Domantas Sabonis says this season ‘put Sacramento back on the map’

May 2, 2023, 2:45 PM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during their...

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

In a season full of success for the Sacramento Kings, Domantas Sabonis stood out as one of the brighter spots in 2022-23.

Sabonis, who was named to the NBA All-Star team this season for the third time in his career, met with the local media for his end-of-season press conference to recap a memorable season in the 916.

“It’s been an amazing journey since it started,” Sabonis said when asked about his season on Monday. “Put Sac back on the map with everyone watching. Knowing more about Sacramento, the Kings, the fans, the city, that’s the most awesome part about it.”

The 26-year-old played a majority of the season with an avulsion fracture to his right hand, an injury that took place on December 23rd.

While many believed that Sabonis would be lost for at least two months, the big man gritted through the pain and played through the final 50 games of the regular season and then the NBA Playoffs with his hand taped up to avoid further injury.

Sabonis told the media on Monday that he has an appointment this week with a specialist that will instruct him on his next steps of recovery, whether that be to rest or have surgery in order to be ready for training camp come the fall.

Even with the fracture, Sabonis had one of the best seasons from a center in the league’s lengthy history, averaging 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds (led the NBA), and 7.3 assists (career-high) while shooting 61 percent from the field.

Only one other player in NBA history has averaged 19-12-7 while shooting 60 percent or higher from the field: Wilt Chamberlain.

The star center led the league in rebounds per game, total rebounds, and double-doubles (65) while also ranking top-five in win shares (12.6, second), offensive win shares (9.6, second), and assists (573, fifth).

Only two-time MVP Nikola Jokic (29) had more triple-doubles than Sabonis this season as the Kings center finished the year with 14.

Sabonis is on track to make his first All-NBA team, but as the center moves into the offseason, he’s not looking forward to rest and relaxation–he’s already looking forward to getting back to work with his teammates.

“There’s going to be times during the summer where we can get as many guys as we can to do two or three little things,” Sabonis said. “The more we can do the better. It depends on guys’ plans and who’s here and what not, but that’s definitely going to be a goal.”

Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule