5 Moves by Kings GM McNair that finally flipped the franchise

Moves by Kings McNair that finally flipped the Franchise: Staying put and drafting Keegan Murray

Going into the 2022 NBA Draft there was plenty of speculation at the top of the lottery. Not just regarding the first overall pick, where Paolo Banchero went first overall after weeks of it seeming like a lock he would not be taken by the Orlando Magic.

Speculation trickled down to the Kings pick at fourth overall. It was well known the team was high on Keegan Murray. The big speculation came with the option of Jaden Ivey, who was considered the fourth-best prospect by many draft experts.

The Kings didn’t need to add another point guard due to the presence of Fox and Mitchell but they had shown the willingness to draft the best available even if it didn’t fit a need under the McNair leadership.

Many began assuming they would listen to offers for the pick. They likely did, as should always be the case. Ultimately, the Kings took their guy even if those outside the building saw higher upside players that were younger on the board.

The fit has been nearly perfect in his rookie season. Murray is a great fit playing off the ball next to the team’s two all-0star caliber talents. He also has the mentorship of a veteran that has won an NBA championship in Harrison Barnes.

After not starting the first few games this season, Murray has become a fixture in the starting unit and is one of the key reasons the Kings are shooting the ball so well and scoring so effectively.