shooters, and 28.8% is deeply concerning from Murray. The Celtics need three point shooting to get their offense at its best, and Murray may never be able to bring that.

Other than three point shooting, Murray could still become an impact player on offense. The Celtics could eventually use his ball handling skills on the second unit and he could develop into a deadly scorer with his offensive versatility.

The Celtics already have too many players that are only effective inside the three point line but Murray has already proven that he can score in multiple ways. His ball handling ability combined with great size and athleticism has allowed him to create a lot of offense for himself. There were aways consistency issues, but he has an aggressive mentality that is  crucial on the Celtics.

Murray’s opportunity to develop with Brad Stevens will play a crucial role in his ability to be effective in his offense. The Celtics lack players that can create offense for others but they always maintain ball movement. Murray needs to prove that he always will look to make the best play because he has the potential to be a play maker for the Celtics.

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Murry has the Celtics’ great guard depth working against him but his ability to fit in on the defensive end may be enough to get him in Boston next season. With all the depth and uncertainty with the mid to late first round of this draft, Murray could end up being a phenomenal option for the Celtics.

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