Keegan Murray returns to on-court drills, offering hope as the Kings endure a historic losing streak. Will this boost the team or fuel their tank?
The Sacramento Kings have been missing their versatile wing Keegan Murray for the duration of their horrific 9-game losing streak, and his continued absence might lead to the franchise breaking into historic territory in the 'loss' column.
Murray has been sidelined since Jan. 4 after suffering a moderate ankle sprain against the Milwaukee Bucks, an ailment that warranted an original recovery period of 3-4 weeks, according to the team.
Though Murray's eventual return may not lead the group to new heights or to a unexpected Play-In Tournament appearance for a third consecutive season, he'll provide hope for the future for plenty of Kings fans after taking the floor alongside his newest teammate, De'Andre Hunter.
Fortunately, a statement from the Kings shared on X by beat reporter James Ham has indicated that the newly created pair of two-way wings could share the floor soon.
"Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is progressing in his rehabilitation of a moderate left ankle sprain," the team announced Tuesday.
"Murray has been approved for on-court activities. He will be reevaluated in two weeks."
Another two weeks must pass at a minimum for the Kings' medical staff to determine whether Murray is ready to play, giving the team a real chance to get close to matching their longest losing streak of the Sacramento era (12 games).
He may not yet be ready to suit up in NBA games for the Kings, but Murray's return to practice as an on-court participant is a fantastic sign for a group aiming to end an utterly embarrassing skid. Then again, their front office might not want to mess with their tanking agenda upon his return.
Still, it will be interesting to view how he'll mesh with the Kings' recent trade acquisition and for those in the NBA media sphere to judge whether or not the pair are compatible as a future pairing.
In just 19 games with the Kings prior to suffering his injury, Murray contributed 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks on a worrisome, career-worst 47.7% effective field goal percentage, but the 25-year-old's previous stints of excellent efficiency can ease those concerns.
The beginning of his fourth season in a Kings uniform was disrupted for a long stretch, but now he'll get the opportunity to ramp things back up in practice as a full-contact participant.
At least he'll have some added motivation to return as soon as possible, as the ex-Cavs forward Hunter will be waiting in (or on, in this case) the wings.
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