Keegan Murray wants to take the next step in 2026-27

Keegan Murray is entering the 2026-27 season with a simple goal: finally put everything together.

The Sacramento Kings forward joined Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross at Kings Media Day and reflected on a frustrating 2025-26 campaign that saw injuries derail what he hoped would be a major step forward.

Murray missed the first 15 games of the season due to thumb surgery and later suffered two ankle injuries. He ultimately appeared in just 23 games, leaving him with an offseason focused heavily on getting healthy.

“It was tough to start out with the surgery on my thumb or whatever, and missed the first 15 games,” Murray said. “Then it just kind of felt like I couldn’t catch a break.”

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 11: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of their preseason game at Chase Center on October 11, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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The physical toll also became a mental challenge for Keegan Murray, who said he spent roughly six months simply trying to get his body right.

“It was tough physically, but it was also pretty tough mentally,” Murray said. “I basically spent the last six months just trying to get myself healthy.”

Now healthy, Murray is focused on building the kind of season he hasn’t yet experienced during his young NBA career.

“I just want to have one of those years where, like, everything, everything is good,” Murray said. “It’s just kind of putting it all together and just looking back on it and be like, yeah, like that’s that year where you kind of just grew.”

That development could be especially important for a Kings team coming off a 22-60 season. With Domantas Sabonis and other key players also missing significant time last season, Sacramento never had the opportunity to establish the continuity it hoped for.

Murray believes he can take on a larger offensive role if the opportunity presents itself.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Keegan Murray poses for a photo during a media day photo shoot at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 30, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Todd/Getty Images)

“I gotta take that role at some point, and if I’m playing well and that happens to me, like I’ll be all for it,” Murray said.

The former fourth overall pick has already shown he can be a high-level shooter and versatile defender. He shot 41.1% from three as a rookie and has developed into a player who can take on difficult defensive assignments while expanding his ability to attack off the dribble.

The next step, Murray believes, is putting all of those pieces together.

“I know I’m capable. I put the time and the effort in,” he said. “So it’s just kind of just putting that on the court, having a healthy year and being available.”

Murray also appears comfortable with whatever role new head coach Doug Christie asks him to play. When presented with a Media Day bingo card featuring the statement “I’m willing to play whatever role Coach wants me to play,” Murray agreed that it applied to him.

For a Kings team trying to move forward from last season, a healthy and more complete Keegan Murray could be one of the most important pieces of that effort.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Zach LaVine says he has ‘a lot left in the tank’ ahead of 13th season
• Ben Simmons is ready for a fresh start in Sacramento
• Doug Christie: Kings have ‘every opportunity’ to build a new identity
• Domantas Sabonis has his eyes on a bounce-back season
• Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training Camp

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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