The Sacramento Kings’ season hasn’t unfolded the way many hoped it would, but there is still more to learn over these final six weeks.
One of the biggest things to watch over the final games of the season will be the play of Keegan Murray, who is still looking to find stability in his role on a Kings team that looks a lot different than it did when he entered the league.
NBC Sports California’s Kayte Christensen joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share her thoughts on Murray’s play, calling him a focal point of the franchise moving forward.
“You know, Keegan is certainly like a centerpiece of the franchise,” Christensen said. “With veterans like Russ [Westbrook] and Damar [DeRozan], it’s hard to say exactly what the future holds, but this is a team that’s building around young guys — and Keegan is one of them.”
Keegan Murray, who was the fourth overall pick out of Iowa in 2022, came into the league as a movement shooter and catch-and-shoot specialist, breaking the rookie record for threes made.
Over time, Murray has expanded his game — developing pull-up jumpers, a mid-range presence, and, above all, defensive versatility. But as Christensen noted, consistency has been the challenge.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Does Keegan Murray have All-Star potential?
“Sometimes he’ll have one really good quarter, or he’ll get subbed out, and then when he comes back in, he won’t have a shot,” she said. “That’s something I’d like to see change. I want to see him featured more offensively.
“Doug wants to see him get the rebound, take it in transition, lead the break, and be dominant there,” she said. “In that Orlando game, we saw a lot of it, but he struggled in that component — turnovers, rushed decisions. That’s exactly the kind of growth he needs.”
Over just 22 games this season, Keegan Murray is averaging 14.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 42/27/76 shooting splits. Murray’s shooting numbers have been concerning over the past few seasons, but that hasn’t affected Christensen’s view of the forward’s ceiling.
“I said it at the beginning of his second season, and I’ll say it again: Keegan Murray is going to be an All-Star in this league. He’s a two-way player. His size and versatility on defense give him that upside. But to get there, he needs these reps — in real games, as the primary option.”
With roughly 25 games left, the Kings have the perfect chance to put Keegan Murray in those uncomfortable positions, Christensen said.
“Seeing him take on more responsibility offensively — even if it’s messy at first — is only going to benefit this team moving forward.”
Check out the full interview with NBC Sports California‘s Kayte Christensen by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will continue a five-game road trip on Thursday afternoon against the Dallas Mavericks.
Sacramento is 1-1 against Dallas this season, losing the most recent matchup between the two teams by a final of 100-98 at Golden 1 Center on January 6th.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 4:00 PM PT on Game Night before a 5:30 pm PT tip-off from downtown Dallas.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Thursday, February 26th @ Dallas Mavericks – 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 1st @ Los Angeles Lakers – 6:30 PM PT
Tuesday, March 3rd vs. Phoenix Suns – 8:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 5th vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 8th vs. Chicago Bulls – 6:00 PM PT
Thank you for readingSactownSports.com. Follow us onTwitterandGoogle News, and subscribe to ourYouTubechannel.