Going into training camp, the question of who would be the Kings' primary backup point guard loomed. Now that the team is a few days in, both Malik Monk and Devin Carter are looking like strong contenders for the position, with Monk being the frontrunner.
Acquired over the summer, Dennis Schroder is going to be the starting point guard this season. If there was any question of that, his recent EuroBasket championship and MVP honors put that to bed. It would be odd if the Kings didn't go with him.
The Kings regular season structure begins now
That leaves the Kings with four options in the primary backup point guard spot. Those players are Malik Monk, Devin Carter, Keon Ellis, and Nique Clifford. There are some strong contenders on that list, which is why training camp is so important.
It's the coach's opportunity to get everyone on the training camp roster on the floor and work out who is going to fill certain roles. The Kings are only a few days into their team workouts, and at least two names have already been taken off the primary backup point guard list.
Two Kings' guards down...
Nique Clifford was an easy name to remove from the list. It's no slight to the rookie, but he is a rookie. Given the experienced point guards on the roster, it would be difficult to see him filling such an important role. It could easily be a different story a few years down the road.
Keon Eliis is another good option. He's been around the Kings for a few seasons, but mostly on the team's G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Last season was his first on the Sacramento Kings roster, and he did some incredible work. But Ellis has more development to do.
And two Kings left to go
Devin Carter has come into training camp with a new attitude and is ready for new responsibilities. Malik Monk, on the other hand, has plenty of experience in the point guard role. He covered the position frequently after De'Aaron Fox was traded to the Spurs last season.
That being said, Monk didn't excel in the role, mainly because he's better off the bench than he is as a starter. Monk remains the most likely choice for the primary backup point guard on the Kings, but Carter is a choice they can't ignore. Further development will require more trust and responsibility.