Blazers select Kris Murray with No. 23 pick in 2023 NBA Draft

With the No. 23 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers chose Iowa forward Kris Murray.

The twin brother of Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, Kris stayed back an extra season to refine his game and boost his draft positioning. The move paid off: He more than doubled his points-per-game average and improved in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

While he carried an increased load offensively last season, only his 3-point percentage was affected by a considerable amount. Murray could snag a rotational spot because of his two-way ability.

Bio

Position: Forward
School: Iowa
College experience: Junior
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 213 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-0
Max vertical: 35 inches

2022-23 stats with Iowa

Strengths

• Thrives around the basket off of drives against defenders and intelligent cuts when the defense is asleep. Extremely physical but patient as well, using spin moves and pump fakes to get into the paint.
• A very active defender in isolation against wings and guards. Stays with opposing players by sliding his feet and challenges shot attempts.
• Has shown flashes of being a good 3-point shooter despite a down season compared to last year. A bit streaky but has electric moments when he's consistent from deep.

Negatives

• Not super-athletic; slower reaction time when reading the offense. Lacks a great first step off the dribble.
• The opposite of his brother - favors his left hand instead of finishing with both.
• An older prospect, Murray will be 23 when when the 2023-24 season starts.

NBA comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith. A physical wing whose 3-point shooting developed with time, the Brooklyn Nets veteran is a better comp than Kris' twin (who's a knockdown 41% shooter from deep). Another older prospect, DFS carved out a role beside Luka Doncic, defending bigger wings.