Kris Murray Bio
Kristopher James Murray, known professionally as Kris Murray, is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on August 19, 2000, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Murray played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes of the Big Ten Conference from 2020 to 2023. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in his final collegiate season and was later selected 23rd overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 215 pounds, Murray is known for his versatility as a forward, combining scoring ability with defensive instincts and rebounding. He is the twin brother of Keegan Murray, a fellow Iowa alumnus who plays for the Sacramento Kings, and the son of former Iowa standout Kenyon Murray. Together, the twins represent one of the most talked-about sibling pairings in recent college basketball history.
Early Life and Background
Kris Murray was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, alongside his twin brother, Keegan Murray. The brothers grew up in a basketball household, with their father Kenyon Murray having been a four-year starter for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 1992 to 1996. Kenyon was also named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 1992, establishing a clear basketball lineage that would shape the twins’ development. Kris was named after the late Chris Street, a former Iowa player whose legacy is still felt in the program.
Murray attended Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, where he played alongside his twin brother. As a senior, he averaged 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, earning first-team All-Metro and second-team All-State honors. Following graduation, both Kris and Keegan enrolled at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, for a postgraduate year to further refine their skills before college.
After completing their prep year, the Murray twins committed to playing college basketball at the University of Iowa, following in their father’s footsteps. The decision to attend Iowa was a meaningful one, given the family’s deep ties to the program and the legacy left by both Kenyon and the late Chris Street.
Path to Basketball
Kris Murray’s path to professional basketball began in earnest at Prairie High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the top prospects in the state of Iowa. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ made him a standout player, and his production as a senior demonstrated his all-around potential.
His postgraduate year at DME Academy provided additional exposure and competition against elite-level talent, helping him further develop his game before arriving at Iowa. Playing alongside his brother Keegan allowed the two to push each other in practices and games, an arrangement that would pay dividends throughout their college careers.
By the time Murray committed to Iowa, he was regarded as a promising forward prospect with NBA potential. His selection to the Karl Malone Award and John R. Wooden Award watchlists during his junior season underscored the national recognition he had earned by that point in his college career.
Kris Murray Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
As a freshman with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2020–21, Kris Murray played a limited role, appearing in 13 games off the bench and logging 41 total minutes. The limited minutes were typical for a young forward adjusting to the speed and physicality of Big Ten Conference play, but the experience provided a foundation for his future development.
Murray used his freshman season to learn the Iowa system, observe his older teammates, and prepare for a larger role. The patience shown by the coaching staff paid off as Murray continued to develop his game behind the scenes.
Iowa Hawkeyes Breakthrough (2021–2022)
During his sophomore season at Iowa, Murray took a significant step forward, averaging 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over 35 games, including one start. His increased production and versatility drew attention from NBA scouts, and following the season, he initially declared for the 2022 NBA Draft, following the path of his brother Keegan.
However, Murray ultimately withdrew his name from the draft shortly after declining an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, opting to return to Iowa for his junior year. The decision to return proved pivotal, as it allowed him to further refine his skills and take on a larger leadership role with the Hawkeyes.
Junior Season and Draft Entry (2022–2023)
Murray’s junior season at Iowa was his most productive. He entered the year on the watchlists for the Karl Malone Award and the John R. Wooden Award, two of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, cementing his status as one of the top players in the Big Ten.
At the conclusion of the season, Murray was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference and was also recognized as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press, United States Basketball Writers Association, and The Sporting News. After the season, he declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, where he was selected 23rd overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland Trail Blazers Era (2023–Present)
Following his selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, Kris Murray signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on July 1, 2023. As a rookie forward, he provided the team with scoring depth, rebounding, and defensive versatility. His transition to the professional level was marked by steady development and notable performances throughout his first NBA season.
One of the highlights of Murray’s rookie campaign came in March 2024, when he scored back-to-back career highs in points in consecutive games against the Los Angeles Clippers. He posted 17 points on March 20 and followed that up with 21 points on March 22, demonstrating his ability to score at the NBA level and providing a glimpse of his offensive ceiling.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the court, Kris Murray is recognized for his versatility as a forward, capable of contributing across multiple categories. His rebounding instincts, shot-blocking ability, and perimeter scoring touch make him a well-rounded player, while his basketball IQ and length allow him to defend multiple positions effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Murray’s notable achievements are his first-team All-Big Ten selection and third-team All-American honors in 2023, as well as his selection as the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. His back-to-back career-high performances against the Los Angeles Clippers in March 2024 stand out as early career highlights in Portland.
Kris Murray Career Wins
During his three seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kris Murray developed into one of the Big Ten’s most consistent performers, culminating in first-team All-Big Ten honors and All-American recognition in his junior year. While team championships were limited, his individual accolades reflected his impact on the program.
Iowa Hawkeyes Highlights
Murray’s time at Iowa was highlighted by his junior season, during which he averaged over 20 points per game and earned multiple All-American selections. His performance helped anchor the Hawkeyes during a competitive stretch in the Big Ten Conference.
Other Wins and Performances
In high school, Murray was named first-team All-Metro and second-team All-State, capping a successful prep career at Prairie High School. His postgraduate year at DME Academy further strengthened his resume before arriving at Iowa.
Kris Murray Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Basketball runs deep in the Murray family. Kris’s 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. The family’s connection to the Iowa program made the twins’ decision to play for the Hawkeyes a meaningful continuation of that legacy.
Personal Life
Kris Murray is the twin brother of Keegan Murray, a fellow Iowa alumnus and top-five pick in the 2022 NBA Draft who currently plays for the Sacramento Kings. The two brothers remain closely connected, having played together at Prairie High School and at the University of Iowa. Kris was named after the late Chris Street, a former Iowa basketball player whose memory remains an important part of the Hawkeye basketball tradition.
2025 Season Performance
As Kris Murray continues his development with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 2025 season represents an opportunity to build on the foundation established during his rookie year. Entering his second full NBA season, Murray is expected to take on a larger role within the team’s rotation, leveraging the experience gained from his first professional campaign.
His back-to-back career-high performances against the Los Angeles Clippers in March 2024 provided a glimpse of his scoring potential, and the Trail Blazers will look for him to translate those flashes into consistent production. As a young forward on a developing roster, Murray’s versatility and work ethic position him as a key piece of Portland’s long-term plans.
Throughout the 2025 season, Murray’s ability to contribute across multiple categories, including scoring, rebounding, and defense, will be closely monitored. With continued development and opportunity, he has the potential to emerge as a cornerstone of the Trail Blazers’ young core.