Kentucky coach John Calipari is backing his player ahead of the NBA Draft.

Appearing on ESPNU's College Basketball podcast on Wednesday, Calipari said the Philadelphia 76ers should use the top pick on Canadian Jamal Murray, who spent the last year with the Wildcats.

Murray has been projected to go as high as third overall, while LSU's Ben Simmons and Duke's Brandon Ingram appear to be locked in to the draft's top two spots.

"What does Philadelphia need more than anything else? Someone to make shots and guard play," Calipari said. "I am biased. I want my guy. But he can play multiple positions, he can physically step in and play right away. He can play the point. He can score in bunches. You watch Golden State. Who really is their point guard? Whoever has it.''

Calipari also called the Kitchener, ON native "the safest pick" in the draft and said he believes Murray could be the best player from the draft class in five years.

Also on Wednesday, Murray worked out for the Boston Celtics, who own the third overall pick, and set a Celtics workout record by hitting 79 of 100 3-point attempts.

He then echoed his former head coach's sentiment.

"I believe I'm the best player in the draft, but every team needs what they need," Murray said.

The 19-year-old averaged 20 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in his only season at Kentucky. He owned a .454 field goal percentage and .408 shooting percentage from the three-point range.

The 2016 NBA Draft will be held on June 23.