Kings fans seem pretty divided.
Many are disappointed that Sacramento General Manager Monte McNair could not use the fourth pick in the draft to acquire assets, either veteran players or future draft picks.
Then there is a large group disappointed McNair used the pick to take Iowa forward Keegan Murray instead of Purdue guard Jaden Ivey.
It does seem like the Kings purposely go out of the way to do the exact opposite of what their fans want when decision-making. It's weird. Outside of drafting Hali I can't remember the last time we were collectively excited about a move since drafting Fox?
— Kings&BitcoinFanKrish (@krishcoughran) June 24, 2022
Those people who are not happy need to take a chill pill.
McNair can’t make a trade if he doesn’t have a deal he feels is going to make the Kings better. Remember, it takes two to tango.
Yes, Ivey is projected to be a future superstar with “Ja Morant-like” physical tools – fast, quick, “jump out of the gym” explosive. Key word is projected.
The Kings also have a player on their team with similar talents in De’Aaron Fox. Could the pairing of Fox and Ivey work or would it be as bad as walking through a bed of poison ivey?
The Kings’ front office believes Murray also has a big upside. Plus he is a good fit with the Kings’ current core of Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
For McNair, it was easy. Murray was the best player available and he was elated to make the pick.
Makes me think this really was his guy all along. In Monte we trust right?
— SheIsAKingsFan (@SheIsAKingsFan) June 24, 2022
The Kings are counting on the offensive game Murray displayed in college to translate to the NBA. If it does, Kings fans will be happy.
Keegan Murray had one of the three most efficient offensive seasons for a volume scorer in modern college basketball history as a sophomore at Iowa. pic.twitter.com/BXPxUVwT66
— Synergy Basketball (@SynergySST) June 24, 2022
Others, including noted college basketball analyst Dick Vitale, like the Kings pick of Murray.
They are going appreciate the versatility plus night in & night out effort by @IowaHoops KEEGAN MURRAY @SacramentoKings & I love guys that can SHOOT THE ROCK !
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) June 24, 2022
I don't think the Kings were losers here. Keegan Murray is outstanding, rarely makes mistakes, plays within himself, and is the best scorer in the draft.
I get the Ivey upside. Truly. But Murray is a rock solid pick.
— Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) June 24, 2022
Bilas is giving sacramento their roses for Murray right now
— Jillian Adge (@JillAdge) June 24, 2022
Besides the offensive skills Murray had at Iowa, he also has something else McNair seems to feel is important..
One thing is clear. Monte values basketball IQ. He drafted Hali, Davion, and Murray. He also traded for Sabonis. His biggest moves have all been for high-IQ guys.
— Kings&BitcoinFanKrish (@krishcoughran) June 24, 2022
The draft is over, but that is just one part of the offseason. Free agency is just ahead. The Kings have many roster decisions to make. Do they re-sign restricted free agent Donte DiVincenzo? They didn’t make any trades during the draft, but could they make some in the coming days or weeks?
There have been reports that McNair has been given a mandate to make the playoffs next year. He says that is not true. The goal is to build a team that can compete at a high level every year.
"We've been very clear what our goal is. We want to win, we want to make the playoffs."
Monte McNair addressed the rumor that the Kings have a "playoff mandate" in place. pic.twitter.com/7P5BwnxYeH
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) June 24, 2022
