White Boy Profile #1: Introduction and Troy Murphy

Basketballitics is back.  Over the course of this season, I am going to do my best to document the white boys of the NBA.  The under-rated and under-estimated NBA white boy deserves a place where He can be recognized (or at least documented).  Besides, the unintentional comedy is just too priceless to pass up:


White Boy Profile #1: Troy Murphy

I am happy to start with a New Jersey native.

Origin: May 4, 1980 in Morristown, NJ but grew up in Sparta, NJ.

Upbringing: Played his high school ball at uptight prep school, Delbarton (tuition averages around $25k per year).  3 standout years at Delbarton prepared him for Notre Dame where he led his team in scoring and rebounding for each of his three seasons, earned two All America selections and shared player of the year honors for the Big East with Troy Bell in 2001.

Keys to his Game: He is a gifted rebounder and a great shooter for a guy of his size.  Murphy has wonderful touch.  He has increased his strength which has assured his lengthy NBA career.   

Best White Boy Feature:  Floppy hair

youtube:

Interesting observations: Murphy seemed to level off around 2005 but resurrected his career over the past two seasons after assimilating to the Pacers.  Now, as the home town boy in New Jersey, he will split time in the paint with Brook Lopez and Derrick Favors, two of the three earning the starting spots.  My guess is Murphy will contribute a solid 14-10 as Favors will struggle to adapt to the NBA size and strength.

NBA Career: 9 years- 5.5 with Golden State and 3.5 with Indiana.  

Nickname(s): Horse (honestly, that is pretty good)
Proposed New Nickname: The Big Tan

Closest Comparison (Current or Historic): Cross between Andrew Bogut and Matt Bonner with a little Cliff Robinson on the side.

White Boy Level: 9 of out 10.  He is one of the better white boys you will find in the league both from a consistency and skill standpoint.  What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up in size and skill.  

Skill Level: 7 out of 10.  Better than average NBA talent who is best suited to be the number 3 option on a winning team.  I bumped him from 6 to 7 because he is regularly a top 10 rebounder.