Tag: Kris Murray

ESPN calls for a Murray twins reunion in latest 2023 NBA mock draft

The Keegan and Kris Murray duo worked quite well for the Hawkeyes. Why not run it back? ESPN reunites the twins in their NBA mock draft.

The Murray twins worked out pretty well for the Iowa Hawkeyes during their overlapping tenure donning the black and gold. What about running it back and pairing the duo together once again at the NBA level?

ESPN’s latest 2023 NBA mock draft seems to think a reunion of current Sacramento King Keegan Murray and his draft-hopeful twin brother Kris Murray could be in order.

Murray could certainly come off the board earlier than this, with the Warriors looking like a potential landing spot and his skillset easy to plug and play on most rosters. The Kings, who struck gold drafting his twin brother Keegan Murray last year, will likely think long and hard about reuniting the Murrays should Kris fall all the way to their spot here. Kris isn’t a flashy player by any means, but he has the type of 3-and-D framework that should age well and give him a pathway to a long NBA career. – Jeremy Woo, ESPN

Kris Murray finished last season averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and two assists per game as a member of the Hawkeyes. He shot 47.3% from the field to go with 34.8% from three and 69.9% from the charity stripe.

His twin brother Keegan Murray had a strong rookie year for the Sacramento Kings. He averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in 29.8 minutes per game. He shot 45.3% from the field paired with 41.1% from three and a consistent 76.5% from the free throw line.

With the NBA draft rapidly approaching on Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m. CT, a potential reunion could occur soon.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

Iowa’s Kris Murray is perfect NBA Draft trade-up target for Bulls

Iowa forward Kris Murray is the perfect trade-up candidate for the Chicago Bulls in the 2023 NBA Draft.

As things stand, the Chicago Bulls don’t have a pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Their first-round pick was conveyed to the Orlando Magic by way of the Nikola Vucevic trade, and their second-rounder was stripped of them by the NBA, as it was concluded that they broke tampering rules when signing Lonzo Ball in 2021.

However, the Bulls could still trade up into the draft. In fact, it would be smart of them to do so, as it would add another player on the roster on a cost-controlled contract. For a team with as little three-point shooting as Chicago, Iowa forward Kris Murray is the perfect trade-up target.

Chicago desperately needs to add forward depth this summer, and Murray would be a great addition to their lineup alongside Patrick Williams and DeMar DeRozan.

Murray just wrapped up his third season with the Hawkeyes and put up solid stats. He shot just 33.5 percent from behind the arc, but that was, in large part, due to his expanded offensive role. On a team like the Bulls, where he would be almost solely a catch-and-shoot guy, his percentage would shoot upward.

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, Murray’s NBA comparison is his twin brother, Keegan Murray, who was drafted fourth-overall by the Sacramento Kings last offseason.

O’Connor lists Murray’s best attributes as his feel for the game, his catch-and-shoot game, his on-ball defense, and his off-ball defense.

At 6-foot-8, Murray would be an amazing 3&D forward for the Bulls to add to their rotation. He’s currently projected to be selected anywhere from the late lottery to the mid-20s.

If Chicago can trade up into the draft and select Murray, it would be a massive win.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: 58 projections after the early entry withdrawal deadline

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline.

The NBA pre-draft process crossed another important checkpoint on the schedule with the early entry withdrawal deadline coming and going this week.

Prospects had the opportunity to test the waters and meet with teams to gain feedback on their potential draft stock. To maintain their remaining college eligibility, they had to withdraw from consideration by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The deadline saw several potential second-round picks withdraw from the draft and return to school. With name, image and likeness playing a prevalent role in college basketball, players were likely swayed to stay one more year to work on their games and capitalize financially.

[lawrence-related id=87858]

The 2024 draft is also projected to be weaker than in past years, which also may have played a role in some players opting against turning pro. They likely believe they will have a greater chance of being a first-round pick next year.

With several players off the board, teams can prioritize workouts and interviews with those individuals remaining in the draft. As a result, players’ stock will continue to fluctuate with less than three weeks to go until the draft.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline. Team needs were taken into consideration for these picks.

Bleacher Report projects Kris Murray to Western Conference power

Kris Murray to the Golden State Warriors? Bleacher Report sees the scenario in the 2023 NBA draft.

With the NBA Finals upon us, projections for the 2023 NBA draft will really start to ramp up.

The draft is June 22 at the Barclays Center in New York, so it’s not too long until fans find out where the newest Iowa Hawkeyes star is headed. After testing the NBA draft waters last offseason, Kris Murray returned, enjoyed a fantastic season and seems primed to be a first-round selection.

The 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward from Cedar Rapids upped his averages to 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. In large part because of Murray’s stardom, Iowa tracked down a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid and finished 19-14. His efforts earned him the distinction as a consensus All-American, Iowa’s fourth straight season with one.

Recently, For The Win forecasted a Murray brothers reunion in Sacramento. Now, Bleacher Report is projecting a different landing spot for Kris Murray. Though it’s a franchise that’s clearly undergoing some massive changes, how about Kris Murray to the Golden State Warriors with pick No. 19?

The NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement will force the Warriors to watch their spending and increase their need for cheap contributors. Murray should hit the ground running as a three-and-D forward. – Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report.

It’s a potentially fascinating landing spot.

There ares questions about several core pieces’ futures, namely guard Klay Thompson and forward Draymond Green. Longtime Golden State president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Myers recently revealed he is stepping down as well.

This means there are some interesting immediate and longterm questions about what the future of Golden State’s franchise looks like. Still, as long as Steph Curry is around hoisting up shots from a logo near you, Golden State should remain a factor in the Western Conference for a few more seasons.

Meanwhile, Murray recently updated his individual progress at the 2023 NBA draft combine.

“I think shooting is something you can’t compete with, being just a great shot maker and being able to space the floor is really key in the NBA. And, I think just being versatile, I feel like that’s something I’ve always been my whole entire life.

“Especially these last few years, I’ve been a versatile defender, versatile offensively. Just play multiple positions, guard multiple positions. I think that that’s something I can definitely take to the next level,” Murray said of his game.

Whichever team winds up with Murray will be happy to be adding an NBA-ready playmaker.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF

Kris Murray updates progress at NBA draft Combine

Kris Murray drew a crowd of executives at the 2023 NBA draft Combine. The former Hawkeye star updated his progress ahead of the NBA draft.

Kris Murray ascended into stardom this past season with the Iowa Hawkeyes,  averaging 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. The Cedar Rapids native made the most of his decision to return to Iowa City.

In addition to points and rebounds, Murray stuffed the stat sheet all over. He finished the 2022-23 men’s college basketball season with per game averages of 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

As a result, he was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the league’s media and by the Associated Press. Murray also garnered consensus third-team All-American honors.

His monster season had him up for a number of the top national awards, too. Murray was a finalist for the Lute Olson National Player of the Year and the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year. The 6-foot-8, 220 pound forward was also a semifinalist for the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Player of the Year Trophy.

Murray’s night in and night out performances leading Iowa to a 19-14 (11-9 Big Ten) mark earned him an NBA draft Combine invite. The buzz from DraftExpress‘ Jonathan Givony is that plenty of NBA executives were on hand to watch Murray’s Combine workout.

Murray caught up with Andy Katz of NCAA.com to discuss how his time at Iowa prepared him for the 2023 NBA draft. Last summer, Murray entered his name into the 2022 NBA draft before eventually withdrawing his name.

Katz started by asking how getting to be the lead option in his final year at Iowa benefitted him going forward.

“Yeah, I think it was one of the big reasons why I came back. Just to kind of make a name for myself. I knew that I’d have the opportunity to do it. It was just whether I took the reins or not. This last year’s gave me a lot of confidence in myself and that I know I can play at this next level. Playing in the Big Ten’s tough, especially because it’s a really scout-oriented conference. You get the best out of everyone every single day and I think it really prepared me for what’s to come,” Murray said.

Of course, his twin brother, Keegan Murray, just ended a fabulous rookie NBA season with the Sacramento Kings. Keegan was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team.

Katz noted how well Keegan’s skills have translated to the NBA and asked how Kris’ skills will.

“I think shooting is something you can’t compete with, being just a great shot maker and being able to space the floor is really key in the NBA. And, I think  just being versatile, I feel like that’s something I’ve always been my whole entire life. Especially these last few years, I’ve been a versatile defender, versatile offensively. Just play multiple positions, guard multiple positions. I think that that’s something I can definitely take to the next level,” Murray said.

Katz pointed out that he’s more than just a floor-spacer. He’s a terrific rebounder and passer. How will that help Murray in the NBA?

“It’ll help a lot. I feel like my passing really came along. The game started to slow down a lot more. I think my playmaking got a lot better. I’ve always had a knack for rebounding. I feel like I’ve always been able to kind of just read the ball off the basket. It’s a simple skill, but it means a lot to teams and I think that’s something that I can really bring,” Murray said.

There’s plenty of NBA draft projections out there suggesting where Murray might wind up. In fact, one of the most recent from For The Win had a Murray twins reunion in Sacramento. For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky had Murray going with the No. 24 pick to Sacramento.

Most everywhere you look, Murray is projected as a first-round pick. Katz asked Kris if there was a point before this season where he and his family thought both he and Keegan would be first-round NBA draft picks.

“Probably not up until last year when Keegan started getting some first-round buzz. We play the same, so we knew that if one of us could do it, both of us could do it. It’s definitely kind of a surreal experience for my family just to be in this position. It’s definitely not common ground for them, but it’s soon to be. We’re definitely taking advantage of it and just being grateful for this opportunity,” Murray said.

The 2023 NBA draft will be held on June 22 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF

For The Win forecasting Murray brothers reunion

For The Win is projecting a Murray brothers reunion in its most recent 2023 NBA mock draft.

Here’s something Iowa hoops fans can get on board with: How about a Murray brothers reunion in Sacramento?

For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky is projecting as much in his latest 2023 NBA mock draft. Base on what Kalbrosky wrote, I’m not sure he’s even aware of what he’s put together here for Hawkeye fans.

Iowa’s Kris Murray would have benefited from a stronger performance in the NCAA men’s tournament, but it’s still worth noting that he had an excellent season. The All-Big Ten forward finished the season averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Kalbrosky, For The Win.

Wouldn’t it be fun if this came to fruition? It would be another great draft pick for the Kings, too.

Murray explored the draft process last summer, but ultimately chose to come back to Iowa City and was the biggest reason why the Hawkeyes made a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament trip.

“It’s definitely familiar territory for me. I obviously learned a lot and to be able to kind of follow (Keegan) through this process helped a lot, too. This year I know that there’s just one goal in mind and it’s to get drafted, so I try to work hard every day and make it a really tough two months for me because I know I can get better from it,” Murray said recently when discussing his 2023 NBA draft prospects.

If reaching the 2023 NBA draft’s first round was the goal, Kris Murray appears like he’s primed to have accomplished that.

“For me the first round was obviously the goal coming back. I think I played myself into that and I just want to go to a team that just fits me the best on and off the court,” Murray said.

Murray said he hopes to add some strength between now and the start of the 2023-24 NBA season. Now, it’s about going to work and fitting in when given his destination.

“I would say the biggest thing is just identifying your role early. Keegan was really able to do that with the Kings, be a professional in that role. I think that’s admirable. He treats it like a job, a job that he has fun with, is excited to go to every single day. That’s kind of where I learned a lot about it.

“I know I have the skill set to be able to play in the NBA. It’s really the mindset that you got to bring it every single time because in reality players are fighting for the jobs, vying for positions and just fighting for success in their lives,” Murray said.

The 2023 NBA draft will take place on June 22 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

[mm-video type=video id=01gw2eekjb0f8pv8tkgb playlist_id=01fvdcxf97xrgg1awc player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gw2eekjb0f8pv8tkgb/01gw2eekjb0f8pv8tkgb-f9135a1c4219940b57d78d7f6ebb6d28.jpg]

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF

Kings’ Keegan Murray to help brother, Kris, train for 2023 NBA draft

Keegan Murray revealed on Monday that he will help his brother, Kris Murray, prepare for the NBA draft.

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray confirmed he will help his twin brother, Kris Murray, prepare for the 2023 NBA draft.

The Kings were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors, 120-100, in Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs on Sunday. Murray started each game of the series and averaged 9.7 points and 6.3 rebounds on 37.5% shooting from 3-point range.

He plans to help his brother over the next several weeks.

Kris Murray declared for the draft last month after averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, two assists and 1.2 blocks as a junior at Iowa. He was named a consensus third-team All-American and was the only player to average at least 20 points, seven rebounds and one block with at least 65 3s.

On Monday, Keegan revealed his plan with Kris.

I’m going to go work out with him in the next couple of days just to get him ready for the draft, combine and workouts that he’ll have to go to. I’ve been through the circuit before. I’ve been through the pre-draft stuff. I’ve been through the NBA season so whatever I can do to help him get better and help him be more ready for the NBA is what I’ll do.

Kris is projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick. He shares many of the same abilities Keegan has and projects to be an impact player at the next level. Teams will likely be curious whether Kris can duplicate the success Keegan had this season as a rookie.

With Keegan helping him out, Kris will have a great opportunity to improve his game throughout the pre-draft process. He will have the benefit of gaining tips and tricks of the trade from his brother and should be more than ready for what will come before the draft on June 22.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650262397]

2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Projections for every pick post-March Madness

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the NCAA Tournament.

The NBA pre-draft process is in full swing as prospects around the world prepare to transition to the next level.

Teams around the league will begin hosting private workouts in the coming weeks as they finalize their draft boards. There will be various pro days on the radar and, of course, the draft combine and G League Elite Camp next month in Chicago, Illinois.

Underclassmen have until April 23 to declare for the draft. Several notable players have already decided to return to school, including Kyle Filipowski, Harrison Ingram, Baylor Scheierman and Kel’el Ware. Others are still mulling over their decisions.

Related: Key dates for NBA draft, combine, lottery and deadlines

With players still in the process of making decisions, some prospects were excluded from this mock draft because they are projected to return to school next season. However, most players projected to be drafted have already announced their decisions.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the NCAA Tournament. It is important to note that team needs were not necessarily taken into account with each pick. The projections are rather a look at where each individual player stands at this point of the process.

Note: The order of the draft was pulled from Tankathon as of April 14. The draft will have only 58 picks this year because the Bulls and 76ers were stripped of their second-round picks by the NBA due to tampering violations.

Projected first-rounder Kris Murray officially declares for NBA draft

Murray was the only Division I player to average at least 20 points, seven rebounds and one block with 65 3s this season.

Iowa junior Kris Murray, the twin brother of Keegan Murray, on Friday announced he will forgo his college eligibility and declare for the 2023 NBA draft.

Kris was named a consensus third-team All-American after averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 blocks and one steal in 29 games. He was the only Division I player to average at least 20 points, seven rebounds and one block with at least 65 3-pointers this season.

The 6-foot-8 forward is projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick. He shares many of the same abilities Keegan has and projects to be an impact player at the next level. With Keegan having a strong rookie year, teams will likely be curious whether Kris can duplicate that success.

Kris tested the pre-draft process last year alongside Keegan and opted to return to school for one more season. He wasn’t projected to be drafted at the time but established himself as a sure-fire first-rounder this season.

With Keegan off to the NBA, Kris put up a career year and led the Hawkeyes to the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He looks to continue that success into the pre-draft process in workouts and interviews.

[lawrence-related id=86064,86479,85016]

Kris Murray’s consensus All-American status caps fantastic breakout season

This latest All-American distinction caps a breakout season for Iowa star Kris Murray.

Iowa basketball certainly had an interesting season. It was a very up-and-down campaign. At times, they looked like contenders in the Big Ten and ready to break off a streak of wins behind great shooting performances. Other times, though—particularly away from Carver—games that should have been simple victories turned out to be anything but.

The constant throughout the entire season though was the fantastic play from forward Kris Murray. The 6-foot-8, 220 pound forward finished averaging an eye-popping 20.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He did that on 47.6.% field goal shooting, including 33.5% from 3-point distance.

All preseason there was an aura of hype surrounding the returning Murray brother, projected to take over the star mantel from his twin brother Keegan. Kris did exactly that. For his efforts, he was named a consensus third-team All-American.

Murray is now the fourth Hawkeye in eight years to become a consensus All-American. It also marks the fourth consecutive season that Iowa has boasted a consensus All-American.

For Murray, it truly is well deserved for a player who unfortunately flew under the radar. Paired in the same conference with stars such as Zach Edey and Trayce Jackson-Davis—not to mention playing for the same school as Caitlin Clark—it never felt like Murray truly received his due credit this year.

On a team known for its streakiness, Murray always seemed to just do his thing. Sometimes, that meant taking over, but the true value in Murray was his inability to have more than one off game. He was the model of consistency all year for a team that desperately needed a steady hand.

Whether or not this is his last year in Iowa City—Murray already flirted with the NBA draft last season—he deserves recognition for what he did this season!

Along the way, there were plenty of highlight-worthy moments.