With training camp underway as of today, focus turns to who the Sacramento Kings have invited. One intriguing name in the mix is G League player Tristen Newton. The Kings asked him to join this year's training camp, making this young point guard a strong candidate for the last two-way contract.
If you don't know Newton very well, that can be forgiven. His tenure in the NBA has been rather quiet. After winning back-to-back NCAA championships with UCONN, Newton was drafted deep in the 2024 second round by the Pacers. That unfortunately didn't go well as they waived him.
Since then, he has been signed by both the Wolves and the Rockets. Like his time in Indiana, Newton has played primarily with their respective G League affiliates. What's good about Newton is that he's the kind of guy to make the best out of any opportunity, and found ways to excel in the G League.
Newton was actually named to the All-NBA G League First Team in 2026 for his exemplary work, something that likely caught the eye of the Kings' front office. The Stockton Kings made a trade over the offseason to bring him into the fold. Now, Sacramento has him in their training camp.
Newton makes sense on the Kings
There's a few reasons Newton logical addition to the Sacramento pipeline, a big one being rookie King Alex Karaban. They played together at UCONN and won those Natties side-by-side. Having two players that have worked together so successfully could create a great dynamic for the Kings.
Then there's Sacramento's point guard situation. They're going to be starting Darius Acuff Jr. with a returning Ben Simmons as backup. After that, things start gettnig dicey. Having a young combo guard like Netwon even on a two-way contract is an extra bit of insurance at point guard the Kings need.
Plus, Newton's game is legit. He's a full three-level scorer with deep range who rebounds incredibly well for his size and executes sharp, insightful passing. Newton is also an impressive defender, both on and off the ball. He knows how to anticipate the opposition, and get in the right position.
Given his skillset and strong connection to Karaban, in makes sense to bring Newton into the rebuild. Like Jonathan Mogbo and Adam Flagler, start him off as a two-way player, get him accustomed to the Kings' system, once they get one established, and work him into a standard NBA contract.
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