Domantas Sabonis on his knee recovery & future in Sacramento

Domantas Sabonis didn’t shy away from the reality of a lost season, offering honest and detailed reflections during his end-of-season press conference as he looks to return to All-NBA form.

“It’s been tough. It’s definitely been a really tough season for me,” Domantas Sabonis said. “Personally, not being out there with the guys or being a part of the season is definitely new for me.”

After earning All-NBA honors in 2022-23 and 2023-24, Sabonis appeared in just 19 games this season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Sabonis, who last played on February 4th, averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 54 percent from the field over just 19 games (the least amount he’s played in a single season during his NBA career).

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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The injury, which occurred early in the year, forced Sabonis into an unfamiliar situation—watching from the sidelines.

“I tried to play through it until it got to a point where it was either a rehab or surgery,” he explained. “You guys know me, I decided to do rehab and, you know, try and get back out there with the guys. And ultimately, it led to six more games and then going for surgery.”

Despite the setback, Sabonis expressed optimism about his recovery and long-term outlook.

“On the bright side, surgery went great. The doctor was very pleased. Basically, we’ll have a better knee than I did before,” Domantas Sabonis said with a smile. “My Wolverine healing powers are starting to kick in, and I feel like I’m ahead of schedule.”

Sabonis, who captured three straight rebounding titles from 2022 through 2025, made it clear his goal is to return to the level Sacramento has come to expect.

“I’ll be ready for the start of next season and play at the All-NBA level that everyone here in Sacramento has been used to seeing me play at,” he said.

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

However, beyond his recovery, questions remain about the future of both Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings. With general manager Scott Perry expected to explore roster changes this offseason, uncertainty looms–not just for Sabonis, but nearly every member of the Kings’ roster.

“Yeah, you know, there’s a lot of uncertainty. I don’t know what that feels like,” Sabonis admitted. “But I can control what I control, getting back to that All-NBA player that I know I can be.”

That uncertainty was amplified by trade rumors during the season, particularly in February when Sabonis was linked to the Toronto Raptors. Still, he maintained a grounded perspective.

“I’m very happy here. You all know that,” he said. “Things like this, you just got to focus on my knee, my rehab, you know, getting back.”

As he enters his age-30 season with $93 million remaining on his contract, Domantas Sabonis stands at a crossroads—determined to return to form, but aware that change could be coming in Sacramento.

Be sure to check out all of the Sacramento Kings’ end-of-season press conferences on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

The Sacramento Kings will now look ahead to the highly anticipated NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Sunday, May 10th.

Sacramento hasn’t secured the top pick in the NBA Draft since 1989, when it selected center Pervis Ellison with the first overall selection.

Be sure to stay locked in to Sactown Sports 1140 all offseason for NBA Draft Lottery coverage, NBA Draft previews and analysis, NBA Summer League content, and MUCH more!

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Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, April 14th – NBA Play-In Tournament begins
• Saturday, April 18th – NBA Playoffs begin
• Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
• Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
• Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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