Turner: Kings need to find a role for Emanuel Sharp

The Sacramento Kings are still sorting out their rotations, but Henry “The High Flyer” Turner already sees a promising change: more defensive energy.

The former Kings forward and current broadcaster joined Jason Ross to discuss what he’s seen during preseason. After a difficult opener against the Lakers, head coach Doug Christie challenged the team’s effort.

Turner said the Sacramento Kings responded differently in their next game.

“Even if the ball doesn’t fall, you can always go out there and play with energy and heart,” Turner said. He’s encouraged by the defensive improvement, an area that has troubled Sacramento in recent years.

Rookie Emanuel Sharp has been a bright spot. Turner said Sharp stood out in summer league and has carried that defensive intensity into preseason.

“He really is relentless,” Turner said. He believes the Sacramento Kings need to make room for a player who can disrupt opposing offenses and help the team get stops.

“When you need some defense, you need some stops out there. The Kings are really going to have to find a place for this young man.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Emanuel Sharp #34 of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Turner also likes what he’s seeing from Darius Acuff Jr. More time on the floor is helping the rookie get comfortable, and Turner says Acuff doesn’t let pressure pull him away from his game.

“You can’t speed him up,” he said. “He’s going to play at his style of play.” Turner sees a confident scoring guard who is still learning, but already looks at ease on the court.

Ben Simmons could help balance the Sacramento Kings’ scoring guards. Turner sees Simmons as a facilitator who can get teammates involved, and said he was struck by the veteran’s size and strength in person.

“I want Ben Simmons to do what he does well,” Turner said: drive, finish at the rim and find an open teammate.

Turner isn’t ready to write off the Kings based on outside expectations. Sacramento has yet to see Malik Monk in a preseason game, and Turner thinks Monk’s ballhandling could help a team that has been turning it over too often.

That’s the challenge for Christie as the Sacramento Kings approach the end of preseason: sorting through a crowded roster, finding combinations that defend, and defining roles.

Head coach Doug Christie of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 22, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 120-116. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

“He definitely has pieces,” Turner said. “He’s got to be able to put the right pieces out there together.”

Turner also hopes the added help around Keegan Murray allows him to focus on defense and rediscover his three-point touch. The preseason experiments are nearly done.

Now the Sacramento Kings have to make the pieces fit.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Could Ben Simmons play his way into a starting spot?
• Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff should be a big part of the offense, not all of it
• Raynaud avoids serious injury, will be re-evaluated in two weeks
• Has Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry’s next free agent target been revealed?

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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