Why Domantas Sabonis could be key to Kings’ new identity

The Sacramento Kings may not be able to recreate the original Beam Team, but there is a clear path for the franchise to borrow from what made that team so successful.

On Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, Matt George and Brenden Nunes discussed the possibility of Sacramento leaning back into a Domantas Sabonis-centered offense as head coach Doug Christie looks to establish a new identity.

Sabonis was the foundation of Sacramento’s record-setting offense during the original Beam Team era (2022-23 season), and Christie has a unique understanding of how to utilize him after previously serving as Sabonis’ developmental coach.

“I think the main difference roster-wise now is no De’Aaron Fox,” Nunes said. “But the main thing is getting Domas back.”

The Kings finished just 26th in offensive rating last season, a significant drop from the Beam Team’s historically efficient offense. With Sabonis healthy, Sacramento has an opportunity to build around his passing, screening and ability to punish mismatches.

There are obvious differences, however.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 15: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento King poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Darius Acuff Jr. is expected to become the face of the franchise after being selected with the seventh pick in June’s NBA Draft, while Zach LaVine, DeAndre Hunter and Keegan Murray all command more offensive responsibility than some of the complementary pieces from the original Beam Team.

Nunes believes that could make defining roles one of Christie’s biggest challenges.

“Zach demands a lot more touches than Kevin Huerter for sure,” Nunes said. “Keegan Murray expects a lot more touches this year. At least that’s what I would hope to see, given the contract that they just gave him.”

Still, Nunes believes Sacramento should lean into its offensive talent while continuing to develop defensively. The Kings ranked 28th in defensive rating last season, making a dramatic defensive turnaround difficult to envision.

“It’s not picking up 94 feet,” Nunes said. “You can try and preach the defense, and you should continue to preach the defense. But like, you got to figure out the offense.”

Three-point shooting could also be a major factor. Sacramento ranked 30th in three-point attempts and 29th in three-point percentage last season, while the original Beam Team ranked sixth in attempts and ninth in percentage.

Domantas Sabonis #11 and Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings pose for a photo during a media day photo shoot at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 29, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

LaVine, Hunter, Murray and Malik Monk could help address that weakness, giving Sacramento more spacing around Sabonis and Acuff.

Ultimately, the Kings don’t need to copy the original Beam Team. They need to rediscover what made that group effective: defined roles, constant movement, shooting and playing through Sabonis.

As Nunes put it, Sacramento needs to “be good at something.” With defense still a major question mark, the offense could be the team’s best opportunity to establish an identity — and give Christie a chance to prove the Kings can win while building toward their future.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale names Kings’ best trade partners for Zach LaVine
• Would Russell Westbrook be the perfect mentor for Darius Acuff Jr.?
• Why Doug Christie deserves another full season with the Kings
• Why Zach LaVine Could Have Trade Value Next Season
• Who will be Sacramento’s backup center: Raynaud or Cardwell?

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and 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 into 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)

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on X/Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Sacramento State Football gets high praise at MAC Media DayKyle Shanahan says he’s ‘getting there’ as return to sideline nearsGreg Swartz: Domantas Sabonis Would Fit Pistons ‘Really Well’Athletics part ways with GM David Forst following 11-year partnershipMac Jones says preparation is his strength as 49ers enter preseason49ers DC Raheem Morris has zero worries about Nick Bosa’s return