Sacramento Kings leave footprints all over 2022 NBA App GM Survey

Who will win the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year?

The Sacramento Kings selected Keegan Murray with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft this past offseason — so it’s no surprise to see the rookie featured not once, but three times in this survey.

In this category, Murray ranked second at 17%. Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero was the clear favorite at 79%, while Jabari Smith received a majority of the remaining 4%.

Murray spent two seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes. He averaged 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game last year and is expected to be the Kings’ future at the forward position.

As of right now, Murray is competing for the starting power forward spot with Trey Lyles, KZ Okpala, and Chimezie Metu — Harrison Barnes was already awarded the starting small forward spot.

Personally, I like starting Murray right out of the gate. He’s an NBA-ready scorer that can help space out the floor when rolling with a smaller lineup. If they need to go bigger, they can always roll with Lyles or Metu — who are both taller and heavier than Murray.

Whether Murray starts or comes off the bench, he will be one of the prime contenders for Rookie of the Year — especially with Chet Holmgren missing the entire year to injury.

Which rookie will be the best player in five years?

Keegan Murray was ranked fifth in this category at 7% — the others being Paolo Banchero (31%), Chet Holmgren (28%), Jaden Ivy (14%), and Jabari Smith (14%).

General managers across the league not only think highly of Murray’s capability as a rookie, but they think he’s going to age well — meaning the Kings are expected to get a good return on their investment.

The Sacramento Kings signed Murray to a two-year, $16 million contract as the fourth overall pick — a deal that also includes two team options that could keep Murray in Sactown through the 2025-26 season.

I know a lot of people wanted the Kings to select Ivey with the fourth pick, but I believe Murray is the better fit, both short-term and long-term — especially alongside Fox, Sabonis, Mitchell, Huerter, and some of the other young talent on the roster.

The real question is where will Murray be in five years. Ideally, things will work out over the next four years and he’ll sign a contract extension before we have to worry about it. Of course, things rarely happen like that in today’s NBA.

For now, let’s just hope he has a good rookie season and gets comfortable with the size and speed of the NBA.

Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?

Keegan Murray was tied for fifth in this category with Jaden Ivey (DET) and Jalen Williams (OKC) — all at 7%. Shaeden Sharpe (POR) and A.J. Griffin (ATL) were tied for third at 10%, while Jalen Duren (DET) and Tari Eason (HOU) tied for first at 14%.

Not much to say here that hasn’t already been said. Murray is expected to play a major role for the Kings over the next few seasons (and hopefully longer!) — both offensively and defensively.

If you’re not excited about this kid, then I’m not sure what it’ll take to get you excited.

Continue reading to see what GMs had to say about Mike Brown, Matthew Dellavedova, and De’Aaron Fox — just click the ‘NEXT’ button above!