Source: Kings rookie Keegan Murray expected to play vs. Suns in Las Vegas Summer League
Kings fans who have marveled at Keegan Murray’s impressive performance this summer will likely get at least one more chance to watch him play before the team leaves Las Vegas.
A league source told The Sacramento Bee that Murray is expected to suit up when the Kings play the Phoenix Suns on Friday at Cox Pavilion. Murray has arguably been the best rookie from the 2022 NBA draft, putting up MVP-caliber numbers at both the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League.
Las Vegas tournament officials announced Thursday the Kings will play their previously to-be-determined final game against the Houston Rockets at 6 p.m. Saturday. That sets up another potential top rookie matchup between Murray, the No. 4 pick in the draft, and Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr., who was the No. 3 pick, if both players suit up.
Murray is averaging 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 47.7% from the field, 37% from 3-point range and 80% at the free-throw line. He ranks fourth among all players and No. 1 among rookies in scoring.
Smith is averaging 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks. He is shooting 40.7% from the field, 26.1% from 3-piont range and 71.4% at the foul line. He is eighth among rookies in rebounding and 10th in scoring.
Murray has already gone up against No. 1 overall Paolo Banchero and No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren in two of the marquee rookie matchups in Las Vegas. Murray had 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a double-overtime loss to Orlando. He completely outplayed Holmgren in an 86-80 loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, finishing with a game-high 29 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two assists.
Some of the other most high-profile rookies in this year’s class have already checked out. Orlando shut Banchero down after two games in which he averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.5 steals. Other top draft picks, including Jaden Ivey (ankle), Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) and Dyson Daniels (ankle), had their summer leagues cut short due to injuries.
