3 studs, 2 duds from Sacramento Kings crushing Summer League blow

The Sacramento Kings started off hot in the Summer League, cruising to a 3-0 total after sweeping the California Classic and opening the Las Vegas Summer League with a win over the Atlanta Hawks. However, after a crushing loss Tuesday night that jeopardizes the rest of the Kings’ Summer League chances, the Kings sit 1-2 in Vegas.

Neemias Queta’s injury is no help to the Kings’ chances and Keegan Murray being forced into Summer League retirement isn’t either.

Here are three studs that stepped up during Tuesday’s loss, and two players who didn’t meet expectations.

Keon Ellis

Keon Ellis once again is proving why he deserves a bigger chance in the NBA after signing his new two-way contract. Ellis had a strong 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in Tuesday’s loss. He also shot 7-9 from the field (3-5 from beyond the arc).

As seen in this video clip below, Ellis is able to easily fake out defenders as well and get to the basket, rising above everyone else:

https://twitter.com/KingsNationCP/status/1678964926415552512

Ellis, who also has fantastic defensive abilities, can absolutely get a shot at bigger minutes and help the Kings struggling defense – ranked 24th in the NBA last season. This will come with strong competition, as the Kings roster has lots of guards already with De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell at point guard and Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk at the two.