Kevin Huerter (shoulder) says he is close to a return to the floor

Aug 29, 2024, 11:34 AM

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 06: Kevin Huerter #9 of the Sacramento Kings controls the ball against th...

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

It was a disappointing 2023-24 season for Kevin Huerter, one that ended with a season-ending shoulder injury as the Sacramento Kings were chasing a playoff spot.

The 26-year-old two-guard joined The Check Ball Show this week to share an update on his recovery process as we inch closer to the start of NBA training camps.

Huerter, who underwent surgery to repair a left shoulder dislocation and torn labrum on March 29th, says he will “start going live” next week as he hopes to ramp up his basketball activities in anticipation of the start of training camp.

“I can start going live September 5th,” Huerter said when asked where he was in his rehab. “Just kind of been a long summer. Anyone who’s been through an injury, a surgery, just tedious. It just takes forever. Trying to be patient. They gave me, like, a six-month recovery, so I’m just trying to stay on track with that.

“I feel good. I want to push more and get into it. October 1st, obviously, training camp is what I’m looking forward to, but really kind of want to start doing more and start to get live, things of that nature.”

More from Kings guard Kevin Huerter

It was a tough season for Huerter in 2023-24 after posting career-highs across the board in 2022-23.

Huerter, who averaged 15.2 points on 48 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from three during the Kings’ impressive 2022-23 campaign, finished the year averaging 10.2 points–his lowest per-game average since his rookie season in 2018-19– on 44/36/76 shooting splits.

“I probably had my best year as a pro last year, so then this was probably my worst year as a pro this year,” Huerter said of his rough season during his end-of-year press conference in April. “So, I think in a lot of ways, they balance out, and if you look at it like that, hey, next year, we should be back,” Huerter said with a smile.

“You know, I’m optimistic about getting through this summer, through this injury. I’ll be in the weight room a lot, which I think is always fun going into an offseason. Next year, I think I’m looking at it really positively and think it will all be back.”

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

Now that we know when the Kings will suit up for their season-opener, we can look forward to October 24th for the Beam Team’s season-opening matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Training camps will begin at the end of September, meaning there could still be a move or two up general manager Monte McNair’s sleeve to round out Sacramento’s roster before players report to Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Sacramento Kings news on player signings, trades, game recaps, and more for the upcoming season.