Kris Murray Bio
Kristopher James Murray is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Murray transitioned from a standout college career at the University of Iowa, where he earned third-team All-American honors and first-team All-Big Ten recognition in his junior season. He is the twin brother of Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, and the two share a deep basketball pedigree rooted in their father’s collegiate career at Iowa.
Early Life and Background
Kris Murray was born on August 19, 2000, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He grew up in Cedar Rapids and attended Prairie High School, where he played basketball alongside his twin brother Keegan. During his senior season at Prairie High School, Murray averaged 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-Metro and second-team All-State honors, establishing him as one of the top prospects in Iowa.
Following his graduation from Prairie High School, Murray and his brother enrolled at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, for a postgraduate year. This additional season of development helped prepare him for the collegiate level, and both brothers ultimately committed to continuing their basketball careers at the University of Iowa.
Path to Basketball
The Murray twins came from a family with deep basketball roots. Their father, Kenyon Murray, was a four-year starter for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1992 to 1996 and was named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 1992. This family legacy provided both brothers with a strong foundation and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level.
After their postgraduate year at DME Academy, both Kris and Keegan Murray committed to playing college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes, continuing their family tradition with the program. Their shared journey through high school and prep school had prepared them for the challenges of Big Ten competition.
Kris Murray Career
College Career at Iowa (2020–2023)
Murray began his collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2020-2021 season. As a freshman, he appeared in 13 games, all coming off the bench, and logged 41 total minutes. The limited playing time was typical for a freshman, and he used this period to adapt to the speed and physicality of Big Ten basketball.
During his sophomore season, Murray showed significant improvement, averaging 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over 35 games with one start. His development trajectory was promising, and following the season, he entered the 2022 NBA Draft. However, he ultimately withdrew his name from the draft shortly after declining an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, choosing to return to Iowa for another season.
Breakthrough Season (2022–2023)
Returning to Iowa for his junior season, Murray placed himself among the nation’s top forwards. He entered the season on the watchlists for the Karl Malone Award and the John R. Wooden Award, recognizing the top power forward and overall player in college basketball. He responded with his best statistical season, averaging 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
The outstanding campaign earned Murray first-team All-Big Ten honors at the conclusion of the season. He was also named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press, the United States Basketball Writers Association, and the Sporting News, cementing his status as one of the top players in the country. After the season, Murray declared for the 2023 NBA Draft.
Portland Trail Blazers Era (2023–Present)
Murray was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft with the 23rd overall pick. He signed with the Blazers on July 1, 2023, officially beginning his professional career. During his rookie season, he also saw action with the Rip City Remix, Portland’s NBA G League affiliate, where he continued his development against professional competition.
On March 20 and March 22, Murray scored back-to-back career-highs in consecutive games against the Los Angeles Clippers, posting 17 points and then 21 points respectively. These performances demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively when given increased minutes and opportunities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Murray plays the small forward position and possesses the size and skill set to impact games on both ends of the floor. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, he uses his length effectively on the perimeter and in the post. His three seasons at Iowa showed his development from a limited role player into a primary scoring option, displaying improved shooting range and rebounding ability. His experience playing alongside his brother at Iowa helped sharpen his court awareness and complementary skills.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Murray’s early career was his selection in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, fulfilling a lifelong goal of reaching the professional level. His back-to-back 17 and 21-point performances against the Los Angeles Clippers represented his most productive stretch as a rookie and provided a glimpse of his potential as an NBA scorer.
Kris Murray Career Highlights
Through his college and professional career, Murray has accumulated notable accomplishments across multiple levels of competition. His collegiate honors represent his most significant achievements to date, while his NBA rookie season established a foundation for future growth.
College Highlights
Murray’s collegiate career reached its peak during his junior season at Iowa, where he earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition and was named a third-team All-American by three separate organizations. He averaged over 20 points per game for the first time in his career and demonstrated consistency as a primary option within the Hawkeyes’ offensive system. His selection as the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft validated his development trajectory from a role player to a first-round selection.
Professional Career Statistics
In his rookie NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2023-2024 campaign, Murray appeared in multiple games and showed flashes of his scoring ability, including back-to-back career-high performances against Western Conference competition.
Kris Murray Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Murray comes from a basketball family with strong ties to the University of Iowa. His father, Kenyon Murray, was a four-year starter for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1992 to 1996, accumulating significant experience at the collegiate level. Kenyon Murray was also named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 1992 during his high school career, demonstrating the family’s established basketball tradition. This lineage has provided both Kris and his twin brother Keegan with guidance and mentorship throughout their basketball journeys.
Personal Life
Kris Murray has a twin brother, Keegan Murray, who is also a professional basketball player. Keegan currently plays for the Sacramento Kings and was a top-five selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. The brothers shared the court throughout their youth, playing together at Prairie High School and later at DME Academy before both committing to Iowa. They continued their parallel journeys in college, with Keegan departing for the NBA after his sophomore season and Kris following after his junior campaign. The brothers remain close and have supported each other throughout their respective professional careers.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2024-2025 NBA season, Murray continues his development with the Portland Trail Blazers organization. Now in his second professional season, he looks to build upon the momentum established during his rookie year, particularly the scoring breakthroughs demonstrated against quality competition. His connection to the organization as a first-round draft pick provides him with a clear opportunity to earn increased minutes and responsibility within the team’s rotation. Working alongside experienced players and coaches in Portland, Murray focuses on refining his perimeter shooting, defensive positioning, and overall consistency to establish himself as a reliable NBA contributor. The Trail Blazers continue to evaluate his progress as part of their long-term building plans, with Murray positioned to take on a more significant role as his career progresses.