Welcome to another Joey Barrett scouting report. I have been watching games and film all season and it is finally time to compile my thoughts into scouting reports, mock drafts, and more big boards. For my first three scouting reports I did Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Paolo Banchero which you can check out by clicking those links. For my fourth scouting report, I’ll be doing future top 10 pick and swiss army knife… Keegan Murray
To see my overall thoughts, read until the end.
My Big Board Ranking as of 5/8: 6
| Draft Night Age: 21.84 | Height: 6’8 | Weight: 225 lbs | Wingspan: 6’11 |
| PPG: 23.5 | RPG: 8.7 | APG: 1.5 | SPG: 1.3 |
| BPG: 1.9 | FG%: 55.4 | 3P%: 39.8 | FT%: 74.7 |
Most Impressive Stats
According to CBB Analytics, Keegan Murray shoots 67.2% from inside the lane including 73.1% within 4 feet of the hoop
Strengths
- Versatility, will be able to do a lot at the next level
- High level scorer, led power 5 in points per game at 23.5
- Plays off others well, doesn’t need to ball
- Good rebounder
- A potential small ball 5
- Versatile defender, can guard 2-5
- High IQ player, virtually 0 bust potential
- Already plays like an NBA veteran
Weaknesses
- Will be 22 before he ever plays an NBA game
- Not an elite athlete
- For being projected as a role player there is still some concerns about his shooting
Best Potential Fits: Indiana, Trail Blazers, Rockets, Thunder
Worst Potential Fits: Magic, Pelicans, Wizards, Kings (they will be on everyone’s bad fit list)
Shades Of: Jerami Grant, Tobias Harris, Pascal Siakam, TJ Warren
Best Game: 12/18/21 vs Utah State
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG | 3PT | FT | TO |
| 35 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 13/17 | 2/5 | 7/8 | 1 |
Worst Game: 12/9/21 @Iowa State
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG | 3PT | FT | TO |
| 9 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4/17 | 1/6 | 0/0 | 1 |
Best 5 Games Stretch: 12/18/21-1/6/22 (vs Utah State, Southeastern Louisiana, Western Illinois, Maryland @Wisconsin)
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% | FT% | TO |
| 29.2 | 8.0 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 66.7% | 45.8% | 73.0% | 1.0 |
Overall Thoughts
It is hard to watch Keegan Murray and not like what you see. Murray took the college basketball world by storm this year averaging about 24, 9, and 2 all while carrying an Iowa team to the NCAA tournament. Murray was an offensive star in college but his role will shrink once he gets to the league. One of the best parts about Keegan is that he does not demand the ball and can play next to other great players very easily. Keegan projects to be a good player but more importantly he could have incredible value as a glue guy and connector.
In the NBA, Keegan Murray is going to be an above average defender that has the switchability to make any playoff team drool. His size, frame, and basketball IQ make him a great positional defender on top of being a good on ball defender. Watching the playoffs now, it is hard to imagine him not being a great playoff player. For those reasons Keegan Murray has virtually 0 bust potential.
Keegan Murray has little to no superstar potential but that should not stop teams from giving him looks near the top of the draft. I would not take Murray over players with high level star potential like Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, or Chet Holmgren but the conversation should start right after that. Personally I would lean towards taking Ivey and Sharpe over Murray because of the star potential those two posses. If a team already has a star or budding star on the roster (Pistons, Rockets, Trail Blazers) don’t be surprised if they take a shot on Murray in the top 5.
Career Projection: Career Starter, Top 50 Player in the League at Peak
