After an all-time performance from Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings Summer League head coach Luke Loucks announced that Murray would be shut down for the rest of the Summer League. While Keegan Murray has been the top performer in the Summer League thus far, it was only a matter of time before the Kings would stop risking injury.
The 22-year-old forward is entering his second year in the league, and after starting 85 of 87 games played as a rookie, Murray is expected to make a huge sophomore leap. His development has shown in his two Summer League games, as he started receiving comparisons to NBA superstars like Kawhi Leonard.
Keegan Murray over-performed in the California Classic Summer League, so as the team travels to Las Vegas, who is expected to step up in his absence? Here are three players we expect to take the reigns of this young Summer Kings squad:
1. Kessler Edwards
The most experienced player on the roster is Kessler Edwards, as he enters his third season in the NBA. The 22-year-old forward has played 84 career NBA games, averaging 4.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.
As a 6’8″ wing, Edwards’ defense has been impressive, getting four steals in their first California Classic Summer League game against the Warriors. In this game, he tacked on 10 points and 4 rebounds (all offensive rebounds) but shot an inefficient 5-14 from the field and 0-7 from deep.
While he was unable to knock down shots, Edwards still had an impressive game. He seemed to be everywhere on defense and did an exceptional job crashing the boards.
In the second game against the Heat, Edwards had 6 points, 3 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal but still struggled on offense. Kessler Edwards will need to step up on offense if he wants to take the reigns of this young team, which he should strive for, being the most experienced player on the court.
2. Colby Jones
The 21-year-old rookie, Colby Jones, quietly had an impressive two-game stretch in the California Classic Summer League. In the first game against the Warriors, Jones had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 5-11 from the field. Being that it was his first career NBA game, Colby Jones performed better than expected.
Colby Jones followed up his solid debut with another impressive performance against the Heat with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals while shooting 4-6 from the field.
The rookie has seemed comfortable on the court, especially for a rookie who just sat through 33 names being called before his in the NBA Draft two weeks ago.
While coming off the bench in both California Classic Summer League games, we can expect Colby Jones to be named a starter in Keegan Murray’s absence. Jones has proven himself on both ends of the court, as he has been an active defender with an efficient offensive game.
Colby Jones came into the league not expected to be a game-changer, but that is exactly what he could become if he takes control of this Kings Summer League squad. In his junior year at Xavier, Jones showed he creates with the ball in his hands, so we could see him get the opportunity to be more of a playmaker in Las Vegas.
3. Keon Ellis
Keon Ellis, a 23-year-old guard, is entering his second season in the NBA after going undrafted in 2022. The Sacramento Kings recently signed him to a two-way contract, as they believe he is worth keeping on the roster.
The 6’5″ guard was the most impressive defender for the Kings in the California Classic Summer League games, as he came into the league as a defensive specialist.
While Keon Ellis has been impressive on defense, his offense has been inconsistent. Ellis is an aggressive player on both sides of the ball and has shown flashes of elite two-way play in the G League last season averaging 16.8 points and 1.6 steals per game on impressive 51/44/78 shooting splits.
If Keon Ellis can have the same impact in the Summer League as he did for the Stockton Kings, he could be the breakout player needed for this young squad. Keon Ellis could become the go-to guy as Sacramento heads to Las Vegas.
Keon Ellis is already trying to mold himself into the leader of this young Summer League team, as he has said (via @SacramentoKings | Twitter):
"“[I’m] really trying to point guys in the right direction… and be a leader.”"
With Keegan Murray having to adjust to being an off-the-court leader, Sacramento needs someone to step up and be a leader on the court. Keon Ellis is expected to step up as a player and a leader in Las Vegas.
3 Biggest standouts at 2023 California Classic Summer League
The 2023 NBA California Classic Summer League has concluded, as there was a wonderful amount of young talent on display during this 6-game slate.