Can DeMar DeRozan help Keegan Murray take the next step?

Aug 9, 2024, 7:22 AM

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 09: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles up the court against ...

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

As we inch closer to the start of the 2024-25 season, the reality of DeMar DeRozan in a Sacramento Kings uniform will soon set in.

The Athletic‘s Hunter Patterson joined Chris Watkins and Brenden Nunes this week to share his perspective on the move, contemplate if De’Aaron Fox or Domantas Sabonis will have to adjust their games with DeRozan joining the offense, and much more.

Plus: Hunter explains why he feels DeRozan can help Keegan Murray take the next step as an NBA player.

Topics Discussed

Are there any members of the Kings that will have to make sacrifices to adjust to the addition of DeRozan?
Hunter says that it may be DeRozan who has to make an adjustment playing alongside De’Aaron Fox
Does AAU basketball have a bad rap, or have things improved over the years?
What will the Western Conference look like this coming season? Which teams will surprise people?
“I think it could be pretty wide open in the West.”
How does Hunter view DeRozan’s fit with this Sacramento core?
What’s next for Davion Mitchell after being traded by the Kings to Toronto?
Can DeMar DeRozan help lift Keegan Murray to the next level?

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More on Kings forward DeMar DeRozan

The Kings and DeRozan came to an agreement on a three-year, $76 million deal (third year is partially guaranteed at $10 million) on July 8th.

DeRozan has been one of the NBA’s top scorers over the past decade, averaging 23.5 points per game since the start of the 2013-14 season. The 6’6 wing is coming off an impressive 2023-24 campaign that saw him average 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 48/33/85 shooting splits.

The veteran is a gifted scorer in the mid-range, knocking down nearly 50 percent of his jumpers from 10-to-16 feet. DeRozan is also reliable in crunch time, posting top-three finishes in Clutch Player of the Year voting over the past two seasons.

Getting to the foul line is an art form for DeRozan, as the newest member of the Kings ranked second among all NBA leaders in made free throws, third in attempts, and fifth in attempts per game (7.7).

DeRozan is one of 15 NBA players to average 25+ points and 5+ assists per game over the past three seasons–joining potential future teammate De’Aaron Fox–while ranking fifth in Win Shares among the talented group.

Adding DeRozan’s scoring and playmaking abilities to Sacramento’s core is a clear upgrade for a roster that has been in need of a facelift.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

The dog days of the NBA offseason have arrived.

Sacramento will continue to look to add to its roster before players report for training camp at the end of September. The Kings currently have some open roster spots that general manager Monte McNair will have to fill in the coming weeks and months.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Sacramento Kings news on player signings, trades, game recaps, and more for the upcoming season.

NBA Offseason Schedule