Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray has been cleared from the league’s health and safety protocol, but he will not play in the season opener on Wednesday versus the Portland Trail Blazers, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320.
Murray missed the final two games of the preseason due to what the Kings called a non-COVID illness. He was placed into the health and safety protocol on Friday and was unable to participate with the team in practice.
Kings head coach Mike Brown said this week he would want Murray to participate in at least one practice before returning to game action. He was with the team during shootaround on Wednesday and should be on track to play on Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Murray had a great preseason run with the Kings over his two appearances, 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 total 3s on 10 attempts.
The fourth pick figures to play a large role with the Kings this season, and could even start at some point. Brown has been 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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