How many open roster spots do the Sacramento Kings have?

We are less than one month away from the start of NBA training camps, meaning Sacramento Kings basketball is right around the corner.

As we close in on media day and the start of team workouts, the Kings’ roster is nearly filled up–both in guaranteed roster spots and non-guaranteed slots for camp.

Following the move to bring shot-blocking center JaVale McGee in on a one-year, $3.1 million contract for 2023-24, Sacramento has one full roster spot up for grabs before the regular season opens on October 25th.

JaVale McGee isn't the first member of his family to play professional basketball in Sacramento.

McGee's mother, Pamela, was the 2nd overall selection in the 1997 WNBA Draft–a pick that was made by the Sacramento Monarchs.https://t.co/I1lA2V3oJD

— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) September 1, 2023

Now that the Kings have inked a rim-protecting big that can back up Domantas Sabonis, one has to wonder what general manager Monte McNair and head coach Mike Brown have planned for the team’s remaining full roster spot and two-way contract.

Point guard depth remains an issue for Sacramento, as there is still no third-string guard on the roster that can be slotted behind rising star De’Aaron Fox and defensive juggernaut Davion Mitchell in the rotation.

When healthy, the Fox-Mitchell combo is one of the better starter-bench guard combos in the NBA. Although Fox (73 games) and Mitchell (80 games) were on the floor for nearly the entirety of last season, the Kings could use another floor general to stash on its bench in case one of the two guards miss time due to injury.

With only one full roster spot open, it will be interesting to see if McNair and Brown prioritize guard depth over rostering another wing or big for the final signing. When it comes to the point guard position, the Kings could use a third option behind Fox and Mitchell.

Sure, Malik Monk (3.9 assists per game in 2022-23) proved that he can set the table on the offensive end in a pinch, but Monk is at his best when he is on the attack and looking to score the basketball.

The Kings could use another true point guard, and there are still some names on the market that can add to this up-and-coming Western Conference contender’s depth.

One name that has been on the minds of the Sacramento fanbase has been Folsom native and St. Mary’s product Jordan Ford, who turned heads during an impressive run at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this summer.

Ford, a 25-year-old guard that has a proven ability to score the ball and set up teammates, could be an option for the Kings’ final two-way contract or even as a full roster spot if McNair choses to bring a younger option in to split time with Sacramento and Stockton.

After spending the past three seasons in the G-League and averaging 12.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game on 48/41/84 shooting splits, Ford could be ready for a shot at the NBA level as a third-string option behind Fox and Mitchell.

Although Ford has yet to sign a contract with the Kings for 2023-24, he recently appeared at a Stockton Kings event in late July, something that could signal towards the guard being in the fold for training camp.

Just last week, FOX 40’s Sean Cunningham told Sactown Sports 1140 that he expects Ford to participate in Sacramento’s camp next month, although it’s unknown if that will be on a full, two-way, or non-guaranteed contract.

If Sacramento wants to look for an established player with years of experience, one that can fill the role that Matthew Dellavedova left behind, players like Ish Smith, Goran Dragic, George Hill, and Kendrick Nunn are free agents that are looking for a new home.

The Kings have plenty of depth on its roster for 2023-24, but there are still some spots that will need to be filled before regular season action tips off on Wednesday, October 25th in Utah.

Here’s where things stand for Sacramento’s roster as we move closer to the start of NBA training camps in early October:

Current Sacramento Kings roster

Guards

• De’Aaron Fox
• Davion Mitchell
• Malik Monk
• Kevin Huerter
• Colby Jones
• Keon Ellis (two-way)

Forwards

• Harrison Barnes
• Keegan Murray
• Chris Duarte
• Trey Lyles
• Sasha Vezenkov
• Kessler Edwards
• Jalen Slawson (two-way)
• Skal Labissiere**

Centers

• Domantas Sabonis
• Alex Len
• JaVale McGee
• Nerlens Noel*
• Neemias Queta*

*Non or partially-guaranteed contract

**Exhibit 10 contract

How many roster spots do the Kings have open?

Open Full Roster Spots: 1

Open Two-Way Spots: 1

Non-Guaranteed Contracts

• Skal Labissiere signed an Exhibit 10 contract, with the hope that the forward can join Stockton following training camp and preseason.
• Nerlens Noel signed a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract for 2023-24 that is worth $3.1 million. Noel’s contract includes $300,000 guaranteed followed by $600,000 guaranteed if Noel makes the opening night roster and fully guaranteed if Noel is on the roster past January 10, 2024.
• Neemias Queta signed a two-year $4.1 million contract that includes $250,000 guaranteed. If Queta makes the opening night roster, he will receive $500,000. If Queta is on the roster on January 10, 2024, his $2 million salary for 2023-24 becomes fully guaranteed. 2024-25 contract is non-guaranteed.

All contract info is courtesy of Spotrac.

Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Preseason Schedule

• Sunday, October 8th – Sacramento Kings @ Toronto Raptors – 5 PM PST (Preseason Opener)
• Wednesday, October 11th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7 PM PST (in Anaheim, CA)
• Sunday, October 15th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
• Wednesday, October 18th – Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
• Thursday, October 19th – Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PST

Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule

• Tuesday, October 24th – NBA regular season begins
• Wednesday, October 25th – Sacramento Kings @ Utah Jazz – 6 PM (Season Opener)
• Friday, October 27th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7 PM (Home Opener)

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