The Sacramento Kings aren't the only team making hard cuts leading into the NBA's regular season. The Brooklyn Nets recently waived Dariq Whitehead, who had been with the organization since 2023. Now, the Kings should be looking at adding the young forward to their roster.
Whitehead was drafted by the Nets in 2023, going 22nd overall in the first round. He played two seasons in Brooklyn, though he was assigned to their G League, the Long Island Nets, more than a few times. Ultimately, he only played a total of 22 NBA games over two seasons.
Along with Drew Timme, Whitehead was recently waived by the Nets. They had a lot assets to work with, including back to six picks from the 2025 NBA Draft. This meant something had to give to make this roster work and Whitehead was on the bubble, in part due to previous injury issues.
That being said, there may be opportunities for the Nets to bring both Whitehead and Timme back. If there are openings, either in Brooklyn or Long Island, the Nets organization will likely make that happen. That doesn't mean it's Whitehead's only option to explore.
Whitehead becomes a King
What sets Whitehead apart from other players his age is his versatility on defense and offense. He is known as an explosive scorer, particularly from the three-point line where is he is a consistent threat. On top of that, he's known to drive hard to the rim and finish with gusto at the net.
Even more important to the Kings would be his playmaking and defensive capabilities. Whitehead has a knack for picking the right moment to pass, setting his teammates up for success. That being said, his own personal shot selection can be problematic and needs work.
Defensively, Whitehead would be a great fit for the Kings. His off-ball instincts allow him to generate turnovers while still being a pest as an on-ball defender thanks to quick feet and a sizeable wingspan. It also doesn't hurt that he's a solid rebounder at both ends of the court.
Whitehead is still working on getting his game back to where it was before his injury. But with a little time and development, this former five-star recruit could be the exact kind of player the Kings are looking for. They'll just need to make some hard decisions about their own roster to bring him in.