Florida Gators big man Erik Murphy brings to the Chicago Bulls an ability to be a “stretch four,” a big guy that can step out and shoot. a la Andrei Kirielenko “AK-47,” Tyler Griffey, Mike Tisdale, Dirk Nowitzki and Ryan Kelly. They’re bigs that can “stretch a defense.”
Erik Murphy brings the Chicago Bulls exactly what they need- offense, or what others call shooting. I hate to use the word shooting because, if you’re a NBA player shooting is what you’re supposed to do. It’s not a luxury, it’s a requirement. Much like the pick at #20 for Tony Snell, the Bulls went for shooting at #49 with Erik Murphy.
Opening statement from GM Gar Forman to the media on NBA Draft.
Murphy did not work out with the Bulls prior to the draft. And the Bulls have had some recent success drafting a big man from the Florida Gators in Joakim Noah. Obviously, Erik Murphy and Joakim Noah are two very different ballplayers. Murphy did lead the SEC in three point shooting last season.
“Improving our ability to shoot the basketball, who has a 45% three point shooter and has the potential to help us with his ability to shoot the basketball, and stretch the floor,” Forman said.
Noah and Murphy were exchanging plenty of messages Thursday night and they’re pretty excited to be working alongside one another now.
“He says nothing but good things about the Bulls,” Murphy told the Chicago Tribune. “They obviously have great players, a great coach and great history. It’s an honor to be selected by them.”
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. (“Quasi-endorsed” by Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly) He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
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