Has Kings’ Murray Reached His Ceiling in 5th Season?

Keegan Murray enters his fifth season with the Sacramento Kings and the first year of his rookie contract extension, but his growth has stagnated.

His career trajectory looked promising in his rookie season. From scoring 40 points in the summer league to breaking Donovan Mitchell's single-season three-pointers made record, Murray had a bright future.

Sacramento nailed its 2022 first-round pick, but he's regressed every season. He went from a 41% three-point shooter to 35.8% as a sophomore, and shot 27.7% last season.

A torn UCL in his left thumb and lingering ankle issues limited him to 23 games, adding context to a career-worst year.

That raises the question of whether he's reached his ceiling heading into his fifth year. Sactown Sports' Kenny Caraway believes that, but his conclusion isn't inherently negative.

"There's no more levels," Caraway said on Tuesday's "Drive Guys" episode. "He's at the ceiling. He is who he is."

If Murray's ceiling is a quality starter who can average 13 to 15 points, shoot league-average from three and be a versatile defender, then he has a long career ahead of him.

He can help turn Sacramento's defensive woes around on the perimeter. His 6-foot-8, 225-pound frame helps him match up against bigger wings, and Murray has the lateral quickness to guard crafty scorers.

Murray averaged 1.6 blocks in 23 games last season, a promising defensive sign for the 26-year-old. He's a disciplined defender -- staying vertical and timing his blocks when the ball handler initiates contact.

On offense, the fifth-year forward can still catch fire from beyond the arc, albeit a much more streaky shooter at this point in his career. Murray recorded four games with five or more made threes in the 2024-25 season, including a season-high nine against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 25, 2025.

He's one X-factor in the Kings' success this season. A healthy Murray adds a versatile defender and reliable floor spacer to the starting lineup, balancing a lineup that's favored offense over the last several seasons.

Sacramento did not play Murray (undisclosed) in Monday's preseason loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He'll likely play during the preseason, as no reports have surfaced concerning a serious injury for the 26-year-old.

These preseason matches are the best for him to reacclimate to five-on-five play and regain his wind before the regular season begins.

Murray may not become a bona fide No. 1 or No. 2 option, leading an offense when stars are injured or rested, but he's still a reliable two-way wing, an archetype that the NBA has placed a premium on in this era.