Jordan McLaughlin says the Kings were ‘a perfect fit’ for him in free agency

Jul 19, 2024, 3:01 PM

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 12: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jordan McLaughlin (6) during an NBA basket...

(Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

There will be some new faces in training camp this fall when the Sacramento Kings take the floor for training camp at Golden 1 Center, and one of those players was in-house at Sactown Sports this week.

Recently signed Kings guard Jordan McLaughlin joined The Drive Guys this week to break down why he decided to join the Beam Team in free agency, share how he viewed Sacramento from afar during his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and much more.

Plus: McLaughlin talked about how much he is looking forward to playing with fellow USC alumni DeMar DeRozan.

Topics Discussed

Jordan talks about his background as a student at USC
Why did he decide to sign with Sacrament
“Just thought it was a great opportunity to join this organization… We thought it would be a perfect fit for me to take my game to the next level.”
What stuck out to McLaughlin about the Kings’ play style when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves?
How much does Jordan enjoy the defensive aspect of basketball?
“It’s something I definitely hang my hat on.” – McLaughlin on his defense
“I know the team, I know what they’re about… Playing fast. I feel like it’s a perfect fit for me and a great opportunity.”
McLaughlin expands on how he improved his three-point shooting during the 2023-24 season (47%, career-high)
What does Jordan think of new teammate DeMar DeRozan’s fit with Sacramento?
Who has been McLaughlin’s greatest influence?
Jordan said he spoke to former Kings forward Chimezie Metu before signing his contract
McLaughlin talks about how excited he is to play in front of Sacramento fans
“The fans, they’re tremendous… Super excited to be on their side and get this thing going.”

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More on new Kings guard Jordan McLaughlin

McLaughlin, 28, is a five-year NBA veteran who has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves since the start of the 2019-20 season after being signed as an undrafted free agent.

Over 56 appearances during the 2023-24 season with the T-Wolves, the USC product posted averages of 3.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 11.2 minutes per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and a career-best 47 percent from three-point range (1.6 attempts per contest).

McLaughlin is a pass-first guard, holding a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.43 during his five-year career. Per 36 minutes, the six-foot guard averaged 6.3 assists vs. 1.1 turnovers per game.

Adding McLaughlin provides Kings head coach Mike Brown with a true point guard at his disposal on the bench, something the rotation is in need of following rookie guard Devin Carter’s shoulder surgery. Carter is expected to be re-evaluated in January, opening the door for McLaughlin to take on the bulk of Sacramento’s backup point guard minutes.

McNair surely has more tricks up his sleeve, as seven of Sacramento’s 13 players on their updated roster are currently guards:

Guards