What’s Wrong with Keegan Murray Lately?
Keegan Murray entered his third NBA season with high expectations, poised to build on the promise he displayed in his first two years as a critical piece of the Sacramento Kings’ future. However, the start of this season has been far from smooth, as Murray has struggled to find his rhythm on the court. His shooting percentages have dipped, his offensive impact has been inconsistent, and questions have emerged about what’s behind his early-season slump. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors contributing to Murray’s struggles, explore how they affect the Kings’ performance, and consider what adjustments he can make to regain his footing as the season progresses.
One significant shift in Keegan Murray’s role this season has been his increased responsibilities on the defensive end. The Kings have tasked Murray with guarding the opposition’s best player most nights, a challenge he has embraced with remarkable effort and effectiveness. Additionally, his focus on rebounding has helped solidify Sacramento’s presence on the boards, giving the team an edge in critical moments. These expanded duties have undeniably positively impacted the Kings’ overall defense, an area they’ve needed to improve. However, this heavy defensive workload may also be taking a toll on Murray’s offensive game. His energy on chasing elite scorers and battling in the paint could leave him with less in the tank when creating and converting scoring opportunities. This could explain his shooting struggles and lack of offensive rhythm early in the season.
Offensively, Keegan Murray’s struggles are amplified by the opportunities created for him within the Kings’ system. With stars like De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan drawing significant defensive attention, it becomes Murray’s responsibility to capitalize on the open looks and spacing their presence generates. Whether confidently shooting open threes or creating plays for others, Murray has yet to assert himself in these moments consistently. This passivity was particularly glaring when Sabonis, DeRozan, and Malik Monk missed time in games where Murray needed to step up offensively. Instead, he hesitated, played without aggression, and often looked uncertain, resulting in a lack of impact when his team needed him most. For Murray to reach his potential and for the Kings to maximize their offensive efficiency, he and the coaching staff must work collaboratively to instill confidence and ensure he seizes these opportunities with greater force and purpose.
The Sacramento Kings have invested significantly in Keegan Murray, envisioning him as a cornerstone of their future. His defensive versatility and rebounding have already proven valuable, but for the Kings to reach their full potential, Murray must rediscover his confidence on the offensive end. Whether stepping into open shots with conviction or attacking the defense when opportunities arise, his aggression and scoring ability are critical to complement the stars around him. The season is still young, and Murray has plenty of time to turn things around. Still, the sooner he regains his offensive rhythm, the better it will be for both him and the Kings as they look to build on last year’s success and solidify themselves as contenders in the Western Conference.
