The Kings had the fourth pick in the 2022 NBA draft and selected Iowa star, Keegan Murray. Was this expected? What should we expect from him? What does he need to improve on?
Written by: Riya Kalra
30 June, 2022
This 6’8 forward is ready to show the Sacramento Kings what he’s got, selected as the 4th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, becoming the highest drafted player in Iowa men’s basketball history. Murray was an unranked basketball player prospect in high school, however, things are about to change. Being selected as a top 5 pick in the draft has changed people’s expectations of Murray for the upcoming NBA season. Not only was Murray drafted as a top pick, he feels Sacramento deeply cares about him and his career down the road. In addition to that, Murray has been communicating with Sacramento’s star players, De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Murray stated that "[he] knew that [Fox and Sabonis] really cared about [him] and [his] abilities to be able to play [in Sacramento]." Murray has already declared that “[Sacramento] is a great fit for [him],” but how will his playmaking rise into action when the season starts?
What does Murray have to offer to the Kings?
Murray has an average of 23.6 PPG, 1.5 APG, and 8.6 RBG, solid stats. It wasn’t until his sophomore year that the spotlight shined on Murray, carving a path for him to potentially enter the 2022 NBA draft. Murray has the ability to rebound the ball and quickly dribble to the other side of the court, sliding through the defenders and laying the ball up and in. Like Holmgren and Smith, Murray is an excellent three point shooter, averaging 39.8% from the three line. This is similar to De'Aaron Fox, another Kings player who can knock down a three. The difference between Fox and Murray is that Murray is a reliable shooter who may be viewed as a threat, Fox- maybe not so much as a shooter. Murray is also able to transition well to defense, whether it’s blocking his opponent down in the paint or intensely guarding his opponent around the perimeter.
What can Murray Work on?
Though a great shooter, Murray can focus on having consistent shots from around the perimeter. He tends to drive straight to the basket or hit a three rather than surveying the court to see if there is an available teammate to pass to. This is shown with Murray only averaging 1.5 APG, he will have to improve on his passing skills and create a shot around the perimeter. When the NBA season starts, Murray should be relying on his teammates more (hopefully he’ll get to know them during the Summer league) and his offense and defense around the perimeter should be improved.
Conclusion
The Kings made a good decision by choosing Keegan Murray. Murray will be able to get past defenders and create shots in the paint, also when hitting threes from downtown. Murray will also be able to rebound his missed shot attempts, and benefit his teammates by passing to them. With practice, Murray will have the ability to take the court and pass to open teammates, as well as eventually being able to play the perimeter. Murray along with other players should be able to lead Sacramento to a better place than last season.
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