‘Fantastic’ Murray on right track to become two-way Kings star originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO — Keep an eye out, as a two-way star is emerging in the NBA.
Keegan Murray joined the league two seasons ago as a lottery-pick rookie for a Sacramento Kings squad that had endured a 16-year playoff drought. While fans held onto hope and optimism, the reality proved to be far more significant.
<pMurray played a crucial role in ending the Kings' playoff drought with his scoring, primarily as a spot-up 3-point shooter. He set a new NBA rookie 3-point record by making 206 shots from beyond the arc and was named to the All-NBA Rookie First Team.
Murray’s impressive debut raised expectations for him as he entered his sophomore season. The Kings hoped to see him diversify his scoring methods beyond the three-point line while also focusing on his defensive skills.
Mission accomplished.
As he begins Year 3, Murray is discovering his full potential on both ends of the court, utilizing it in ways that could pose a challenge to the rest of the league.
His performance in Friday’s preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors further showcased his promising trajectory.
Murray displayed his versatility during a 109-106 loss at Chase Center, demonstrating aggression on both offense and defense. Assessing Murray’s improvement can be challenging, particularly on the defensive side, due to the subtleties involved.
don’t always show up on a stat sheet.
But to put numbers on things: Murray was given several difficult defensive assignments, such as bodying up 6-foot-6, 230-pound Draymond Green, who, to put it lightly, can make it a long night for anyone guarding him.
Murray, who’s 6-8 and 215 pounds, accepted the challenge and finished with a game-high five steals.
Murray also had the tall task of defending — as one can try their best to — Warriors superstar Steph Curry, who left the game early with a jammed right index finger. Curry played 16 minutes and finished with just six points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field (28.5 percent) and 1 of 4 from 3-point range (25 percent), three rebounds, four assists and four turnovers.
While that’s a small sample size, forcing the opposing team’s best player to turn over the ball more than usual is a good sign. Of course, Kings guard Keon Ellis largely can be credited for Curry’s mistakes, but it’s also an overall testament to the impact that he and Murray can have against some of the world’s greatest players.
And it shows just how important Murray’s defensive progress will be to Sacramento’s overall success.
“We put him on a lot of different bodies,” Kings coach Mike Brown said after the game. “He had to guard Draymond. He had to guard Steph. He guarded Kyle Anderson. He chased Buddy Hield around. We moved him around a little bit. So he was fantastic, especially in his shift position. He was always in the right spot. I don’t like when guys gamble to go for a steal just trying to get the steal, because probably seven times out of 10, you’re going to miss it. And now when you miss it, it puts you out of position defensively, and they have a five-on-four advantage.
“And Keegan, he was just in the right spot a lot of times. And whoever was on the ball, whoever went to help, they did a great job. High hands, guys were in the right spot on the backside, and a lot of times, the ball came to him because they tried to skip the ball. [But] because he was in the right spot, he just took the passing lane because the hands were high, it was a hang-time pass, and he took the pass lane and we’re off the other way.”
“So, he was great on the ball and off the ball defensively. That’s what I like. No matter who he guarded — he guarded [Jonathan] Kuminga, too. So, no matter who he guarded, I thought he was a physical presence, and he did it without fouling [he committed just three fouls]. And then offensively, he was aggressive. He was aggressive getting downhill, and he shot the right shots. So, he was a lot of fun to watch tonight.”
Murray finished with 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field and 1 of 5 from downtown, one rebound, two assists and one block in 26 minutes. He also was aggressive going to the basket and the line, as he shot a team-high eight free throws and made six.
New Kings forward DeMar DeRozan, who mentioned last week that he’s excited to work with Murray and be a part of the 24-year-old’s growth, said after Friday’s game that he was “preaching” aggressiveness and getting to the free-throw line to his young teammate.
Brown doesn’t want to put labels on Murray or set expectations. He just knows what the Kings need from their young forward if they hope to return to playoff contention this season.
“He’s a young player that’s getting better, and he’s a two-way player that is continuing to show that he can score from all three levels,” Brown said. “And he understands he needs to keep being aggressive and not to settle offensively, and he showed some of that tonight by putting that back shoulder into the defense on his drives.
“We all know he can shoot the ball. We all know he can defend. So, he’s just doing what he’s supposed to do. He’s a very, very smart young man with a great feel, and every time he steps out on that floor, he gets a little bit better.”
Keegan Murray: The Making of a Two-Way Star for the Sacramento Kings
Who is Keegan Murray?
Keegan Murray is a professional basketball player currently making waves as a forward for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Born on August 19, 2000, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Murray gained national attention during his collegiate career at the University of Iowa. Known for his versatile skill set, he has emerged as a two-way player, excelling in both offensive and defensive roles.
The Journey to the NBA
High School Success
Murray’s basketball journey began at Prairie High School, where he showcased his talent and determination. His standout performances earned him the attention of college scouts. Here are some key highlights from his high school career:
- Two-time All-State selection
- Led his team to a 27-0 record as a senior
- Averaged 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game
Collegiate Career at Iowa
Keegan Murray played two seasons at the University of Iowa, where he developed into a premier player in college basketball. His numbers during the 2021-2022 season were particularly impressive:
| Statistic | 2021-2022 Season |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 23.5 |
| Rebounds per game | 8.7 |
| Assists per game | 2.0 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 55.4% |
His performance garnered multiple accolades, including First-Team All-Big Ten honors and a consensus All-American selection, further putting him on the NBA radar.
Draft and Transition to the NBA
NBA Draft 2022
Keegan Murray declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore season, and on June 23, 2022, he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the fourth overall pick. His selection marked a significant strategic move for the Kings, focusing on building a competitive team centered around young talent.
Rookie Season Performance
During his inaugural season with the Kings, Murray quickly adapted to the fast-paced NBA environment. His two-way capabilities shone brightly, showcasing his offensive prowess along with solid defensive skills. Key statistics from his rookie season include:
| Statistic | Rookie Season (2022-2023) |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 12.2 |
| Rebounds per game | 4.6 |
| 3-Point Percentage | 41.0% |
Strengths of Keegan Murray
Offensive Skill Set
Murray’s offensive game is characterized by a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to score from various spots on the court. Some of his key offensive strengths include:
- Shooting: Murray is particularly effective from beyond the arc, making him a significant threat in today’s spacing-oriented NBA.
- Finishing: He possesses a variety of finishing moves around the rim, including floaters and strong layups.
- Basketball IQ: His understanding of the game allows him to make quick decisions and read defenses effectively.
Defensive Impact
On the defensive end, Murray’s length and agility make him a versatile defender. He can guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset in defensive schemes. Key aspects of his defensive game include:
- On-Ball Defense: His quick lateral movement allows him to stay in front of most players he defends.
- Off-Ball Awareness: Murray’s ability to anticipate plays and provide help defense is a crucial part of his game.
- Rebounding: His strong rebounding skills contribute to both defensive stops and initiating fast breaks.
Benefits of Keegan Murray’s Two-Way Play
The ability to excel on both ends of the court has significant benefits for the Sacramento Kings:
- Versatility: Murray’s dual-threat capability allows for flexible lineups, enabling the Kings to mix and match based on matchups.
- Team Defense: His presence enhances the team’s overall defensive schemes, promoting a culture of accountability on that end.
- Scoring Balance: With Murray contributing offensively, it alleviates pressure from other key players, creating a more balanced attack.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Young Players
Young players looking to emulate Keegan Murray’s success can focus on the following practical tips:
- Work on Shooting: Consistent shooting practice from different ranges helps develop a versatile offensive game.
- Defensive Drills: Engage in drills that focus on lateral quickness and footwork to improve defensive skills.
- Study Film: Analyzing game tape of both professional games and personal gameplay can enhance understanding and decision-making.
Case Studies: Similar Players
Several players have also successfully transitioned to becoming two-way stars in the NBA. Here are a few examples:
| Player | Team | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Jaden Ivey | Detroit Pistons | Scoring, Playmaking |
| Franz Wagner | Orlando Magic | Versatility, IQ |
| Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors | Defense, Utility |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches
Coaches from Iowa and those working with the Kings have praised Keegan Murray for his work ethic and dedication. Here’s what they have to say:
- Coach Fran McCaffery (University of Iowa): “Keegan has a drive that is unmatched. His ability to improve in practice translates to games.”
- Coach Mike Brown (Sacramento Kings): “His adaptability on both ends of the floor is what makes him special. He’s always willing to learn.”
The Future of Keegan Murray
As Keegan Murray continues to grow in his career, the Sacramento Kings are optimistic about his potential. With a strong foundation and an unwavering commitment to improvement, the making of a true two-way star is well underway. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his game evolves and contributes to the Kings’ success in the future.
