Kings forward Keegan Murray has been named the Most Valuable Player of the 2022 Las Vegas Summer League, according to an announcement from the NBA (Twitter link).
Murray, the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, averaged 23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in his four Summer League games. He also made 50% of his shots from the field and knocked down 40% of his 8.8 three-point attempts per contest.
It was a terrific start for a rookie who figures to play a major role for a Kings team that badly wants to end its 16-year playoff drought. The first player selected after the consensus top three prospects were off the board, Murray was rated behind No. 5 pick Jaden Ivey on some experts’ draft boards, so the two youngsters will likely be measured against one another for at least the first year or two of their professional careers.
Murray looks like he’ll be an excellent fit on a Kings roster led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, two talented scorers who aren’t elite defenders or reliable outside shooters. The former Iowa standout is capable of stretching the floor and handling a variety of defensive assignments, so he’ll presumably see plenty of action alongside Sacramento’s two stars.
Tari Eason (Rockets), Quentin Grimes (Knicks), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Bucks), and Cam Thomas (Nets) joined Murray on the All-Summer League First Team, according to the league (Twitter links). Thomas and another King, Davion Mitchell, shared the Summer League MVP award in 2021.
This year’s All-Summer League Second Team is made up of Santi Aldama (Grizzlies), Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers), Marko Simonovic (Bulls), Trendon Watford (Trail Blazers), and Lindell Wigginton (Bucks).
Take that Jaden ivy
Huh? You’re that bored that you have to create an imaginary rivalry between 2 guys most likely hoping for each others success? Lol
Nice he’s good so I’m sure the kings will trade him for the ghost of Tim Duncan
Assuredly the most important award in sports.
Watched Grimes a bit in the Orlando game – looked realllll good.
Nice showing for Marko. Thinking a start in the G League to get regular minutes will be his best route. Hope to see him up after Christmas and staying. Dude’s got loads of potential, just need to put it all together.
Hm, so the only guy who’s either not on a real contract or not under contract period is Lindell Wigginton. Ngl, I’d kinda like to see them cut George Hill to keep Wigginton on a real contract, or sign him to a two-way again and convert Sandro Mamukelashvili to a standard contract while still cutting Hill.
You’re just making up names
Hill is toast
I watched Mamu thru four years at Seton Hall. Heckuva passer and 3pt shooter.
Murray looks good. Smith ex player and analyst now. Said some good things about him. That I agree with.
“He’s more a three than a 4. He’s more athletic than he showed in college.”
Makes him a big 3. With his shot he has a nice future imo. Fits right in on Kings team.
I guess Barnes is available now. Still only 30 yrs old. He can definitely help a contender.