Murray reveals expectations for himself with Kings this season

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  • Programming note: Watch Keegan Murray’s “Kings Central” interview with Kyle Draper on Monday on NBC Sports California, at 6 p.m. PT and again at 10 p.m., after the game

Keegan Murray is soaking in everything during his 2022-23 rookie NBA season.

Speaking with NBC Sports California's Kyle Draper, the 22-year-old forward explained his goal for his rookie season with the Kings. 

"I think the goal is to have fun," Murray told Draper on the latest episode of "Kings Central." "In the NBA, it's an 82-game season -- it can be long days, long trips, things like that. 

"So having fun, being with the team and winning is the biggest thing."

Drafted No. 4 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Murray is carving out a role for himself on an impressive Kings team. 

After starting the season 0-4, Sacramento rattled off seven straight wins, its longest win streak since 2004. 

During that streak, the Kings posted historic offensive numbers and garnered the respect of teams and players around the league, including Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green.

Moreover, Green praised the job that Kings general manager Monte McNair has done in changing the culture around Sacramento, which includes drafting Murray.

Whenever NBA fans and pundits talk about Sacramento, the Kings' 16-year playoff drought -- the longest in NBA history -- is more often than not the main talking point of any discussion.

With a new general manager, a new head coach in Mike Brown demanding accountability and respect, and high-character players like Murray, Kevin Huerter and others coming to the Kings, that culture change is palpable. 

Despite the lofty expectations surrounding him and his draft position, Murray is going to play within himself in hope of helping the Kings get to where they want to be at the end of the season. 

"[Kings fans] can expect a guy that can be a team player, put the ball in the basket, not scared of anything and hopefully, we can get back to the playoffs this year and end that drought," Murray continued. "So I'm excited for the future."

Kings fans were very excited once Murray hit the floor, and in his first four games, the rookie averaged 18.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and a block in 36.6 minutes per game. Additionally, the rookie hit 53.8 percent of his shots from the field and almost 42 percent from 3-point range. 

Since then, Murray has cooled off considerably, though that is understandable considering there are factors outside of his control that is taking up space in his head. Nevertheless, Murray has been instrumental in helping the Kings regain the rest of the NBA's respect.

RELATED: Kings offer support for Murray through grandma's health scare

At any rate, with the Kings currently sitting in the playoff race in the Western Conference, fans have to be excited about what Sacramento and Murray can do in the coming months.

For Murray, however, he'll be taking his time and soaking it all in. 

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