A big part of Summer League season is the chance for teams to get to know undrafted players and prospective development talent. Well, Marquel Sutton just put the Sacramento Kings on notice. His California Classic performance was incredible, and more than worth the Kings' long-term attentions.
Sutton is a 23-year-old power forward who recently finished up his college run with the LSU Tigers. Prior to that, he also played for Connors State and the University of Nebraska Omaha. Sutton did declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, but wasn't chosen by any of the NBA teams involved this year.
All in all, he played five seasons in college, giving him a well-seasoned game while still having several years before his prime hits. That's why the Kings brought him out to play on their Summer League team. Sutton is currently signed to a 10-day contract while he worked through the California Classic.
He ended up playing in all three games the Kings played in this year's Classic, improving with each showing and more minutes. On top of that, Sutton played alongside some of Sacramento's top draft picks from 2025 and 2025, and held his own. That has to earn some attention from the front office.
Sutton needs to be put into the Kings' developmental pipeline asap
In the Kings' first game against the Nets, Sutton played well over 11 minutes and had limited opportunities. He only got two points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Those aren't exactly head-turning numbers. But you have to look at his progression through the Classic.
Game two against the Warriors Blue saw him play 23+ minutes, and finish with 16 points, eight rebounds, and one steal. Then against the Bucks, Sutton was the starting power forward, played nearly 33 minutes, and collected 24 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks.
On top of that, Sutton shot 42.9% from the field, 50.0% from three, and 100% from the charity stripe against the Bucks. Not enough? His +/- was in the positive throughout the California Classic. If the Kings are not looking at a more long-term commitment to Sutton, that's a huge mistake.
After waiving DeMar DeRozan, the Kings have two spots available on the main roster. If they end up bumping someone like Isaiah Stevens up to a standard NBA contract, the front office would be smart to get Sutton on the remaining two-way contract. His developmental potential is huge.
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