Two (now)former Washington Huskies were taken in the NBA Draft last week, and each at opposite ends of the first round.

Marquese Chriss was taken eighth overall by the Sacremento Kings before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, who confirmed the rumors that they were very interested in taking him with the fourth overall pick. Former Rainier Beach standout Dejounte Murray was invited to stand in the green room in New york, but eventually fell all the way to number 28, where the San Antonio Spurs made him their first round pick.

Phoenix gave up a heavy bounty to nab Chriss from the Kings, giving up the 13th and 28th picks in this draft, along with their second-round choice and the rights to Bogdan Bodganovic, whom they selected 27th overall last year. 

While Chriss was selected much higher than Murray, it could be argued that Murray landed in the better situation career wise, if he plays it right that is.

Now Chriss was deservingly selected as high as he was, as he has drawn comparisons to past Suns forwards with freakish athletic ability, Amare Stodumire and Shawn Marion. And why not? He's athletic, long and has a decent enough shot. However he's on a young team, albeit talented with Devin Booker and Eric Bledsoe. Being on a young team means he's going to be out on the court a lot, which can be good as he will get lots of game time experience. And he does have Tyson Chandler on his team to act as the veteran voice of conscious to help guide him.

However being on a young team can develop a lot of bad habits, and lots of playing time might not mean superstar development. Look at former Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams, now a borderline starter with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Murray on the other hand lands on a team with a championship pedigree, gets to hone his craft under the eye of one of the greatest coaches of all time (who will also be taking over Team USA soon), and gets to play understudy to Tony Parker, one of this generation's best point guards.

Kawai Leonard feel in the draft to the Spurs as well a few years ago, was given time to develop at his own pace, experienced what it takes to win, and now is in the conversation for MVP. Murray might need to get stronger before getting to Kawai's level, but the blueprint is there, he just needs to stick to it.

Photo: Flickr/Dave Sizer