Kings Training Camp Will Test A Crowded Rotation

The Kings enter training camp with major rotation questions surrounding Ben Simmons, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and their bench depth.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 23, 2026, 10:54 AM

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Watch: Is Ben Simmons More Than A Backup Point Guard Where Does Maxime Raynaud Fit Into The Rotation | 40 mins

Sacramento Kings training camp is nearly here, and while plenty of big-picture questions surround the franchise’s direction, some of the most immediate decisions will come down to figuring out who plays night in and night out.

On the latest episode of the Matt George Podcast, Matt George and Chris Watkins worked through several of the biggest storylines facing Sacramento before camp begins. New offseason addition Ben Simmons, former No. 1 overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft, is one of the biggest questions.

The Kings aren’t signing Simmons expecting him to return to the three-time All-Star form he once had in Philadelphia. But if his playmaking, rebounding, and defensive versatility remain impactful after one year away, there could still be a clear role for him.

George views Simmons primarily as a backup point guard behind Darius Acuff Jr., particularly because his lack of shooting makes him more difficult to use away from the ball.

“If Ben Simmons is the backup point guard, plays 15 minutes a night and gives you defense, rebounding and a decent amount of playmaking, I think that’s really good value for the contract and really good value for the roster spot,” George said.

Finding those minutes is a bit complicated given the overall roster construction. Sacramento has a crowded group of players fighting for spots behind an expected starting group of Acuff, Zach LaVine, De’Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Malik Monk should remain a significant part of the rotation, while Maxime Raynaud’s All-Rookie season gives him momentum heading into Year 2.

That leaves players like Dylan Cardwell, Precious Achiuwa and Nique Clifford trying to carve out consistent roles. Cardwell might provide what Sacramento desperately needs with his rim protection and defense, but Raynaud is the more polished player, albeit with a notably different skill set.

“The Kings need what Dylan Cardwell brings more than they need what Maxime Raynaud brings,” George said. “But Maxime Raynaud is the better center, and he’s coming off of an All-Rookie Second Team season.”

Achiuwa could also force his way into the rotation after providing reliable minutes last season, potentially giving Sacramento a bench forward capable of playing behind Murray or Hunter. Beyond the rotation battle, the biggest basketball question may be how Acuff and Sabonis will function as a duo.

For a rookie guard expected to eventually become the centerpiece of the franchise, learning how to operate alongside one of the NBA’s best screeners and passing big men could accelerate Acuff’s development. It may also be mutually beneficial for Sabonis to have a potentially high-caliber playmaker alongside him.

George believes Sacramento should make that pairing a major emphasis from the beginning of camp. “Sabonis, in my mind, is instrumental to anything successful that the Kings are going to do this year,” George said.

While that may be obvious for this season, their long-term outlook is a bit cloudier. Sabonis and LaVine remain two of Sacramento’s most important trade pieces headed into the season. Kings general manager Scott Perry has avoided attaching draft capital simply to move their contracts, and their performances this season could end up dictating the market.

The larger rebuild may not fully take shape until the summer of 2027, when Sacramento is expected to have significantly more financial flexibility. But, for now, training camp will offer the first look at how their current pieces fit.

Head coach Doug Christie will be tasked with finding an ideal rotation. Having more capable players than available minutes is a good problem, but it still needs to be sorted out as the season begins.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.