As training camp continues, players start figuring out their roles as the team finds a collective rhythm. That's going to be especially important for the Kings, who had absolutely no rhythm last season, and no one seemed sure how they fit into such a dysfunctional environment.
A few months later, everyone on the team is ready for a fresh start. It's not really a "new look Kings" since so little changed on the roster over the summer. But they are definitely a "new attitude Kings," focusing on consistency and professionalism without sacrificing any fun.
One player who is ready to give the Kings whatever the team needs is NBA veteran DeMar DeRozan. During an interview a couple of days into training camp, DeRozan made it clear that he was ready to fill whatever role Doug Christie asks him to. And that could be the key to success.
DeRozan is the veteran leader
What makes DeMar DeRozan compelling to have around is his status as an NBA veteran. DeRozan has been in the league since 2009, meaning he's seen everything and done everything. Almost everything, at least. He is still without an NBA Championship, unfortunately.
Just to keep things simple, his status makes him incredibly valuable as a locker room leader. The Kings' attempt at a new attitude going into the 2025-2026 season would be completely worthless without the buy-in and support of someone like DeRozan.
DeMar DeRozan talks about the second day of training camp, ready to play any role for Doug Christie and the Sacramento Kings, as well as the goal of hoping to play every single game of the season. pic.twitter.com/3numoTzwHf
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) October 1, 2025
Rookies, young talent, and new roster members need to see DeRozan believing in the team's direction to get them on board. Whether he wants to be or not, he is a leader on the Kings, despite the fact that the front office spent a good portion of the summer trying to move him.
The future of the Kings
As it stands right now, the future of the Kings should belong to the young guns. If the team plays its cards right, Keon Ellis, Keegan Murray, Devin Carter, Maxime Raynaud, and Nique Clifford could be the new core the team needs to thrive five years down the road.
The Kings will need veterans like DeMar DeRozan to step up and help build that future. He has the skill and the experience to help show them how to become that team.
DeRozan has been clear that one of his goals this season is to be what the team needs, and this is definitely what they need in the next five years. As long as the Kings let him be who he needs to be.