BROOKLYN, N.Y. — There's another Murray in the NBA: The Portland Trail Blazers selected Iowa forward Kris Murray as the No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
"He's a versatile player, fundamentally sound and he can play right away," said ESPN College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas. "You can plug him in right away. He plays on both ends, he's really smart, he's got a great motor.
Watch the video of his selection below
Who is Kris Murray?
Kris Murray, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa native and twin brother to Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings, measures in at 6'7" and 212 lbs.
This past season as a junior, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He shot 48% from the field and 34% from 3-point range.
RotoWire's analysis of Murray's game:
"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."
On Nov. 29, 2022, Murray became the first Hawkeye in 45 years to total more than 30 points and 20 rebounds in a game.
"Growing up in Cedar Rapids and getting to wear the black and gold has allowed me to live out my dream and accomplish so much on the basketball floor," he wrote on Twitter while declaring for the draft in April. "I appreciate everyone who has supported me through this journey and who will continue to support me as I chase my highest goals!"
WATCH: Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin press conference following 2023 NBA Draft
Mock drafts
The Ringer (Kevin O'Connor)
- No. 27 overall to the Charlotte Hornets
- No. 24 overall to the Sacramento Kings
Associated Press (Brian Mahoney)
- No. 20 overall to the Houston Rockets
ESPN (Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo)
- No. 24 overall to the Sacramento Kings
CBS Sports (Colin Ward-Henninger)
- No. 18 overall to the Miami Heat
Sporting News (Kyle Irving)
- No. 19 to the Golden State Warriors
WATCH: Kris Murray 2023 NCAA Tournament Highlights (via Swish/YouTube)