Every year, there are a few young players - usually those who experienced success as a rook - who are just too dominant for Summer League the following year.
Yeah…rising Sacramento Kings sophomore Keegan Murray definitely falls into that category. A full-time starter on a Kings team that reached the playoffs for the 1st time in 17 seasons (last year), Murray has used this summer to get more comfortable as a marquee option offensively - it’s paid off BIG TIME.
Last night v. Miami, Murray poured in 41! points, on 20! shot attempts, with 6 triples & 5 boards. His heightened aggression is an excellent sign for SAC - Murray seems fully prepared to take a leap in Year 2, taking pressure from All-Stars De’Aaron Fox & Domantas Sabonis in the process.
While he might not play much longer once the Vegas edition of Summer League kicks off tomorrow night, Murray’s already proven a ton: is this the unofficial dawn of a new Big 3 in SacTown?
If Keegan can reach the 15-18 point range next season, it’s time to start looking at Sacramento as a legit contender to come out of the West in 2024.