The Sacramento Kings had a disappointing end to last season, finishing ninth in the West and narrowly missing the playoffs. Despite the heartbreaking conclusion to a year that looked promising, Kings All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is excited about what lies ahead for the team and the league in Sacramento.
At his first youth camp in the city, Sabonis spoke to Fox40 News. In addition to expressing surprise at teammate Malik Monk’s return to the franchise this offseason, the 28-year-old is also excited to share the court with DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan decided to leave the Chicago Bulls and sign a contract with the Kings, joining forces with Sabonis and their star point guard, De’Aaron Fox. When asked what he thought about DeMar joining the team, here’s what Domantas had to say.
“I was excited at that point. Nothing was falling into place, so I was a little frustrated. And happy that he was there.”
The son of legendary center Arvydas Sabonis explained how DeRozan This addition will affect the team’s attack in the future.
“I think it’s going to make us think differently on the court, move differently… We’re used to playing one style, but we’re doing something at a Hall of Fame level that we’re going to have to play with.”
Sabonis added: “And it’s just going to make teams a lot harder to defend because they won’t know where. Basically, we can score from anywhere now.”
THE Kings“The offense usually relies on Fox creating a shot for himself or driving to the basket. The second option on offense is to get the ball to Sabonis to create something for himself in the paint.
But with DeRozan’s arrival, the team’s offense is now much more varied. That would create more problems for opposing teams that would need to pay close attention to another veteran All-Star who can score from mid-range at will.
Sabonis is confident that DeRozan’s arrival will help the Kings’ offense thrive. But the All-Star center isn’t the only one who’s convinced that DeMar will help the franchise return to its glory days. When you talk to Fox40 NewsThe six-time All-Star was also eager to play with his new teammates.
“I know that from my perspective, my knowledge, my understanding, my approach to the game and my way of being coached, it will fit, without a doubt.”
As DeMar DeRozan enters his 16th year in the league, now with the Kings, he remains confident in his ability to fit seamlessly into Sacramento’s culture, even in the twilight of his career. All that remains is to wait and see what impact DeRozan will have on the Kings franchise.
