3. Keegan Murray steps into the role of the Kings’ third star
Malik Monk might not be an All-Star or All-NBA player, but he is the Kings’ third star right now. All season long, he has been one of the three best players on the team in terms of scoring, playmaking, and impacting winning.
Losing him is a huge blow not just because of what he brings off the bench but also because it takes away that third option. Either De’Aaron Fox will have to elevate his game and play at a true superstar level like he did to start this season, or someone will have to step up and fill Monk’s role.
Keon Ellis, Davion Mitchell, and Harrison Barnes all need to step up their game, but the Kings cannot expect any of them to suddenly turn into a consistent third option the way Monk has played all season long.
They do have someone on the roster the front office believes to be a star in the making, however. When the Kings were looking to add a third All-Star earlier this season, they refused to give up Keegan Murray. Now is his chance to step up and prove that he can be that third All-Star the Kings have been looking for.
This would be a best-case scenario for the Kings now, as it would really help them survive this final stretch of the season without two key players. It would also be great for the team’s future, however. The quicker Murray develops, the sooner the Kings will improve their chances to compete in the West.