Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray was placed in the health and safety protocol over the weekend and could miss the start of the season, according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.
Murray missed the final two games of the preseason due to what the Kings called a non-COVID illness. He practiced with the team on Thursday but was ruled out of playing in their finale on Friday versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
The fourth pick entered the health and safety protocol on Friday, leaving his status for the season opener on Wednesday in question. He will be reevaluated daily and could be cleared to play in that contest against the Portland Trail Blazers.
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Murray had a great preseason run with the Kings over his first two games, averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, two steals and one assist on 70% shooting from 3-point range. He scored 16 points in each game and drained seven 3s on 10 attempts.
The 22-year-old figures to play a large role with the Kings this season, and could even start at some point. Kings head coach Mike Brown was non-committal as to who would start at the power forward position but Murray projects to be in the running.
Murray has performed at a high level in each game to this point between the summer league and the preseason. He looks poised for a strong rookie campaign and will be among the players expected to help the Kings snap their 16-year playoff drought this year.
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