Portland Trail Blazers select Kris Murray in 2023 NBA Draft

Kris Murray has realized his NBA dream. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

It’s easy to see why Murray was considered a valuable prospect at the professional level, as he showed he could be an interesting addition over his three seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Last season in particular likely catapulted the forward up team’s boards, as Murray averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for the Hawkeyes.

Additionally, Murray erupted for a season-high 32 points against the Penn State Nittany Lions on New Year’s Day this year, also bringing in nine rebounds in an 83-79 loss. After posting a breakout season this year, he earned First Team All-Big Ten honors.

Murray’s achievement marked the fourth straight season that an Iowa player has earned unanimous selection by the media (Keegan Murray in 2022 and Luka Garza in 2020 and 2021). Murray also earned third team All-American honors from the Associated Press in 2023.

Moreover, Kris Murray has had immense potential since his high school days, as he’s a former five-star recruit out of DME Academy (FL), according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Now, Kris Murray will hope to become a household name at the NBA level, and he’s going to have ample opportunity to do so moving forward. It should be fun to watch.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Kris Murray

Ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft, Rotowire profiled each prospect, and they believe Kris Murray possesses some fascinating potential.

“Murray has a lanky, athletic frame with a knack for making winning plays,” read Rotowire’s analysis. “His hustle, rebounding, and reliable defense make him a plug-and-play contributor regardless of system. Most of Murray’s offensive game occurs around the basket and beyond the arc. The forward shot 33.5% on 6.8 3-point attempts per game. It’s a simple yet productive style.

“Murray profiles as a glue guy and mid-rotation player. In the same way Christian Braun plays quality minutes for Denver in the playoffs, a team could be interested in Murray joining the rotation immediately.  A two-way, stretch-four is a coveted need for many teams. Comparing him to his brother is stereotypical but accurate.”