The Sacramento Kings Prepare for Season Without Keegan Murray
The Sacramento Kings are gearing up for the start of their season but will do so without the services of forward Keegan Murray. During a pre-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, Murray sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb, a situation confirmed by the team on Sunday.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Following this injury, he is scheduled to undergo surgery shortly, with a recovery timeline of four to six weeks before a follow-up evaluation takes place. If his recovery takes the full six weeks, Murray’s possible return could coincide with a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 24, which would mark the Kings’ 18th game of the 2023-2024 season.
Murray’s Impact and Contract Situation
Last season, Murray, who was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 12.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, showcasing his value on the court. His durability has also been noteworthy as he has only missed 13 games due to injuries throughout his career. This season marks the final year of his four-year, $36.3 million contract, and he is eligible for an extension this month; failure to secure a deal could see him enter restricted free agency next summer.
Team Dynamics and Coaching Changes
Murray has proven to be an integral part of the Kings’ lineup, contributing to their aspirations of reaching the playoffs for only the second time in twenty years. The Kings finished last season with a record of 40-42, which led to the dismissal of head coach Mike Brown. Doug Christie, who was initially appointed as the interim coach, has since been given the head coach position permanently.
Filling the Gap in the Lineup
As the Kings approach their season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 22, the task of filling Murray’s spot in the starting lineup emerges as a pressing concern. Recently, Christie has been evaluating rookie Maxime Raynaud, who was drafted 42nd overall this year after a strong performance at Stanford, where he averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
Christie mentioned, “In our league, two bigs are becoming more common, and that’s something to consider. Max had a good showing, and the preseason is an opportune time for him to gain experience. We have a few other options we’ll test out as well.”
With these developments, the Kings will need to navigate the early part of their season strategically to compensate for Murray’s absence while aiming to secure their place in the playoffs.
