NBA Mock Draft 2016: 76ers, Lakers Get Their Guy; Suns Reaching?

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Mar 17, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) dribbles against the Stony Brook Seawolves in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Boston Celtics

Pick: Jamal Murray, G, Kentucky

The Boston Celtics can’t select ANOTHER guard with a high draft pick, right? Wrong.

Even though many NBA scouts are drooling over Dragan Bender, especially after what Kristaps Porzingis was able to do in his rookie season with the New York Knicks, I still don’t buy that he’s going to be as successful as Kristaps is. With that said, considering that he turned heads in a recent workout with the Celtics, my guess is that, if there isn’t a trade here, the pick will be Jamal Murray.

At this point in the draft, there aren’t many sure things remaining. Murray being a capable scorer in the NBA is one of them, though. He shot 40 percent from 3 in college, which suggests that there could be something there. He’s a bigger guard and can play both the 1 and 2 guard spots.

Yes, he needs to work on his off-the-dribble game and was not known as a playmaker in college, but the tools are there for Murray to be a really good player in the NBA.

Next: Phoenix Suns