SALT LAKE CITY — Dejounte Murray has a simple request for Gregg Popovich.

Hold the 19-year-old rookie accountable, even if it’s unpleasant.

“I’m looking forward to him getting on me, yelling at me,” Murray said. “If he’s doing that, then it’s showing that he cares about me and wants to see me be the best I can be.”

Murray has finally joined the Spurs after finalizing his contract. He played 24 minutes Thursday, finishing with 21 points and five rebounds in a 87-86 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Utah Summer League finale.

Murray was rusty early on, committing three of the Spurs’ six turnovers in the first quarter. Once the University of Washington product settled down, his game took over. Murray attacked the paint (he finished with 14 points in the restricted area) and got to the free-throw line a team-high seven times, converting five of those attempts.

“I know I had to slow down and let the game come to me,” Murray said.

The Spurs know patience will be key. Murray is the youngest point guard drafted since they selected Tony Parker in 2001.

“I don’t think there is expectations he’s going to come in and catch our world on fire,” Spurs GM R.C Buford said, “but we like the opportunity to grow.”

It’s almost as if Murray-to-San Antonio was meant to be. Prior to interviewing with the Spurs in Cleveland ahead of the draft, Murray admitted he was intrigued. He spoke with family about the possibility of joining the team throughout the pre-draft process; the Spurs left a great impression.

“I wanted to play for them after that meeting,” Murray said. “How much they showed that they cared. … I didn’t know what was going to happen, honestly. It’s crazy it worked out.”

Murray’s attitude is obvious. He’s filled with confidence.

He understands his jump shot needs improvement — “I feel like I’ve got to work on everything,” he added — but the 6-foot-5 guard excels in transition, can rebound, and has great length.

You want a preview of his capabilities? Go back to the game against Arizona State from last season. Murray recorded a career-high 34 points, but the impressive thing about that performance was he only attempted one outside shot, getting to the free-throw line 18 times.

“He’s clearly very athletic,” Spurs summer league coach Will Hardy said.

Murray elaborated on some comments he made during his draft-night phone conference, when he mentioned how important it is to play with heart.

“You just can’t teach that type of stuff,” he said. “We was raised different. We was raised not to be scared of anyone or fear no one but the man above, which is God. When it’s basketball … I don’t fear nobody. I don’t care who it is.”

And he already has that chip on his shoulder after falling in the draft. He was expected to be selected higher, in the 15-20 range.

“Nobody thought I would go down to 29,” Murray said. “I tried to stay positive. I was just waiting for my name to be called. … I just didn’t know it would be the 29th. But it happened to be the right situation.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you are. It’s just where you go from here. What are you going to do? You’re going to put the work in. That’s what I’m willing to do — put the work in.”

Asked what he likes about the Spurs’ roster, Murray pointed to trust. He appreciates the unselfish play.

“That’s the biggest thing in the NBA,” he said. “If you can play together, you can go far.”

Murray’s NBA career has now commenced. Time will tell how far it goes.

“It’s a long journey,” Murray said. “It’s only the beginning.”

jyoung@express-news.net