3 Best Landing Spots for Keegan Murray in 2022 NBA Draft
By Peter Dewey
Iowa forward Keegan Murray was one of the best players in all of college basketball last season, and he appears to be a lock to be a top five pick, based on the latest odds at WynnBET.
Murray is projected to go in the top five selections at -175 odds while the sixth selection or lower is +140. With the top three picks almost all but decided between Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith, Murray seems to be heading to either the Detroit Pistons or Sacramento Kings.
Murray averaged 23.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He can really stretch the floor, shooting 39.8 percent from 3 on 4.7 attempts per game last season.
Here are three spots that he could fit in the 2022 NBA Draft:
Indiana Pacers (No. 6)
The Indiana Pacers are just outside the top five, but I think they’d love to have Murray if he falls there.
The Pacers traded away Domantas Sabonis during the 2021-22 season, and they could use anything to build around Tyrese Haliburton and avoid falling back into the top-half of the lottery.
Murray would be a go-to guy on offense for Indiana, and he could fit well with Myles Turner (and elite shot blocker) if the Pacers end up keeping the big man on the roster for the 2022-23 campaign.
Detroit Pistons (No. 5)
If the oddsmakers are right, Murray is going to end up in Detroit or Sacramento.
I am high on the Pistons rebuild because they have a franchise-changing talent in Cade Cunningham, and Murray would be a solid fit if the Pistons trade forward Jerami Grant this offseason.
Murray could step in and take Grant’s role alongside Saddiq Bey, and he fits the timeline of this young team much better.
Sacramento Kings (No. 4)
The Kings have been rumored to be looking to trade the No. 4 pick, but Murray would be an interesting fit alongside Domantas Sabonis in the frontcourt.
At this point, the Kings need the best player they believe is available at this spot, and The Athletic’s Zach Harper believes it could be Ivey or Murray.
Getting drafted to the Kings isn’t always the greatest career path, but Murray would have chance to play right away alongside two solid vets in Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.