Like the Beam Team, Keegan Murray is just getting started.
It’s uncommon for a rookie to enter the NBA and immediately make an impact on a Playoff-contending team, but Keegan Murray isn’t your average first-year player.
After finishing his initial campaign on the 2023 NBA All-Rookie First Team, it’s safe to say the 22-year-old wing delivered on the hopes of the Sacramento Kings front office when they selected Murray with No. 4 pick in 2022.
“I believe [Keegan] was the most winning impact rookie on the court this year,” Kings General Manager Monte McNair said following Sacramento’s 2023 postseason. “To come in and know what we need, defend multiple positions, hit shots, cut to the basket, play off our veterans, I thought it was a fantastic year for him.”
Given how the rookie closed out his first taste of the playoffs, averaging 14.5 points on 50.5 percent from three in the final four games against the Golden State Warriors, it’s evident the University of Iowa product’s rise has just begun.
"It's probably one of the best starting points I could've had,” Murray said following the season. “I feel incredibly blessed to be picked by them at four. I feel like I’ve been put in the best situation possible.”
Through all the learning that comes with being a first-year NBA player, Murray was able to look at fellow forward and Iowan Harrison Barnes.
“[Harrison] has been a big figure not only in Sacramento but in the state of Iowa, a guy I knew I could just look at and try to resemble him as best I can,” Murray said in his exit interview. “Just the day-to-day stuff he does and routines he does, I feel like that just kind of helped me become a better player this year.”
Acclimating to the ebbs and flows customary for an inagural NBA season, Murray not only led all rookies in 3-point percentage (41.1 percent), but finished just one spot outside the Top 20 for 3-point shooters in the league, while showing promise on the defensive end as well, guarding multiple positons and often the best wing on the opposing team.
“It was just a matter of [Keegan] getting comfortable, and he did it,” Kings Head Coach Mike Brown said following the team’s playoff run. “He showed he’s more than capable, and I’m excited. I'm thrilled to see him come back next year because he's got a chance to really take off."
With a full offseason ahead of him and a year of experience under his belt, the team's young forward is already focused on building upon the strong foundation he’s established in the 916.
“There’s not one specific area I feel like I’m established,” Murray said. “I know I have a lot of areas in the game of basketball I need to get better at and where I can better myself. For me, it’s just looking at statistics, film, and other things like that to break down what I need to work on. I know it will be a big offseason for me.”
Murray not only proved he’s ready for the bright lights of the NBA, he showed he belongs, and with his work ethic, average is the furthest thing from what his future holds.