Against Clippers, Keegan Murray Offers Glimpse Of The Player Kings Want

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Keegan Murray is starting to show the Kings what they’ve been missing.

Promising Prospect

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Murray had a solid but unspectacular debut season, averaging 11.9 points and 4.7 rebounds. But in the Kings’ 124-111 preseason win over the Clippers on Monday night, Murray broke out with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Efficiency and Versatility

Murray was efficient, shooting 9-for-16 from the field, including 3-for-6 from 3-point range. He also showed off his versatility, hitting a turnaround fadeaway jumper, driving to the basket for a layup and draining a 3-pointer in transition.

Quotes from the Head Coach

“I thought Keegan played really well tonight,” Kings head coach Mike Brown said. “He was aggressive, he was efficient, and he made some really good plays for his teammates. I’m really happy with the progress he’s made.”

Background and Outlook

Murray was a standout at Iowa last season, averaging 23.5 points and 8.7 rebounds. He was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus All-American.

Still just 23 years old, Murray has the potential to be a star in the NBA. He has a good combination of size, athleticism and skill, and he’s still learning and developing his game.

The Kings are hoping that Murray can be a key piece of their young core, which also includes De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Davion Mitchell. If Murray can continue to develop at his current pace, he could be a key contributor for the Kings for years to come.