Emanuel Sharp says the Kings have ‘a great, great fanbase’

Sacramento Kings rookie Emanuel Sharp is only two games into his Summer League experience, but the second-round pick already understands what makes basketball in California’s capital unique.

After helping the Kings defeat the Golden State Warriors in Sunday’s California Classic matchup, Sharp made it clear that Sacramento’s passionate fan base has left an immediate impression.

45th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft continued his strong start by finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 28 minutes.

Although he shot 4-of-12 from beyond the arc, the former Houston standout impacted the game in multiple ways, something that has become a trademark throughout his basketball career.

Emanuel Sharp hits the 3-pointer from way downtown to give him 10 points pic.twitter.com/7AJfUul4tq

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 5, 2026

More on Kings guard Emanuel Sharp

Following the victory, Emanuel Sharp reflected on his first appearances at Golden 1 Center and on hearing Kings fans for the first time.

“Yeah, it was amazing, great feeling,” Sharp said. “I don’t know why I keep underestimating these fans before I step out there on the court, but I’m familiar now. Great, great fan base. I’m so happy that I’m here and get to play for them and leave it all out there on the floor every time I step on there.”

Sharp added that the atmosphere has made his transition to Sacramento even more enjoyable.

“It’s been amazing. I’ve had a very fun first two games here,” Sharp said. “It’s nice having the fans here. Just to see the way they interact with the team, especially with Dylan [Cardwell], it’s inspiration. It makes you want to play hard.”

The 22-year-old guard believes the connection between the team and its supporters plays a major role in the organization’s success.

“I think it just shows how important fans are to the organization,” Sharp said. “I feel like they run the engine a little bit. So love, love Sac fans.”

if Emanuel is guarding you, it’s a wrap 🗜️ pic.twitter.com/cbEAk7Sxzc

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 5, 2026

Sacramento selected Emanuel Sharp after a productive four-year career at Houston, where he averaged 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 37 percent from 3-point range.

During his senior season, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 15.5 points per game and shot 89 percent from the free-throw line to lead the Big 12.

His résumé also includes being named the 2025 NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player and earning Most Outstanding Player honors at the 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship.

Those defensive habits have translated quickly to the professional level, but Sharp has emphasized that effort remains the foundation of his game.

“You can’t control whether my shots are going in,” Sharp said. “But I can always control my defense, how hard I’m playing, my energy, my enthusiasm for my teammates.”

If his first weekend in Sacramento is any indication, Emanuel Sharp has already found a fan base ready to appreciate exactly that approach.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings will head to the desert for the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League, with action set to tip off on Thursday night at UNLV.

Sacramento is set to face the fifth-overall pick, Keaton Wagler, and the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)
• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)
• Final game TBD

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