Which 2018 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Participants Profile as Future Superstars?
Supporting Star Signs
| Comparable Seasons | Match % |
|---|---|
| Stephen Jackson, 2007-08 | 92.60% |
| J.R. Smith, 2013-14 | 91.30% |
| Zach LaVine, 2015-16 | 91.02% |
| C.J. McCollum, 2015-16 | 90.66% |
| Desmond Mason, 2004-05 | 90.66% |
Murray's comparable seasons clearly say secondary star, not primary. The Stephen Jackson comp is surprising given Jackson's role on the wing and Murray's at the point, but back in 2007 Jackson averaged 20.1 points on a shooting slash of 40.5/36.3/83.2%. Murray's putting up 16.5 points on 46.2% from the floor, 38.6% from three and 91.4% from the line. Accordingly, his 0.9 nERD is far better than that of Jackson's -2.9.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, Sacramento Kings
| Comparable Seasons | Match % |
|---|---|
| Alec Burks, 2013-14 | 93.20% |
| Khris Middleton, 2013-14 | 91.14% |
| Rashad McCants, 2007-08 | 90.50% |
| Mike Conley, 2008-09 | 90.03% |
| Gordon Hayward, 2013-14 | 88.81% |
From his off-ball role, the 25-year-old Serbian is trending toward a similar path to Murray's. Throw out the bust that was Rashad McCants. Alec Burks, the primary comparison, has been a nice bench scorer when healthy. In fact, back in his third season, he averaged 14 points in 78 games, including 66 off the bench.
On a continually rebuilding Kings squad, Bogdanovic has been a bright spot this season. Averaging 11.5 points, 3.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds, his -2.1 nERD isn't too reflective of his individual play. He's shooting 40% from three and his effective goal percentage of 55% is higher than more highly-regarded teammate Buddy Hield.
