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The Sacramento Kings added All-Star-caliber swingman DeMar DeRozan to their core which already features De’Aaron Fox , Domantas Sabonis , and Keegan Murray . The Kings finished 9th in the Western Conference last season and missed the playoffs but they will have high expectations in 2024-25 with a chance to make a playoff run. With a new and improved roster, we divide the Kings’ roster into six tiers to get an idea of how good they can be.
Tier 1: Superstars
None
Tier 2: All-Stars
De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan
De’Aaron Fox continues to be the engine that drives the Kings’ offense, known for his blazing speed and ability to finish at the rim. As one of the league’s premier point guards, Fox has grown into a reliable scorer and playmaker, capable of taking over games in clutch moments. His leadership and growth on both ends of the floor make him indispensable to the Kings' success, and he is coming off a strong individual season in 2023-24 by posting 26.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while leading the NBA in steals (2.0 SPG).
Domantas Sabonis is a double-double machine and one of the best passing big men in the league. His ability to score in the post, rebound, and facilitate from the high post makes him a unique weapon for the Kings. As an All-Star, Sabonis is central to the team’s offense, often acting as a point center who can dictate the flow of the game. Last season, the All-Star big man averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game and is a perfect complement to Fox in the post.
DeMar DeRozan brings veteran experience and elite mid-range scoring to Sacramento. Known for his ability to create his own shot and get to the free-throw line, DeRozan adds a new dimension to the Kings’ offense. His leadership and scoring will be crucial in high-pressure situations, especially in close games and playoff scenarios. Even if he did not make his 7th All-Star selection last year, he posted 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game and could be the missing piece for the Kings to make it past the first round of the playoffs.
Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars
Keegan Murray
Keegan Murray has quickly emerged as one of the league’s most promising young forwards. With his ability to stretch the floor (career 38.4% from three), defend multiple positions, and contribute in transition, Murray’s versatility is key for the Kings. As he continues to develop, he could soon elevate himself to All-Star status, making him a cornerstone of Sacramento’s future. We predict that Murray will have a fringe All-Star-like impact on the Kings after posting 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game last year.
Tier 4: Key Role Players
Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, Keon Ellis
Malik Monk is a dynamic scorer off the bench (15.4 PPG in 2023-24), capable of heating up quickly from three-point range. His ability to create shots for himself and others makes him a valuable sixth man who can change the momentum of a game. Monk’s scoring punch and energy are critical for the Kings, especially in second-unit lineups, and he will be a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year after finishing runner-up last season.
Kevin Huerter is a sharpshooter with the ability to space the floor (36.1% in 2023-24) and make smart decisions with the ball. Known for his off-ball movement and reliable outside shooting, Huerter complements the Kings’ star players by providing floor spacing and consistent scoring. The former No. 19 overall pick’s defensive versatility also allows him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter but the Kings will need more all-around production from him after a down year (10.2 PPG).
Keon Ellis is a tenacious defender and emerging 3-and-D wing for the Kings. His ability to knock down open threes and guard the opposing team’s best perimeter players gives him a crucial role in the rotation. As a gritty and hardworking player, Ellis provides the Kings with toughness and defensive reliability on the wing and we expect him to be a strong member off the bench or possibly in the starting lineup depending on the opposition.
Tier 5: Supplementary Pieces
Jalen McDaniels, Trey Lyles, Alex Len
Jalen McDaniels is a versatile forward who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His length and athleticism make him a disruptive defender, while his ability to hit open shots and finish around the rim adds value offensively. McDaniels’ role as a utility player 3.4 PPG, 1.6 RPG in 2023-24) allows him to fill various needs for the Kings depending on the matchup.
Trey Lyles is a stretch big who brings shooting and rebounding off the bench. His ability to space the floor with his three-point shot makes him a valuable asset in pick-and-pop situations as he averaged 7.2 points and 4.4. rebounds per game on 38.4% from deep. Lyles also provides size and toughness inside, making him a reliable option in the frontcourt rotation.
Alex Len is a veteran center who provides size, shot-blocking, and rebounding in limited minutes. As a traditional big man, Len is effective at protecting the rim and finishing around the basket. His experience and physical presence make him a useful piece in certain matchups, particularly against bigger frontcourts, and his impact comes more than his averages last season (2.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG) show.
Tier 6: Bench
Devin Carter, Jordan McLaughlin, Skal Labissiere, Orlando Robinson, Colby Jones, Boogie Ellis
Devin Carter is a rookie guard (No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft) known for his quickness and defensive tenacity. Though still developing offensively, his energy on both ends of the floor could earn him minutes in a crowded backcourt. Carter’s potential as a two-way player makes him a valuable depth piece for the Kings.
Jordan McLaughlin provides the Kings with a steady hand at the backup point guard position. Known for his basketball IQ and playmaking abilities, McLaughlin can control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively. His ability to run the offense makes him a reliable option off the bench and he posted 3.5 points per game in limited appearances last year.
Skal Labissiere is a versatile big man who can contribute with his shooting touch and shot-blocking ability. Having spent time developing his game overseas, Labissiere brings experience and depth to the Kings’ frontcourt. While his role may be limited, he offers valuable minutes as a stretch big (career 35.3% from deep in the NBA).
Orlando Robinson is a young center with a steady presence in the paint. He excels in rebounding and shot-blocking, providing a defensive boost off the bench. Robinson’s size and physicality make him a valuable asset when the Kings need to protect the rim in garbage time.
Colby Jones is a second-year wing with good size and a solid all-around game who was taken No. 34 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. His versatility allows him to contribute on both ends, whether it’s knocking down open shots or defending multiple positions. Jones will look to carve out a role as a 3-and-D player in the Kings’ rotation.
Boogie Ellis is a sharpshooting guard who can light it up from beyond the arc. His scoring ability, particularly from deep, makes him a potential spark plug off the bench. Although undersized, Ellis’s shooting could provide the Kings with instant offense in short bursts after impressing with the USC Trojans.
Related: Sacramento Kings: The Best Player In Each Season Of The 21st Century
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