Selected in 23rd position in the last Draft, between Scoot Henderson (3rd choice) and Rayan Rupert (43rd choice), can Kris Murray be a “stealer” in this 2023 vintage?
The twin brother of Keegan Murray, the Kings winger, is also grateful for the work done by his brother, who paved the way for him. But he is now eager to be able to face him on the floors of the Great League.
Constant progress
“There was a possibility of playing with him [avec Sacramento, qui avait le 24e choixn juste après] but it’s already a very good opportunity to be able to play on the West Coast”, he confides on local TV, KCRG. ” We’ll be able to play against each other more often, that’s what’s going to be the most fun. May the best win ! »
For his part, Keegan Murray will be able to watch over his first steps and distill his wise advice: “We were teammates for a long time and we knew it would end with my Draft. He has a good situation in Portland, I can’t wait to see what happens. »
Drafted in 23rd before his 23rd birthday (next August), Kris Murray is “an old rookie”. A player who has already studied at university. Under the orders of Fran McCaffery who allowed him to develop at his own pace.
“He really focused on my progress from year to year,” adds Kris Murray in The Oregonian. “I think I did that from my freshman season to my sophomore season, then from my sophomore season to my junior year. For me, it was really about working on my game and developing my qualities. And then to have an opportunity to show what I can do last year. »
He meets Damian Lillard from a camp last summer
From 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in the shadow of his twin to 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds last season with Iowa, Kris Murray can be an interesting element in addition to Damian Lillard with his outside shot.
Better yet, the two men already know each other, through a camp organized last summer by the Blazers star. Organized to give a chance to players whom Damian Lillard considers “underrated but fighters”, this camp was like a click for Kris Murray, who had a very good season in stride.
“I know he had twins too, so we have that in common too. »
Arrived older in the NBA, after having had a longer career in university, just like Damian Lillard in the end, Kris Murray intends to assert his leadership despite his rookie status.
“I can definitely contribute from my experience. I’m a little older [que la moyenne]. I saw him with Keegan last year. I have experience and I can lead by example. Using my voice too, which I started doing last year and that helped me too. »
