NBA Rumors: Eversley “Murray In Contention for No. 1”

By Bret Stuter | Jun 4, 2016

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 /

More NBA Rumors: Philadelphia Executive Mark Eversly Names Jammal Murray In Contention for the Number One Pick

To Bryan Colangelo, the 2016 NBA Draft is a two player draft: either forward Ben Simmons or wing Brandon Ingram. Apparently that memo never made it to Philadelphia 76er executive Mark Eversley, vice president of player personnel of the team.

In a recent interview with Keith Pompey, of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philly,com, Eversley had some curious insights as to the make up of this group of 2016 NBA Draft prospects:

"“Jamal Murray, we certainly got a chance to see him a couple of weeks ago. He’s certainly going to be one of those kids who’s going to be in contention for the No. 1 pick. We like him a lot. He’s going to bring a lot to wherever he goes in the NBA, certainly a talent.”"

Just harmless chat right? Just an NBA guy giving a hopeful player a compliment heading into the draft, huh? That’s how I read it, and that’s how the majority of Philadelphia 76ers fans read this. But to the teams of the NBA draft who pick at three or later, this is a ray of hope for their picks.

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The rumor is catching on like a wind fed wildfire now because Eversley is not just some average joe schmoe, but the guy whose team HAS THE NUMBER ONE PICK IN THE DRAFT.

When a guy whose team is sitting on the number one pick looks at a NBA prospect and states that he could be selected number one, you can bet that message is delivered loud and clear, despite harmless or well meaning intentions. Every team picking after that team now is scrambling to address the “what if he’s telling the truth?” scenario.

What do you think the Phoenix Suns are doing right now? Well the article by Keith Pompey, who has also added the names of Robert Covington and Nik Stauskas to the equation of the Nerlens Noel for Jeff Teague trade, brought the idea to verbiage that perhaps the 76ers are overthinking at that one pick spot:

"“There’s no way that the 76ers are thinking about selecting Jamal Murray with the first overall pick, right? Marc Eversley, the team’s vice president of player personnel, gives the impression that Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram aren’t the lone prospects being eyed for that spot.” – Keith Pompey in his June 3rd, 2016 article on Philly.com"

Now you should know by now how I feel about this scenario. It just strikes me as a misinterpreted compliment. But the fact is, we don’t truly know the range of the thought process in the front office right now, and I’m obligated to share any whisper, noise, hint or rumor I can find with you and let you decide.

Next: McConnell is up to the challenge

This is one for you to contemplate. I project that Murray will go in the 3-5 range of the 2016 NBA draft. But the Phoenix Suns clearly hope he goes number one. If you run across that story, at least you have been armed with the background to it.