For the rebuild to work, the Sacramento Kings are going to need their rookies to step up. That doesn't mean pushing their development too quickly, just that these rooks are going to be at the forefront of the rebuild. Fortunately, both Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp seem like they're on the ball.
Last season's rookie joined the Kings at a rough time. Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and Dylan Cardwell moved to Sacramento when the team was at one of their lowest points in the 2025 offseason. Fans were hopeful, but expectations were minimal to say the least.
All three of them proved everyone wrong. Cardwell and Raynaud in particular had breakout seasons, delivering real defensive presences in addition to boosting the Kings' offense. Clifford took a bit longer to find his feet in the NBA, but he showed his real potential as the season continued.
These three players became the foundation of the rebuild alongside Daeqwon Plowden and Precious Achiuwa. Their development will continue through 2026-2027 with three new rookies on the team alongside them. At least two of them have already shown that they are ready for the big show.
Karaban and Sharp bring real college seasoning to the Kings
In addition to Sharp and Karaban, the Kings drafted Darius Acuff Jr. in 2026. All three players were great choices as they give Sacramento a new point guard to develop as well as real wing depth. At the same time, there is a reason why Karaban and Sharp looked better in the Summer League.
Acuff entered the NBA Draft after one season of college ball. On the other hand, Sharp and Karaban each put four seasons into the NCAA before making the move to the NBA. While Acuff has the raw potential to be amazing, the other two Kings' rookies games are more seasoned and ready to go.
There's something to be said for players spending as much time as possible on a college court before moving to the NBA. Fans saw this when Karaban and Sharp took the court during the Summer League. They appeared more confident in their respective games and their roles on the team.
Obviously, that will continue to develop over time as both players continue to work with Sacramento. In the meantime, the Kings have to be happy to have a pair of rookies already feeling their NBA rhythms. That puts them in a really good place when the regular season starts in October.
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