The Sacramento Kings took a small step back last season after their breakthrough 2022-23 campaign that ended their 16-year playoff drought. The Kings finished 9th in the Western Conference with a 46-36 record, missing out on the playoffs after being knocked out in the play-in tournament.
This offseason, they made a major move by signing DeMar DeRozan, hoping to strengthen their squad and make a deeper push into the postseason. With DeRozan in the fold, the Kings are aiming to return to playoff contention and move up the standings in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: De’Aaron Fox
Reserves: Jordan McLaughlin, Mason Jones, Boogie Ellis
De’Aaron Fox continues to be the engine that powers the Sacramento Kings. Last season, Fox had his best statistical year, averaging 26.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range. Fox’s blazing speed, scoring ability, and leadership make him one of the top point guards in the league. He will look to build on his All-Star campaign and lead the Kings back to the playoffs.
Jordan McLaughlin and Mason Jones provide solid depth at the point guard position, while rookie Boogie Ellis brings intriguing potential as a scorer and playmaker off the bench.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Kevin Huerter
Reserves: Keon Ellis, Colby Jones, Brodric Thomas
Kevin Huerter is coming off a down season, where he averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. Huerter’s shooting struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, hurt the Kings’ spacing last year. He will be looking for a bounce-back season, though Malik Monk could challenge him for the starting spot if his shooting and overall production don’t improve.
Keon Ellis and rookie Colby Jones offer additional depth at shooting guard, while Brodric Thomas will look to earn a role as a 3-and-D player off the bench.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: DeMar DeRozan
Reserves: Malik Monk, Isaiah Crawford, Terry Taylor
The Kings made a significant offseason move by trading for DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game last season with the Chicago Bulls. DeRozan brings an elite mid-range scoring ability, veteran leadership, and playoff experience to Sacramento. His decision to join the Kings signals his belief in the team’s potential to contend. DeRozan’s presence adds another dynamic scorer next to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, giving the Kings a formidable offensive trio.
Malik Monk, who had a Sixth Man of the Year-level campaign last season, averaged 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range. Monk could easily step into the starting lineup at shooting guard or small forward depending on matchups, but he will continue to be a crucial offensive weapon off the bench. Isaiah Crawford and Terry Taylor round out the depth at small forward.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Keegan Murray
Reserves: Trey Lyles, Jalen McDaniels, Isaac Jones
Keegan Murray has developed into a key player for the Kings after a strong sophomore season in which he averaged 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range. Murray’s ability to stretch the floor as a shooter, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him a perfect fit alongside Domantas Sabonis in the frontcourt. Murray’s continued growth will be vital to the Kings’ success this season.
Trey Lyles provides veteran depth as a reliable stretch forward, while Jalen McDaniels adds length and athleticism off the bench. Rookie Isaac Jones will also look to develop into a rotational player.
Center (C)
Starter: Domantas Sabonis
Reserves: Alex Len, Skal Labissiere, Orlando Robinson
Domantas Sabonis has become a star for the Kings, forming an elite one-two punch with De’Aaron Fox. Sabonis averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season while shooting 59.3% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range. Sabonis’ passing and scoring abilities make him one of the most versatile big men in the NBA. He led the league in rebounds and ranked in the top five in assists among centers, making him a critical part of Sacramento’s offense.
Alex Len will provide backup minutes at center with his size and physicality, while Skal Labissiere and Orlando Robinson offer additional depth.
The Sacramento Kings have a solid foundation with De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray leading the way. The addition of DeMar DeRozan gives them another proven scorer and veteran leader who can help the Kings take the next step toward consistent playoff contention. Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk provide shooting and depth on the wings, while Trey Lyles and Alex Len offer valuable experience off the bench.
The Kings’ success this season will depend on improving their defense and developing better chemistry among their core players. If Mike Brown can find the right balance and the team stays healthy, Sacramento has the potential to move up in the Western Conference standings and challenge for a middle-to-top playoff spot.
While the Kings are still growing, they have the talent to compete with the best teams in the West. With DeRozan, Fox, and Sabonis leading the charge, Sacramento could make some noise in the postseason if they can gel as a team.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
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