Elias Ralph Staying Ready After Kings Summer League Opportunity

Elias Ralph did not have much time to process his first NBA Summer League opportunity after receiving a late invite.

The former Pacific forward joined the Sacramento Kings’ Summer League roster on short notice and appeared in Las Vegas, where he tried to make the most of a chance that came together quickly.

“It went by super fast,” Ralph told The Drive Guys. “I kind of didn’t really know if I was even going to be there, and then got the offer last minute, showed up, and it just kind of went by in a blink of an eye.”

Ralph admitted he was a little surprised the opportunity came from Sacramento after his pre-draft interview did not go as he would have wanted.

“To be honest, I don’t know if I played my best during my Sacramento pre-draft workouts,” Ralph said. “I was kind of surprised the Summer League spot came from them, but of course, I would take anything I could get. It was a surreal moment for sure.”

The 6-foot-8 forward did not play many minutes, but left an impression with his combination of size, shooting, and impact on the box score plus-minus. When asked what he brings to the floor, Ralph pointed to the versatility that he also displayed during his time at Pacific.

“I would say just my versatility,” Ralph said. “I’m 6’8″, so I can kind of play multiple positions, and I think I can shoot the ball at my size and rebound at a high level. Just kind of a plug-and-play player (who) can do a bit of everything, can fit in multiple styles and schemes. I think I’m just a good glue guy.”

That was exactly the role he filled with Sacramento’s Summer League squad. The Kings as a whole didn’t perform as they’d hoped in Las Vegas, and Ralph admitted there was an adjustment, but said he settled in as time went on.

“I think it took me the first couple days just to kind of get used to the speed,” Ralph said. “I haven’t really played in a game in a long time now, and to jump into a game with high-level athletes, it was a bit of a shock. Then I kind of settled in, and it’s just playing basketball again at the end of the day.”

He used the opportunity to showcase his game not only to Sacramento but to every team, hoping to land somewhere. The forward said that Dylan Cardwell helped him through the process.

“He was just super nice and cool to me and made me feel like I belonged,” Ralph said while acknowledging the outgoing, easy-to-talk-to personality Cardwell has that Kings fans are familiar with.

With Summer League in the rearview and his first NBA-adjacent experience post-college, he’s aiming to make an NBA G League team. “That’s kind of the main goal right now,” Ralph said. “Staying in the gym, staying ready, and then just kind of waiting for that call or that opportunity.”

Perhaps that could be with Sacramento’s affiliate in Stockton.

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

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th, when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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