2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land difference-maker, Victor Wembanyama heads East

24. Sacramento Kings choose Kris Murray

Murray broke out in his third season at the University of Iowa where he averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.2 blocks in 34.9 minutes per game. The 6’8 forward is a lefty that is known as a lights-out spot-up shooter. He made 34.8 percent of his career college threes, and Murray looks ready to join an NBA rotation immediately.

The 22-year-old is not a flashy player. He is one of the safer bets in this class, and Murray could be a starter in the NBA for the next decade-plus. The 6’8 forward should excel as a spot-up shooter and hold his own defensively. Murray is not going to blow teams away, but having a protective role player on the roster is important to any contending team.

The Sacramento Kings broke their 17-year playoff drought as they climbed to the third seed in the Western Conference. They have focused on adding shooting around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, so Murray fits perfectly.

It will reunite him with his twin brother Keegan Murray. Kris does not have Keegan’s upside, but expect him to crack the rotation as a rookie and to keep improving in Sacramento. They played together at the University of Iowa and could have a shot to reunite in the NBA.