Plunging shooting percentages and recurring injuries have stalled Keegan Murray’s All-Star trajectory, forcing Sacramento to re-evaluate whether their high-priced wing is a franchise cornerstone or a specialist.
Keegan Murray has steadily declined over the last three seasons, lowering the expectations many set for him early in his career.
It seems he's lost his three-point stroke after breaking the then-single-season record for made threes by a rookie (206). Murray shot a blistering 41.1% on 6.3 attempts, and it fell to a career-low 27.7% on 4.9 attempts last season.
A multitude of injuries limited him to 23 games, 54 fewer than his average of 77 games played per season. While he lost the opportunity to increase his averages, it's a concerning sign to see his strength transform into a weakness.
That has changed Matt George's expectations for his career. George, the host of "The Matt and Kayla Show," said his All-Star trajectory has faded.
"What's changed with Keegan is when he came into the league, we were hoping he had more of an offensive bag than he has," George said on Monday's episode.
Murray has had success as a catch-and-shoot wing for Sacramento. Off-ball movement, fast-break trailing threes; that's what he brings when he's on the court.
Fans held on to his 41-point performance in the summer league, hoping he could expand his arsenal. Murray had real on-ball reps, navigating the pick-and-roll, getting to the mid-range and even creating separation with an on-ball stepback three.
However, that didn't translate consistently in the regular season. He was the No. 1 option in the summer, but became a third option behind De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
George said he also saw Murray develop into a solid rebounder and defender, which he didn't see much of at Iowa.
"He's grown and developed into the player that he is, which again, I think is worth $25 million this year, which is a high-level starter on a good team," George said. "But the rest? That ship has sailed."
The expectations around Murray may have changed, but he could still be the Kings' X-factor to success next season. ESPN projected the team to win 19 games, three fewer than it did last season.
Media outlets could be downplaying the roster entering the season healthy, which could help them win games early. Sacramento spent a majority of the season without Zach LaVine, Sabonis and Murray due to injuries.
All of its top players are returning healthy, and Murray is part of that equation. His five-year, $140 million contract has kicked in this offseason, paying him $28 million annually.
The Kings will need his shooting and defense to regain the success they once had in 2023.
