Despite persistent rumors that they might trade the selection, the Kings kept the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and used it on Iowa forward Keegan Murray.
The Kings surprised many experts and pundits by taking Murray at No. 4 over Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, who went to the Detroit Pistons with the next pick.
Murray joins a Kings roster that features De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Davion Mitchell, Harrison Barnes, Richaun Holmes and Donte DiVincenzo.
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The 6-foot-8 big man averaged 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 35 games for the Hawkeyes last season and was named a first-time All-American. As a sophomore, he shot 55.4 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from 3-point range.
With their backcourt set, the Kings added frontcourt help in Murray. But Murray's ability to shoot from the perimeter gives Sacramento the ability to stretch the floor.
Murray comes with a defensive pedigree which should fit well with new Kings head coach Mike Brown, who was in charge of the Warriors' defense the last few years while serving as assistant coach.
Vivek Ranadive likely is thrilled with the selection of Murray, as The Athletic's Zach Harper reported this week that the Kings' owner is a "big fan" of the 21-year-old.
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Here's how ESPN's Jonathan Givony reacted to the Kings drafting Murray:
"Murray was the most productive player in college basketball, becoming the first player since Glen Rice in 1989 to average over 23 points per game, shooting over 60% from 2 and 39% from 3. He also fits a position and role every NBA team is looking for as a big wing who can operate as an ultra-versatile power forward or slide up as a small-ball center, which he did with great success at Iowa. Jumbo lineups with Murray at small forward are also a distinct possibility in the NBA, as he shows the ability to cover ground effectively in space, was often utilized at the top of Iowa's press and shows strong instincts as a shot-blocker as well."
The first glimpse of Murray on the court for the Kings could come during NBA Summer League action in July.