Atlanta Hawks host 3x All-Conference guard, stretch big man for workout

Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Matthew Murrell – G – Ole Miss – 6-foot-4 – 200lbs

Ole Miss junior guard Matthew Murrell is another player coming off a higher-scoring season at the expense of efficiency. He averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists but did so on 36.5% shooting from the floor and 30.4% from beyond the arc. He did knock down over 80% of his free throws but you would like to see a bit more efficiency from a guard.

Murrell averaged 12.1 points in 2022 but shot 38.6% from beyond the arc instilling some confidence that he can be a floor spacer at the next level.

“He’s got a solid frame, good strength and decent athleticism,” reads Murrell’s profile on NBA Draft Room. “He’s not a great above the rim player but has enough burst to get into the lane and keep the defense honest and enough lateral agility to stay in front of his man on D.”

Murrell’s athleticism might even be better than advertised.

Murrell began the season well enough, averaging 15.6 points on 40.6% shooting (33.3% 3P) over the first 12 games of the season. But he really struggled after Christmas posting 14.4 points on 34.6% shooting (29.5% 3P) over the final 15 regular-season contests before struggling with his efficiency in the NCAA Tournament.

What he does have going for him in this situation – aside from athleticism and an encouraging enough jump shot – is his size.

Whereas Campbell and Bothwell are both smaller guards, Murrell is more on par with Murray.