Calipari says Jamal Murray should go No. 1 in draft
John Calipari pumping the tires of his Kentucky players' draft stock is nothing new, but he offered a somewhat bold suggestion Wednesday when he said that the Philadelphia 76ers should select Jamal Murray first overall in the NBA Draft on June 23.
"(Murray) is the safest pick," Calipari told ESPN's Andy Katz and Seth Greenberg. "What does Philadelphia need more than anything else? Someone to make shots and guard play. I am biased. I want my guy. But he can play multiple positions, he can physically step in and play right away."
Most reports have the Sixers leaning toward LSU forward Ben Simmons. Murray is a consensus top-10 pick, with most mocks having him go anywhere between Nos. 3 and 8.
The 19-year-old Canadian agrees with his college coach. Murray said Wednesday after a solid Boston Celtics workout that he believes he is the best player in the draft. The 6-foot-4 Murray is a multi-skilled scorer who can play both guard positions. In a changing NBA, Calipari knows that his talent is well-suited for the future.
"He can play the point," Calipari said. "He can score in bunches. You watch Golden State. Who really is their point guard? Whoever has it.''