Kings F Keegan Murray Ranked On Lower End of Top NBA Power Forwards
When it comes to making smart, calculated decisions, Sacramento Kings General Manager Monte McNair has yet to disappoint. While there have been some questions while deals behind the scenes were being made this offseason, perhaps one of the most significant worries about a McNair choice was when the Kings opted to take F Keegan Murray with the fourth pick in the 2022 NBA Draft over highly-rated prospect G Jaden Ivey, who went fifth to the Detroit Pistons.
Despite the provocations from NBA analysts, Monte McNair undoubtedly made a fantastic decision to take the Kings starting forward. Murray came off a superb rookie year that saw him net 206 threes, breaking the single-season rookie record, and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie first team.
In a rankings list from Hoops Hype of the best power forwards heading into the 2023-24 season, Keegan Murray found placement at 19. He was placed ahead of players like newly acquired Utah Jazz F John Collins but behind the likes of Charlotte Hornets F Miles Bridges - who just came off a season-long suspension - and Washington Wizards F Kyle Kuzma, who was highly linked to a free agency move to Sacramento this offseason before ultimately resigning with the Wizards.
Murray, 23, averaged 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists during his rookie season, shooting 45.3% from the field and 41.1% beyond the arc. Murray quickly became a fan-favorite, and for good reason. His off-court personality is admirable and he's a competitive player. He is a very reliable spot-up shooter and doesn't fold under pressure. While players with his body frame may typically struggle on defense, Murray is a very effortful defender who uses his body well to make up for what he may lack.
Murray certainly has All-Star potential in the coming years, and it's safe to say that he easily may become a face of the franchise-type player as he progresses in his NBA career. His potential certainly deserves a higher ranking on the list, and the Kings may not have been able to end their 16-year playoff drought without his impact. It is hard to understand how he is placed below a player who just spent an entire year off, no matter what skills Bridges may possess.
Despite the lower ranking, it is essential to understand that he's coming off only one season, and it's hard to rank him over seasoned and proven veterans just yet. We may not know what Murray's ceiling will be, but it's more than fair to say that with Murray's attitude combined with the genius and fierce coaching of HC Mike Brown, the only way is up.
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