The Sacramento Kings are wrapping up their time in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League as they head into their consolation game with a win. The Kings defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 93-80 on Thursday night.
The Kings were led by third-year forward Kessler Edwards, who had 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. While we witnessed impressive performances from young players that led to a Sacramento victory, an unfortunate injury to rookie Colby Jones scared all Kings fans.
Colby Jones took a hard fall in Thursday night’s win and had to sit out the remainder of the game after heading to the locker room.
Colby Jones leaves the game after a hard fall following a dunk attempt. Good to see him walk off the court. pic.twitter.com/h08Aydx2KR
— AL in CAL (@ALinCALI22) July 14, 2023
While Colby Jones was able to walk off the court under his own will, it was still a scary sight to see. The rookie seems healthy, as the Kings Summer League head coach, Luke Loucks, said that Jones wanted to return to the game, but they ultimately decided to keep him out (via @SeanCunningham | Twitter).
Colby Jones has not yet been ruled out for Saturday’s final Summer League game, but we expect him to not risk any further injury.
Last week, Colby Jones signed the first-ever Second Round Pick Exception, a recent addition to the NBA with the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Jones signed a four-year deal worth $8.7 million.
Colby Jones has been one of the most impressive players on the Kings Summer League roster, proving why he was worth Sacramento trading up for him. While he struggled to score the ball in the last two games, he was valuable in other ways.
Sacramento Kings fans have witnessed what Jones brings to the table, as he has consistently made impressive plays through the 2023 NBA Summer League.
Colby Jones has ridiculous touch. This is through contact and with his left. pic.twitter.com/sbClAoNQDP
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) July 11, 2023
Colby Jones WHAT??? pic.twitter.com/3q3M6Hyz0r
— J r u e (@thatl0calguy) July 14, 2023
Colby Jones rotating and blocking Leonard miller is cool. pic.twitter.com/wPNs5g6RV8
— cashiggy (@cashiggy11) July 14, 2023
Colby Jones has made his mark in the Summer League as one of the most consistent and impressive rookies. While he was the 34th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Jones has played like a lottery selection, as his style of play will translate to greatness for years to come.
The Sacramento Kings should shut Jones down for the final Summer League game, as his injury in Thursday night’s win was scary, and there is no reason to risk anything else. Colby Jones has proven himself and deserves to see the court in the regular season.
Kings news: Neemias Queta, Monte McNair in Vegas, Chris Duarte number
The Sacramento Kings have had a relatively slow week roster-wise, but they still had plenty of fun news to come out Thursday!