At his first basketball camp in Sacramento, Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis was all smiles when reporters asked him about his team’s offseason.
And why wouldn’t it be? The Kings acquired DeMar DeRozansix-time All-Star, in a sign and a tradeThey re-signed Monk Malikwho refused more generous offers stay with the franchiseAfter finishing ninth in the Western Conference standings last season, Sacramento now appears poised to return to the playoffs.
Kings Fulcrum Dissects Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan’s Moves
Asked about his thoughts on the Kings’ ability to land DeRozan, Sabonis said he was “excited … and happy to be here.”
“At that point, nothing was done, so I was a little frustrated,” he admits.
Catching up with Domantas Sabonis on the Kings guarding Malik Monk, working out in Los Angeles last week with new signing DeMar DeRozan, what DeRozan provides, players’ camp starting Monday in San Diego and hosting his first camp in Sacramento. pic.twitter.com/eS0oMy9ITS
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) August 25, 2024
Then came the real question.
Sabonis has made a name for himself as one of the league’s best dribble handoff (DHO) operators. Typically, the play leads to players darting from the perimeter or rushing into the paint. However, DeRozan’s specialty is sizing up players and scoring from mid-range.
So how does DeRozan fit into the offense?
“I think it’s going to be good for us,” Sabonis said. “It’s going to make us think differently on the court, move differently and really understand each other. Because we’re used to playing one style, but he’s doing something that’s Hall of Fame-worthy and we’re going to have to play with…”
“It’s going to make it a lot harder for teams to defend us… we can score from pretty much anywhere.”
“He’s a very smart player who’s been around the league forever and has accomplished a lot,” added the eight-year veteran. “I’m looking forward to learning from him and asking him for advice, and I hope everyone else is too…”
The role of Malik Monk
As for Monk’s decision to stay with the Kings, Sabonis said he “was actually very surprised (that he stayed)…”
“I talked to him a lot during the year and I thought we really lost him, but I’m glad he stayed. I think it’s the best decision for him and for us.
“I’m happy to have him here. He’s one of the most important players on our team. Having him with us on and off the field has helped us a lot these last two years.”
Now considered one of the NBA’s best backups after two top-five finishes as Sixth Men of the Year, Monk is angling for a starting role. It’s unclear what that would look like. While he’s shot 37.5 percent from three-point range over the past two seasons, he’s more comfortable scoring off the dribble. With DeRozan, Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox Being a starter and also needing the ball in your hands could be a risky situation.
Still, there’s no doubt that Monk made the Kings a better team.
On the field, his scoring instincts and development as a playmaker have made their offense more dynamic. The firepower he provides as a backup helps them survive minutes without a star scorer. Off the field, Monk encourages the team with his positivity. It doesn’t hurt that he’s actually friends with Fox either. In a long, grueling season, he’s the kind of guy who can help them get through the tough times.
