Phoenix Suns second round power forward prospects
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 28: Jordan Murphy #3 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers reacts in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on February 28, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
- Jordan Murphy – Minnesota/From Texas (6-6 240, 21-years-old)
If it weren’t for his size, he’d probably get much more respect. However, in the modern NBA game, it likely wouldn’t even be an issue. Murphy is a P.J. Tucker-type power forward. He is tenacious, doesn’t stop and would be a great fit for the Suns in that respect. Sadly, too many times fans have seen this young team just hang it up when they start getting down in a game. Murphy is the type of player that would do all he has in his power to not let that happen. He averaged 16.8 points on 53% shooting with 11.3 rebounds (8th in the NCAA), 1.2 steals and 1 block. What critics and doubters should notice is his numbers didn’t drop off much when facing solid competition. (See 17 points, 14 rebounds, 1 steal and 3 blocks against then #10 Miami.) In fact, his defense was better when he played rank teams. He averaged 2.2 steals and 0.8 blocks in those 6 games. Yes, he is smaller than most would like at the position but really is that going to be the only thing that lets a GM not take a very small risk in the second round?