Kris Murray

Kristopher James Murray, born on August 19, 2000, is an American professional basketball player known for his talent and dedication to the sport. Currently, he is a key player for the Portland Trail Blazers, one of the esteemed teams of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Not only does Murray have an impressive professional career, but his journey through college and high school basketball also sets him apart from the crowd. This comprehensive biography delves into his life, career and achievements in the world of basketball.

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Murray’s love for basketball began at a young age, thanks in part to his family’s own rich history with the sport. His father, Kenyon, was a four-year starter for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1992 to 1996, and was named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 1992. His twin brother, Keegan, is also a professional basketball player and was a top-five pick in the 2022 draft for Sacramento Kings. Their shared passion for the sport seems to be a strong bond between the brothers.

Before stepping into his professional journey, Murray showcased exceptional skills during high school. Carefully establishing himself as a player to watch out for at Prairie High School, he had his twin brother Keegan as his teammate, proving to be quite a formidable duo. Recognizing his contribution to the team’s performance, he was awarded as the first team All-Metro and the second team All-State, averaging 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.

After graduating, the Murray twins decided to take their basketball journey to the next level. They enrolled at DME Academy located in Daytona Beach, Florida, for a postgraduate year. This turned out to be a wise move for both, as it prepared them well for the challenges they faced in their future careers.

Following this, both Murray brothers committed to playing college basketball for Iowa, an exhilarating moment as they officially stepped into the world of college basketball. During his freshman year at Iowa, Kris participated in 13 basketball matches, all off the bench, yet his proficiency in the game was hard to miss even in those 41 total minutes he played.

Murray’s performance escalated during his sophomore year. He played in 35 games— this time with one start, marking his growth — and averaged 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. At the end of the season, Kris decided to join his brother in entering the 2022 NBA draft. However, he eventually withdrew his name shortly after rejecting an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, showing his commitment to focus on his college career instead.

During his junior year, Murray proved himself a force to be reckoned with. Standing tall on the watchlists for the Karl Malone Award and the John R. Wooden Award, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. His extraordinary performance didn’t go unnoticed as he was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference at the end of the season. Further recognition came when he was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press, United States Basketball Writers Association, and the Sporting News.

After his successful run in college basketball, Murray again entered the NBA draft in 2023. This time, though, he was selected 23rd overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, a huge jump from his earlier brush with the NBA Draft. Signing with the Blazers on July 1, 2023, Murray finally made the move to professional basketball, a step that marked a new chapter in his career.

Kristopher James Murray’s career in basketball, from his high school games to his foray into college basketball, and ultimately his transition to the professional stage with the Portland Trail Blazers, represents a valuable journey filled with growth, skill, dedication, and undeniable talent. Influenced by his basketball lineage, his partnership with his brother and his knack for the sport, Murray’s life narrative is a testament to his unwavering love for basketball. Today, he stands not only as an inspiration to many aspiring basketball players but also as an accomplished professional player in the NBA.