Sacramento Kings’ Keegan Murray draws comparisons to NBA superstar
By Logan Struck
Amid the 2023 California Classic Summer League, a breakout star has emerged on the scene. Following a solid rookie season, Sacramento Kings’ Keegan Murray has caught the attention of fans and coaches. While it was a question of whether Murray would play in the Summer League, he has proven why he was given the chance to be a leader on this young squad.
Keegan Murray embraces the opportunity to play in Summer League (via @SacramentoKings | Twitter):
"“Playing in the playoffs, starting as a rookie, it’s easy for me to just say ‘no’ and just carry on with my summer, but we just want to establish, as an organization, being able to play in Summer League and look at it as a good thing.”"
The Sacramento Kings are lucky to have a second-year player playing at such a high level, as we witnessed in their first California Classic Summer League game on Monday night. In a victory over the Golden State Warriors, Keegan Murray had 29 points while becoming a leader for this group of young guys.
Keegan Murray is drawing comparisons to Clippers’ star Kawhi Leonard.
Keegan Murray had an outstanding rookie season. Breaking the NBA record for most three-pointers in a season by a rookie while making NBA All-Rookie First Team, Murray is proven to be at the top of his 2022 NBA Draft class. Even with this fantastic first year, Keegan Murray is getting better.
Sacramento Kings assistant coach and Summer League head coach Luke Loucks had high praise for Murray, as scouts compare him to Kawhi Leonard following a dominant performance in a scrimmage (via @SacramentoKings | Twitter):
"“One of the scouts pulled me aside and was like ‘the closest I’ve seen to what I just saw was Kawhi [Leonard] in year two. It wasn’t like Keegan is Kawhi or Kawhi is Keegan, but the step from rookie season… holy smokes this guy could be exceptional.'”"
Keegan Murray was the 4th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft because of the potential the Sacramento Kings saw in him. Luke Loucks explained the importance of Murray’s development as he stretches his offense from a catch-and-shoot threat to a playmaker and shot-creator. This development helps Murray’s game and extends the ability of the Kings’ offense around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
The development of Keegan Murray could mold the Kings into a championship contender, as Sacramento seems to have a rising star on their hands.
