The Sacramento Kings definitely missed Domantas Sabonis in their season opening loss to the Phoenix Suns, particularly in scoring and rebounds. But Drew Eubanks was a huge defensive presence, providing the Kings with the rim protection they sorely need.
No one is should ever question the bonafides of Sabonis as an NBA player. He is a dominant scorer and the league leader in rebounding. The man is a walking double-double, averaging 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in the 2024-2025 regular season. Those are huge numbers.
The problem with Sabonis, and the Kings in general, can usually be found on the defensive end of the court. He's not one lock the paint down or be a huge physical presence. He averaged just 0.4 blocks per game last season. That being said, his defensive rebounds were absolutely clutch.
With Sabonis nursing a hamstring injury that kept him benched for the end of the preseason and the beginning of the regular season, Drew Eubanks has been standing in for Sabonis as the starting center. He might not generate the same offense, but his defense is undeniable.
Drew Eubanks protects the rim
Look, Eubanks is no replacement for Sabonis, particularly on offense. He scored four points while collecting four rebounds and no assists against the Suns. That kind of production is way too low for a starting center, or even a backup center for that matter. But Eubanks excels in other areas.
Can't cash that in on Eubanks 🙅♂️ pic.twitter.com/GZ86Ivz8TG
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) October 23, 2025
Drew's defensive presence is hard to miss. Against the Suns, he had four blocks and two steals, effectively putting the paint and the rim on lockdown during the first half. The second half wasn't good for the Kings overall, but that wasn't Eubanks' fault. That was on the whole team.
He was equally effective starting against the Lakers in the Kings' only preseason victory. Eubanks played fewer minutes but still had a solid stat line that included one steal and two blocks. Overall, this is huge growth for a guy whose career averages are 0.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
If Eubanks is becoming the elite rim protector the Kings need, running a line with both him and Sabonis could work. They could become a one-two punch for the Kings that locks down rebounds, owns the paint, and creates havoc at the rim. Running two bigs has worked on other rosters.
For a Kings team still trying to find a rhythm, it's worth a shot.