Kings news: Neemias Queta, Monte McNair in Vegas, Chris Duarte number

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 23: Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after making a shot in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 23, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 23: Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after making a shot in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 23, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

After a relatively slow week, here are some fun updates in the world of the Sacramento Kings!

Neemias Queta takes another lap around the sun

July 13th, 1999 was the day 7-foot center Neemias Queta was born. Queta celebrates his birthday Thursday after being confirmed to miss the rest of the NBA Summer League. The Sacramento Kings honored Queta’s 24th birthday with a Twitter thread of some of his best moments:

It is unknown whether or not Neemias Queta will be a King next year. After he was offered a two-way contract weeks ago, there is still no update on his signature. Queta may be waiting for an official roster spot instead of banking on a two-way deal, causing delays in the process.

The Sacramento Kings have three roster spots available still – one of them being two-way. If the Kings want to lock down Neemias Queta, now is the time to offer him a full roster spot as a backup center. The Kings need more size and rim protection, and with Domantas Sabonis injured and possibly missing the start of the season, Queta would be a great option to provide healthy competition with Alex Len.

Monte McNair tests his luck in Las Vegas

Kings GM Monte McNair is in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League currently, watching his players and deciding who gets contracts – and who does not. After hours – when he isn’t managing an entire NBA organization – he likes to relax and have some fun gambling in Vegas. Who doesn’t?

McNair returned to Twitter after a 2.5-month hiatus to make his first tweet since the Kings lost the opening round of the playoffs in April, tweeting this reference to the movie “The Hangover“:

McNair obviously knows how to have fun, and with the underrated off-season deals he has made for the Kings, it’s more than fair to say he deserves it.

Chris Duarte’s official number for the Sacramento Kings

The Kings confirmed Thursday that Chris Duarte will wear number three, which was his number when he was with the Indiana Pacers. The Kings acquired Duarte through a pre-free agency trade, sending two second-round picks for the 2021 lottery pick.

Duarte will bring his skills to help the Kings off the bench next season, likely playing a mix of guard and wing. Duarte also spoke highly of former Pacers teammate Domantas Sabonis.

After Sabonis took Duarte under his wing during his rookie season in Indiana, they developed great chemistry until Sabonis was traded to Sacramento. However, the two plan to keep their Pacers fire going in Sacramento next year as the Kings aim for an NBA title.

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