Sacramento Kings depth chart after first weekend of free agency
By Logan Struck
The Sacramento Kings had a surprisingly busy first weekend of free agency, even though they did not sign any new “big name” players. Many Sacramento fans see the Kings making lateral moves, but Monte McNair is sneakily building a championship-caliber team.
The Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Championship off the backs of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, surrounded by role players, proving it is possible to win a championship in the super team era without a super team.
The Kings kept all five starters from a 2022-23 squad with the franchise’s best season in 17 years.
Building around All-NBA Third Team teammates Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, there is something special brewing in Sacramento. After giving Sabonis a five-year / $217 million extension, the Kings are building for the future.
Not only did Sacramento extend their All-NBA big man, but they re-signed Harrison Barnes and Trey Lyles. Retaining their starting small forward and backup power forward is an important step to improve the team while keeping the core group of guys together. While retaining their wing group, Sacramento also re-signed Alex Len to build up their frontcourt depth.
The Kings are not keeping the team the same heading into next season, as they have made some moves to switch things up. Most notably, Sacramento officially signed EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, as the 6’9″ forward can spread the floor and knock down threes at a high rate. They also traded for 2021 lottery pick Chris Duarte from the Indiana Pacers while giving up practically nothing.
Monte McNair has done a tremendous job this off-season keeping the team together while still upgrading. Coming off a season where the Sacramento Kings set the record for the best offensive rating by a team in NBA history, it makes sense to keep the impressive group of talent together.
2023-24 Sacramento Kings’ projected depth chart after the first weekend of free agency:
PG: De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell
SG: Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, Colby Jones, PJ Dozier, Keon Ellis (two-way)
SF: Harrison Barnes, Chris Duarte, Kessler Edwards
PF: Keegan Murray, Sasha Vezenkov, Trey Lyles, Jalen Slawson (two-way)
C: Domantas Sabonis, Alex Len, Neemias Queta (QO)
QO – Qualifying offer extended to Neemias Queta
Sacramento has recently signed Keon Ellis and rookie Jalen Slawson to two-way contracts, leaving one more two-way spot to fill, with the assumption that it will be given to Neemias Queta.
While the roster seems complete, there are still concerns about the rotation. There is no third-string point guard, so do the Kings sign a veteran to fill that role? The most significant concern is what will happen with the center rotation. Does Sacramento decide to play Trey Lyles are their backup five, or do they stick with a battle between the veteran Alex Len and young Neemias Queta?
Many concerns and questions will be answered before the 2023-24 season begins, but for now, we look forward to what the young guys will do in the Summer League.
