Three Options the Kings Could Replace Their Injured 2022 Draft Pick with in the Starting Lineup
The Sacramento Kings face a significant challenge with Keegan Murray sidelined due to injury, and with his two-way impact on both ends of the floor, replacing him won’t be a plug-and-play situation. Murray’s ability to space the floor, guard multiple positions, and operate within the flow of the offense makes him one of the most valuable glue players on the roster. However, injuries are inevitable in an NBA season, and great teams respond with adaptability, not panic. Fortunately, Sacramento has several intriguing options on the bench who could rise to the occasion. While none may perfectly replicate Murray’s balance of shooting and defense, each brings a unique skill set that could help the Kings tread water or even surprise teams during his absence.
One of the most exciting possibilities is inserting rookie Nique Clifford into the starting lineup. Though relatively untested at the NBA level, Clifford offers intriguing upside thanks to his length, defensive instincts, and ability to play within a team structure. His college experience showcased his versatility as a wing who can rebound, cut intelligently, and knock down open shots. While relying on a rookie is always risky, Clifford’s energy and willingness to defend could be precisely what Sacramento needs to maintain physicality on the perimeter. Giving him a trial run would also provide valuable development minutes without disrupting the offensive hierarchy.
Another strong candidate is Isaac Jones, who brings an entirely different dynamic to the lineup. Jones is a high-motor forward with a nose for the ball, excelling in hustle plays such as offensive rebounds, putbacks, and transition finishes. His physicality could help Sacramento maintain an edge on the glass while also boosting interior scoring. Unlike Murray, Jones won’t be spacing the floor consistently, but his ability to generate extra possessions might outweigh that weakness depending on the matchup. Plugging him in would shift the identity of the starting unit from finesse to force, which could be a welcome change of pace.
If head coach Doug Christie prefers experience, Dario Šarić presents the most stable and predictable option. A skilled stretch big with a high basketball IQ, Šarić would immediately provide floor spacing and secondary playmaking from the forward spot. He’s not the most mobile defender, but his positioning and understanding of team schemes allow him to hold his own. With his ability to keep the offense flowing through dribble handoffs and pick-and-pop actions, Šarić could help maintain continuity while minimizing volatility. He may not offer Murray’s athleticism, but he compensates with craft and composure.
As an honorable mention, the Kings could get creative by going small with Keon Ellis. While undersized compared to traditional forwards, Ellis is one of Sacramento’s best point-of-attack defenders and would inject tenacity into the starting group. This approach would mirror many modern small-ball lineups that prioritize speed, ball pressure, and floor spacing. It would require strong rebounding efforts from the guards, especially players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who would need to crash the glass harder than usual to make up for the lack of size. Whoever fills that fifth spot alongside Ellis will have to treat rebounding as a priority, not a luxury. If the Kings are looking to turn defense into offense quickly, Ellis might be the bold spark they need.
In the end, there may not be a perfect one-to-one replacement for Keegan Murray, but there are multiple pathways to keeping the Kings competitive until he returns. Clifford brings youthful energy and defensive potential, Jones adds grit and inside presence, and Šarić offers playmaking stability and veteran savvy. Meanwhile, the Keon Ellis small-ball experiment could be a wildcard that catches opponents off guard. The right decision may ultimately depend on the matchup at hand, but the silver lining is clear: Sacramento’s depth is more substantial than it may appear at first glance. If one of these players seizes the moment, Murray’s absence could evolve from a setback into an unexpected spark of opportunity.
