URGENT UPDATE: Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray will miss the beginning of the regular season after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. The team announced that Murray will undergo surgery and is set to be reevaluated in four to six weeks, sidelining him for at least the first 10 games of the season.
This injury comes at a critical juncture in Murray’s career. As he enters his fourth season, he is eligible for a contract extension, with a deadline looming on October 20, 2023. If the Kings and Murray cannot reach an agreement by this date, he will enter restricted free agency next summer, adding pressure to both the player and the organization.
Murray has been a cornerstone of durability for the Kings, participating in 233 of a possible 246 games in his first three seasons and starting all but two. This torn UCL marks the most significant injury of his professional career, raising concerns about his availability and performance as the Kings aim for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Without Murray, the Kings lose a key floor spacer, having made 543 career three-pointers, and a trusted defender. As the season approaches, veteran forward Dario Saric, alongside guards Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, and rookie Nique Clifford, are among the candidates likely to step into the starting role in his absence.
The Kings, who have high hopes for the upcoming season, now face a challenging start without one of their pivotal players. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring the team’s performance and the impact of Murray’s injury as they kick off their season.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Kings navigate this critical situation and prepare for the regular season opener.
