Where the Sacramento Kings roster stands after latest moves
Sep 12, 2023, 10:02 AM | Updated: 3:26 pm
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
NBA training camps open in three weeks, meaning rosters around the league are beginning to take shape.
The Sacramento Kings made their latest roster moves this week when they waived centers Nerlens Noel and Neemias Queta.
Along with the two centers, Kings general manager Monte McNair waived forward Skal Labissiere, a 6’10 who was drafted by the organization in 2016 and had recently returned on an Exhibit 1o contract.
Labissere’s G-League rights were acquired by the Stockton Kings last week, clearing the way for the 27-year-old to join Sacramento’s minor league club down the road. If Labissiere spends 60 days with Stockon this season, he will earn an Exhibit 10 bonus (worth up to $75,000).
Following Sacramento’s latest roster moves, some spots still need to be filled before the Kings take the floor for their preseason opener on Sunday, October 8th in Vancouver, Canada.
Now that Sacramento has inked JaVale McGee to a guaranteed contract for the 2023-24 season, all signs are beginning to point to the team’s point guard depth.
As of September 12th, there is still no third-string floor general on the roster that can be slotted behind All-NBA guard De’Aaron Fox and defensive juggernaut Davion Mitchell in Mike Brown’s rotation.
When healthy, the Fox-Mitchell combo is one of the better starter-bench guard combos in the NBA. Although Fox (73 games) and Mitchell (80 games) were on the floor for nearly the entirety of last season, the Kings could use another guard to stash on its bench in case one of the two guards miss time due to injury.
With only one full roster spot open, it will be interesting to see if McNair and Brown prioritize guard depth over rostering another wing or big for the final signing. When it comes to the point guard position, the Kings could use a third option behind Fox and Mitchell.
Malik Monk (3.9 assists per game in 2022-23) proved that he can set the table on the offensive end in a pinch, but Monk is at his best when he is on the attack and looking to score the basketball.
The Kings could use another true point guard, and there are still some names on the market that can add to this up-and-coming Western Conference contender’s depth, with local product Jordan Ford’s name at the top of the list.
Ford, a 25-year-old guard that has a proven ability to score the ball and set up teammates, could be an option for the Kings’ final two-way contract or even as a full roster spot if McNair choses to bring a younger option in to split time with Sacramento and Stockton.
After spending the past three seasons in the G-League and averaging 12.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game on 48/41/84 shooting splits, Ford could be ready for a shot at the NBA level as a third-string option behind Fox and Mitchell.
Although Ford has yet to sign a contract with the Kings for 2023-24, he recently appeared at a Stockton Kings event in early August, something that could signal towards the guard being in the fold for training camp.
Just last week, FOX 40’s Sean Cunningham told Sactown Sports 1140 that he expects Ford to participate in Sacramento’s camp next month, although it’s unknown if that will be on a full, two-way, or non-guaranteed contract.
If Sacramento wants to look for an established player with years of experience, one that can fill the role that Matthew Dellavedova left behind, players like Ish Smith, Goran Dragic, George Hill, and Kendrick Nunn are free agents that are looking for a new home.
The Kings have plenty of depth on its roster for 2023-24, but there are still some spots that will need to be filled before regular season action tips off on Wednesday, October 25th in Utah.
Here’s where things stand for Sacramento’s roster as we move closer to the start of NBA training camps:
Current Sacramento Kings roster
Guards (6)
- De’Aaron Fox
- Davion Mitchell
- Malik Monk
- Kevin Huerter
- Colby Jones
- Keon Ellis (two-way)
Forwards (7)
- Harrison Barnes
- Keegan Murray
- Chris Duarte
- Trey Lyles
- Sasha Vezenkov
- Kessler Edwards
- Jalen Slawson (two-way)
Centers (3)
- Domantas Sabonis
- Alex Len
- JaVale McGee
How many roster spots do the Sacramento Kings have open?
Open Full Roster Spots: 1
Open Two-Way Spots: 1
Training Camp Spots: 5
All contract info is courtesy of Spotrac.
Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Preseason Schedule
- Sunday, October 8th – Sacramento Kings @ Toronto Raptors – 5 PM PST (Preseason Opener)
- Wednesday, October 11th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7 PM PST (in Anaheim, CA)
- Sunday, October 15th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
- Wednesday, October 18th – Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
- Thursday, October 19th – Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PST
Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule
- Tuesday, October 24th – NBA regular season begins
- Wednesday, October 25th – Sacramento Kings @ Utah Jazz – 6 PM (Season Opener)
- Friday, October 27th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7 PM (Home Opener)
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