How can Keegan Murray get better for the Sacramento Kings? ‘He can say good morning to me’
Kings center Domantas Sabonis offered a funny response when asked how Keegan Murray can continue to grow and mature in his third NBA season.
“He can talk this year maybe a little bit more,” Sabonis quipped. “He can say good morning when he walks by me. That would help a lot.”
DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star who is still getting to know his new teammates after coming to Sacramento in a sign-and-trade deal, said he wants to help Murray develop his game and his voice.
“I’m not going to lie,” DeRozan said. “I’m looking forward to that. I was the same way when I was young — kind of quiet, didn’t say much, just went along with flow — but that kid’s got a lot of talent. It’s going to be fun to be able to be a vet to him and get him out of his comfort zone and take him to the next level.”
Murray, 24, came out of Iowa as the No. 4 pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He has a chance to establish himself as a two-way star after showcasing his shooting in his first season and emerging as an exceptional defender in his second season.
“I never put a limitation on myself,” Murray said as the Kings prepared to open training camp at their Golden 1 Center practice facility. “I know I can end up being a really great player in this league, and being one of the top two-way guys is something I’m continuing to strive for.”
As a rookie in 2022-23, Murray averaged 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists to help the Kings reach the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, ending Sacramento’s 16-year playoff drought. Murray shot 41.1% from 3-point range and set a rookie record with 206 3-point goals.
Murray averaged 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season. His 3-point shooting dipped to 35.8% in his second season, but he answered coach Mike Brown’s call at the other end of the floor to become a versatile and effective multi-positional defender.
“I think the expectation for Keegan is that he continues to grow like he’s been doing,” Kings general manager Monte McNair said. “I think the really interesting and cool thing for me about Keegan is that what he was at Iowa was not at all what he was in his first year (with the Kings). He came in and did exactly what we needed as a rookie to come in and contribute to a 48-win team and break the rookie 3-point record, which, in college, he was really more of an inside-the-arc scorer.
“And then last year, he goes and figures out how to become one of the best wing defenders in the Western Conference, which, again, he was playing more of a four or five in college, so I don’t know what Keegan’s going to do this year. I just know it’s going to be something good because that’s what he does. He works all summer. He works his butt off and he finds ways to contribute whatever we need.”
This story was originally published October 2, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
