The NBA moves at lightning speed, especially on rebuild team like the Sacramento Kings. Even when it seems like nothing is happening, decisions are being made, and plans are being laid out. That means players have to constantly be doing their best to hold onto their spots.
Well, that's assuming they want to, of course. It's hard to tell if Zach LaVine wants to play basketball in Sacramento or not. His time there hasn't exactly provided a lot of great memories. That being said, there are plenty of other players who have to make a good impression if they want to hang around.
This reality is especially evident at the shooting guard position, which continues to be a logjam. LaVine is likely the starter, but there are four other players at that position looking for minutes. There's a bubble here that everyone needs to be aware of.
5. Daeqwon Plowden
After four years in the G League on two-way contracts, the Kings recently gave Plowden his first standard NBA contract. That's only the beginning of his journey. The combo wing plays both small forward and shooting guard and is going to have to fight for minutes in a crowded rotation. Whatever time he gets, Plowden is going to have to put on one heck of a show to keep coaches invested.
4. Adam Flagler
After winning a championship with the Thunder a little over a year ago, Flagler finds himself on a two-way contract with the Kings. His ace-in-the-hole is the fact that he might be the main/only backup to Sacramento's starting point guard, Darius Acuff Jr. That doesn't guarantee anything, though. He still needs to prove himself if he wants to keep his current spot, let alone get a standard contract.
3. Jonathan Mogbo
The Raptors letting Mogbo go was a bit of a surprise. He's a great young power forward, which is why the Kings quickly signed him to a two-way contract. Mogbo had a great showing in the Summer League, likely making him first in line for the main roster. The Kings might not have the money to make that move any time soon, so Mogbo has to take every chance to keep making a positive impression.
2. Precious Achiuwa
Sacramento signed Achiuwa a few games into the 2025-2026 season to bolster their defensive presence. That worked out so well they decided to keep him around for a couple of more seasons. While Achiuwa seems to have found a team that fits, nothing is guaranteed. If he wants to continue on as part of this rebuild in Sactown, that means not resting on his laurels.
1. Nique Clifford
The Kings' top draft pick in 2025, it felt like Clifford had more problems acclimating to the NBA than fellow rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell. That being said, his aggression, three-point shooting, and defense all improved throughout his first season. He has to find that next gear in season two and let Sacramento know he's serious about rebuilding the Kings' legacy.
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