Matt George here, the host of the daily Locked On Kings podcast, with your daily Locked On Kings newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Kings and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Keegan Murray: The Key to Sacramento Kings’ Season Turnaround
As the primary starting forward for the Sacramento Kings, Keegan Murray carries the full weight of the position’s expectations. His performance is crucial, not just for his own career, but for the team’s success this season. Despite the pressure, Murray’s recent struggles have been a focal point for fans and analysts alike. His shooting slump, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a significant concern. Currently, he’s hitting just 27% of his three-point attempts, a steep decline from his previous seasons. This drop is not just a personal setback for Murray but a critical issue for the Kings, who rely heavily on his scoring ability.
Practice Observations and Team Dynamics
During Monday’s practice, I observed Murray’s dedication firsthand. He was one of the last players on the court, working tirelessly to improve his shooting. While Doug McDermott, his practice partner, completed his drills quickly, Murray took longer, highlighting his current challenges. However, his persistence is a positive sign. Instead of giving up after practice, he continued to work on his free throws, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming this slump.
The atmosphere at practice was notably upbeat, with players and coaches encouraging each other. Despite their current record, the team remains united, focusing on togetherness rather than pointing fingers. This camaraderie is crucial as they navigate their struggles. The Kings are aware of their shortcomings and are committed to improving, with accountability being a key theme in their approach.
The Importance of Murray’s Shooting
Murray’s shooting woes are perplexing, especially given his past performance. His catch-and-shoot threes, once a reliable weapon, have not been falling. Last season, he shot 35% from three-point range, with 37% on catch-and-shoot attempts. This year, that number has plummeted to 28%. The Kings’ overall shooting struggles are evident, but Murray’s performance is seen as a potential catalyst for change. If he can regain his form, it could open the floodgates for the entire team, boosting their offensive rhythm and results.
While De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis remain the team’s stars, Murray’s role is pivotal. His ability to hit open shots can significantly impact the Kings’ success. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive. Murray’s improvement could be the spark they need to turn their season around.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Keegan Murray’s impact and the Sacramento Kings’ season, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
- Observations from Sacramento Kings practice
- Insights from Mike Brown on team dynamics
- DeMar DeRozan’s perspective on mental health in sports
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Rumor The Kings are reportedly looking to trade two key players this season. These potential moves could significantly alter the team’s dynamics. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury Sacramento Kings guard received an update about his recent injury. His condition will be crucial for the team’s upcoming games. (Sports Illustrated)
Roster Head Coach Mike Brown confirmed a change in the starting lineup. This strategic adjustment could impact the team’s performance moving forward. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
The Most Deflating Loss of the Sacramento Kings Season So Far Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where the Kings dominated in so many areas but still lost thanks to 23 made three-pointers by the Spurs.
Who’s to Blame for Another Sacramento Kings Disaster Loss? Matt George runs through the list of names to blame for the Sacramento Kings embarrassing 115-106 loss in Portland.
De’Aaron Fox & Malik Monk Turn the Sacramento Kings into the Kentucky Wildcats Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings win in Minnesota, where De’Aaron Fox & Malik Monk went off in the 4th quarter, and Jae Crowder brought the trash talk in his debut.
