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Twitter celebrates Keegan Murray’s first-team NBA All-Rookie honor

Josh Helmer
·4 min read

Keegan Murray now has the hardware to back up what was a magical first season in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings. The 6-foot-8, 225 pound forward was named to the 2022-23 Kia NBA All-Rookie first team.

Murray joins Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams as part of the NBA’s All-Rookie first team.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, product averaged 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game and he shot 41.1% from 3-point range. Murray became the NBA’s all-time rookie 3-point leader with 206 treys made.

Among rookies, Murray ranked sixth in points per game, ninth in rebounds, eighth in field goal percentage, second in 3-point percentage and tied for fourth in steals.

It was tracking this way all along. After he was drafted No. 4 overall by the Kings last summer, he promptly earned 2K23 Summer League MVP. Then, in his first NBA contest, Murray scored 19 points on just 10 shots. It led to his inclusion in the NBA Rising Stars showcase and just a terrific season overall.

Murray became the 10th King in franchise history to be named to the NBA’s All-Rookie first team. Murray joined Tyrese Haliburton (2020-21), Marvin Bagley III (2018-19), Buddy Hield (2016-17), DeMarcus Cousins (2010-11), Tyreke Evans (2009-10), Jason Williams (1998-99), Brian Grant (1994-95), Lionel Simmons (1990-91) and Kenny Smith (1987-88).

Murray picked up 88 first-team votes and nine second-team votes. Banchero was a unanimous first-team selection. OKC’s Williams was one first-team vote away from unanimous status as well.

The NBA All-Rookie second team featured the Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, the Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, and the San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan.

Twitter celebrated Murray and his sensational rookie season one final time as he was honored with the first-team NBA All-Rookie honor.

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First-team Keeg

What a season

Record setter

Our Rookie

Put on a show

Well deserved!

The feels

Yes sir!

Still looking to prove himself to some

All-Rookie highlights

Coach Brown on what's next for Keegan

Maybe Kris is next?

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Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire