In the second preseason game, Keegan Murray left after 16 minutes with a thumb injury. While it was initially hoped it was a cautionary move, the injury is actually quite severe. While this is terrible news for Murray and the Kings, it does present an opportunity for the team's rookies.
When Murray left the court, there was hope that it was just a strain or a sprain of some kind. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a UCL tear that will keep him out for four to six weeks, depending on how long recovery and rehabilitation take. It's not the best news for Murray.
This means he will miss the rest of the preseason as well as the first few weeks of the regular season. Many fans were hoping this would finally be Murray's breakout year. This injury has definitely put the brakes on that, leaving the next phase of his career on hold until he returns.
Murray's injury is obviously not a good thing for him or the Kings. Keegan is one of their starters, meaning that decisions need to be made about the rotation. That being said, there is an opportunity here to give the rookies a larger role on the floor.
The Kings must look on the bright side of life
With Keegan Murray on the bench, the starting lineup will shift to include Keon Ellis at shooting guard. The rest of the starters will shift to cover the other gaps. This is a chance for Ellis to get some time on the court as a starter and find a more defined place on the roster.
At the same time, this also means that the rest of the benchers can also get increased minutes. While it might not lead to a permanent spot in the rotation, it will help these players make their case as to why they deserve to remain on that roster. There are cuts coming before the regular season.
The biggest opportunity here is to get the rookies on the court more. Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Dylan Cardwell have impressed everyone with their play so far. Murray's injury is tragic, but it does give them more time to find their rhythm and increase their confidence.
The Kings need to avoid treating this as a setback and turn it into an opportunity to strengthen their depth. When Murray is ready to return, the Kings will be waiting with a greatly improved squad of rookies to work with him.