As Sacramento fans and the rest of the league await the Kings’ decision with their No. 4 pick in the NBA draft, things look good for one prospect who reportedly is favored by ownership.
The Kings have become increasingly comfortable with staying put at No. 4 as Thursday night’s draft approaches, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Monday, and it’s widely believed they’ll be choosing between Iowa forward Keegan Murray and Purdue guard Jaden Ivey -- if they don’t trade the pick.
But Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé reportedly is a “big fan” of Murray, per Zach Harper of The Athletic, which could spell good news for the 21-year-old.
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SIGN UP HERE While general manager Monte McNair’s opinion appears to hold more weight, made evident by the Mike Brown hire, Ranadivé has called the shots before.
And other signs point to Sacramento’s clear interest in Murray. As Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported on Monday, citing sources, the organization arranged for the young draft prospect to have dinner with Kings stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
The feeling is mutual, too, with Murray telling reporters during Draft Media Day that he would want to be a part of the Kings’ culture and “that group that can turn that franchise around” (h/t Sactown Royalty).
Plus, Murray made it clear he would love an opportunity to play with not only Fox and Sabonis, but also Davion Mitchell and Harrison Barnes.
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“... For me to fit in with them, I have a good relationship with them and my game is really versatile,” Murray said during Draft Media Day.
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With the 2022 NBA Draft just hours away, there’s no telling what the Kings will do with their No. 4 pick.
But if Ranadivé’s preference takes precedence, things look good for Murray to land in Sacramento.