Catching up with Kris Murray: Adjusting to the NBA, facing Keegan and rookie goals

DALLAS — Technically, Kris Murray isn’t a two-way player with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.

However, the 23-year-old Murray, the 23rd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft from Iowa, has logged minutes with the Blazers and their new NBA G-League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, reps which have shortened his NBA learning curve.

In 17 games with Portland, Murray is averaging 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds, and in his five appearances with Rip City, all starts, he’s averaging 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 blocks and one steal per game.

“(In the G-League) you’re playing against guys trying to get into the NBA. It’s competitive, really physical,” Murray said. “I think that prepares you for playing up here (in the NBA). The G-League competition’s no joke.

“Definitely getting used to the NBA lifestyle. I’ve been with both teams, getting used to the patience (you need) for the NBA. Mentally, being right, being able to give my best every day to get better. It’s been an adjustment, but it’s been pretty smooth.”

In past years, it was rare for a first-round pick to see any G-League minutes unless he was returning from injury. However, that stance has since softened and with the Blazers now having their own affiliate nearby, a model which has become the norm across the league, having rookies practice and play for their G-League affiliate is now commonplace.

“It’s been good for me getting those game reps and to stay in shape. That’s the biggest thing, always be ready,” Murray said. “That’s the mentality I’ve had, whenever they need me, be that person who can create a spark.

“G-League, it’s our first year and the front office has done a great job. Coaches at the Remix do a great job helping us get better. We play at the University of Portland. Pretty convenient.”

Hawkeye fans remember Murray, son of former Iowa great Kenyon Murray, who played in Iowa City from 1993 through 1996, mostly for his time with the Black and Gold. In his three seasons, Murray, the twin brother of Keegan Murray, currently in his second NBA season with Sacramento, averaged 12.1 points, eight rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.

As a junior, Kris was a first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection and earned third-team All-America honors, years he continues to remember fondly.

“I try and attribute it to the faith Coach (Fan) McCaffrey had in me. He always believed in me and instilled confidence in me,” Murray said. “I got better every year and was able to take that next step. It’s weird (now) not being part of the Black and Gold because I had been my whole entire life.”

In Portland, he’s playing for Chauncey Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP after helping lead Detroit to the title. Billups is in his third year as a head coach. And Billups, who played 17 seasons in the Association, likes what he’s seen thus far.

“I love so much about Kris, but his work ethic, I just love it. He just works, man,” Billups said. “He works and works and works. The G-League, having him go down there and get some reps and get some games in has really helped him out. It allows him to come in our game a couple of nights ago and play the defense we needed him to play, take a charge, and make a shot.

“It keeps his confidence up. When he plays, he plays well. He’s just a basketball player, plays the right way.”

One unique part of his rookie experience has seen him already face Keegan twice, on Nov. 8, 2023 in Sacramento and again on Dec. 26 at home. With their parents in attendance cheering them both on, it was a unique experience to say the least.

“Yeah, it’s weird at first just because we’re wearing different jerseys for the first time,” Murray said. “But, honestly, it’s cooler than anything. Just to be able to have your twin (also in the NBA), it’s a rare thing. Even brothers in the NBA, it’s pretty rare. Being able to share it with him and my family, it’s really cool.”

And since Keegan already has experienced the rigors of being an NBA rookie, Kris hasn’t hesitated to seek sage advice from his twin brother on what he should focus on during his maiden voyage.

“Yeah, honestly, (he told me) it’s being patient and trusting the work. That’s been the biggest thing, trusting my work and hopefully the results will show,” Kris said. “It’s a long season and there will be ups and downs. You saw that with Keegan last year in his rookie season. (You must) be able to get over those and take that next step.”

As a rookie, of course, there still are certain rites of passage he must endure, even on one of the league’s youngest teams. However, Kris said he can’t complain about his rookie duties.

“Yeah, we got good vets. All I got to do is wear a princess backpack and get doughnuts here and then, but that’s about it,” he said with a huge smile. “It (the backpack) is not too bad. I actually use it a lot. It’s got a lot of space. It’s (got) Lola Bunny from Space Jam. It’s got a basketball on it.”

Like many rookies, Murray is keeping his goals for his rookie season simple.

“To get better, be ready whenever my name is called and still contribute in a positive way,” he said. “Trying to create momentum to finish this year and going into next year too and into the summer. Being able to do that is my main goal.”

Stephen Hunt is a freelance writer based in Frisco, Texas.