An injury-plagued season for Keegan Murray will continue, as the Kings forward has been diagnosed with a moderate sprain after undergoing an MRI on his injured left ankle, reports James Ham of The Kings Beat (Twitter link). According to Ham, Murray will be reevaluated in approximately three or four weeks.
The Kings have formally confirmed the diagnosis and the timeline for the injury, which occurred in the third quarter of Sunday’s matchup with Milwaukee.
It will be the third multi-game injury absence this season for Murray, whose fall debut was delayed after he underwent surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb in mid-October. The fourth-year forward returned about a month into the season, then missed a couple games in December due to a mild calf strain.
Murray, 25, has appeared in a total of 19 contests so far this season for the Kings, averaging 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 35.9 minutes per game, with a shooting line of .429/.272/.789. The former No. 4 overall pick signed a five-year, $140MM rookie scale extension that will go into effect this July and is considered one of the few building blocks whose long-term spot on Sacramento’s roster is secure.
During Murray’s recent two-game absence, Keon Ellis entered the starting lineup in his place, while Doug McDermott saw rotation minutes. Rookie Nique Clifford is among the other Kings who could play larger roles with Murray on the shelf.
For what it’s worth, Murray and center Drew Eubanks both recently returned from injuries earlier than the recovery timelines provided by the Kings suggested they would, so it’s possible Murray will be back before the end of January. Still, his absence will be another obstacle to overcome for an 8-28 Sacramento team that looks headed for a high-lottery finish.
Keegan Murray has been pretty disappointing after his rookie season, I am sure playing for a discombobulated team doesn’t help but I had higher expectations for him regardless
He came in as an old rookie so he had a limited ceiling.
He regressed though
Now it looks for sure he will not be traded.
I hate to say it, but Kings should blow it up and get as many picks as possible. Westbrook can be the leader through the first couple of years.
Trade Sabonis, Lavine, DeRozan, Keegan Murray, Raynaud, everyone.
Sign serviceable veterans to teach young guys how to play and prepare properly, like Mason Plumlee.
There’s no point in continuing this. The ascending Light the Beam team exploded when Fox demanded a trade.
I would retain Christie, that kind of mentality is good for developing players. Him, Westbrook and the veterans I mentioned have the competitive fire that would be good to instill young players.
They just drafted Raynaud, he isn’t someone you trade but someone you keep as a piece to build with. The others yes but only Sabonis has value, but he is a 3rd option on title level teams and not a defender.
Lavine has player option not getting many picks for him.
Derozan is 36 and has 2 years, not getting picks as most vet heavy teams already gave those up.
Keegan just got a new contract so he is hard to move, a team would need to value him at that price and he is a 4th option a Cam Johnson type.
Monk they couldn’t move in off season
Ellis has value but a team will need to get extension done, not getting anything as a rental.
If you can get 5 first round picks for all the players I mentioned combined, pull the trigger.
Sabonis should net at the very least two, if not three.
Lavine getting a protected first is not outwordly impossible, especially if taking back a multiyear contract.
Keegan should have a good stretch of play and be moved for two protected picks and a bad contract, or a lightly protected first and salary.
Monk can fetch a 2nd,
Ellis can fetch a protected first.
Pack Raynaud and something else for two mid to late first (both late is good also).
There you have like six.
Even for 5 I’m pulling the trigger.
I forgot Schroeder, obviously, you send him somewhere along something else for a pick.
Buddy… the entire roster isn’t worth 5 1sts. You’re day dreaming. They will be lucky if they can get 2 firsts that aren’t protected so heavily that they either become 2nds or just don’t convey.
The darkest times have only just started. It gets a whole lot worse before it can get better. Something they need to embrace.