The NBA season kicks off on October 21st, signaling the start of “30 teams in 30 days” previews. This annual deep dive reviews each team in the league, covering summer markets, rosters, projections, and predictions. Today, we focus on the Sacramento Kings, a team struggling to find its footing.
Last Season’s Overview
- 2024-25 Record for the Sacramento Kings
The Kings kept their fans on edge with a season record of 40 wins and 42 losses, ultimately exiting in the play-in tournament. Mike Brown was let go in December and replaced by Doug Christie, but the team struggled with consistency. Domantas Sabonis shone with several triple-doubles until a March injury curtailed Sacramento’s momentum.
Further complicating matters, De’Aaron Fox requested a trade to San Antonio, a shockwave that reverberated through the fanbase. In return, Sacramento acquired Zach LaVine to maintain its offensive edge, but the fit alongside DeMar DeRozan and Sabonis has posed challenges.
The roster remains shallow, with overlapping player roles, and the draft failed to breathe new life into the team’s prospects. The result is an offense that can dazzle on occasion but lacks the collective coherence necessary for sustained success throughout the season.
Summer Market Changes
- Departures: Monte McNair (manager), Jonas Valanciunas, Trey Lyles, Jake LaRavia, Mason Jones, Jae Crowder, Markelle Fultz
- Extensions: Doug Christie (coach), Doug McDermott
- New Arrivals: Scott Perry (manager), Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, Dennis Schroder, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, Isaiah Stevens, Daeqwon Plowden, Dylan Cardwell
The Kings experienced a tumultuous summer, exacerbating an already extensive rebuilding process. Monte McNair exited the front office, replaced by Scott Perry, signaling a potential overhaul.
Malik Monk was frequently mentioned in trade rumors, particularly involving a possible deal with Golden State for Jonathan Kuminga. However, no trades materialized, and players like Valanciunas, Lyles, and Fultz departed, indicating the need for a roster overhaul following a disappointing season.
The team chose to retain Doug Christie as head coach and kept Doug McDermott, aiming for stability amid the upheaval.
In terms of new signings, the Kings have mixed experience with risk: Dennis Schroder to lead their offense, Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks to reinforce the interior, while younger players like Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell aim to add size. Although the summer moves don’t resolve all issues, they aim to create a deeper and more versatile roster, less vulnerable than last year’s team.
2025-26 Roster Outlook
- Point Guards: Dennis Schroder, Devin Carter, Isaiah Stevens (two-way)
- Shooting Guards: Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis
- Small Forwards: DeMar DeRozan, Nique Clifford, Daeqwon Plowden (two-way)
- Power Forwards: Keegan Murray, Doug McDermott, Isaac Jones, Dylan Cardwell (two-way)
- Centers: Domantas Sabonis, Maxime Raynaud, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks
Bold indicates projected starters, according to trusted sources.
This roster blends experienced veterans, promising young players, and makeshift additions. Schroder will spearhead the gameplay, supported by scorers LaVine and DeRozan, with Sabonis remaining a core anchor.
A notable mention is Maxime Raynaud, who may earn significant minutes given the fragile state of the interior behind Sabonis. Recently graduated from Stanford, Raynaud is adapting to the NBA pace, so immediate statistical impact might be limited. However, his length and mobility suggest he could secure valuable playing time. Another French talent on U.S. courts is always exciting.
Malik Monk continues as a spark off the bench, capable of closing games if on fire. Keegan Murray serves a pivotal role straddling offense and defense, although his impact needs validation in a roster filled with strong personalities. Young players Devin Carter and Keon Ellis are expected to be instrumental in the rotations, while McDermott, Saric, and Eubanks provide essential veteran support. Meanwhile, Clifford, Stevens, and Cardwell (both on two-way contracts) will fight for their spots.
While the roster is undoubtedly deeper than last year’s, the pressing question remains: Are the Kings assembling a team aimed at contention, or merely patching existing flaws?
Overview of Key Players
Keep an eye on Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine.
Domantas Sabonis stands out as the Kings’ most reliable player in fantasy formats, consistently delivering high volumes in rebounds and assists. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have the capability to unleash high-scoring performances at any moment. Thus, all three players are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s statistics, either simultaneously or in rotation.
What to Expect from the Kings This Season
The Kings are poised to remain true to their unpredictable nature: capable of stringing together wins against top teams before faltering against weaker competition. With a roster filled with veteran scorers, it’s hard to envision a total collapse. However, concerns about defense, spacing, and rotations could limit their ceiling. This season seems set for a balanced experience, complete with forced smiles and a return to the play-in tournament.
Perhaps the more pressing question this season isn’t about win totals but rather the direction of the Kings. What’s the overarching plan for Sacramento?
With Fox’s departure, concerns arise about the future of Sabonis. While LaVine and DeRozan each have two years left on their contracts and can secure some victories, they do not fit the mold of franchise players. Although there are some intriguing young talents, none appear ready to herald a new era for the franchise.
Ultimately, the Sacramento Kings remain quintessentially the Sacramento Kings, and the promising journey of 2023 appears firmly in the rearview mirror. R.I.P. Light The Beam.
Writer’s Prediction: 41 wins – 41 losses
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