While hosting his first basketball camp in Sacramento, Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis was all smiles as reporters asked him about his team’s offseason.
And why wouldn’t he be? The Kings acquired DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, in a sign-and-trade. They re-signed Malik Monk, who turned down heftier offers to stay with the franchise. After finishing ninth in the Western Conference standings last season, Sacramento now seems poised to return to the playoffs.
Kings Fulcrum Dissects Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan Moves
Asked his thoughts on the Kings’ ability to swing the DeRozan deal, Sabonis says he was “excited… and happy he’s here.”
“At that point, nothing was falling through, so (I was) getting a bit frustrated,” he admits.
Catching up with Domantas Sabonis on the Kings keeping Malik Monk, working out in LA last week with their new addition in DeMar DeRozan, what DeRozan provides, players camp starting Monday in San Diego & 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 best DHO (dribble handoff) operators in the league. Typically, this action leads to players launching from the perimeter or dashing into the paint. Yet, DeRozan’s specialty is sizing players up and scoring in the midrange.
How then does DeRozan fit the offense?
“I think it’s going to be good for us,” Sabonis answers. “It’s going to make us think differently on the court, move differently, (and) really read each other. Because we’re used to playing one style, but he does something at a Hall of Fame level that we’re going to have to play around…”
“It’s going to make it so much harder for teams to guard us… we can basically score from (everywhere).”
“…He’s a very smart player (who has) been in the league forever, (and) has done so much,” the eight-year veteran adds. “I’m excited to learn from him and pick his brain and I hope everyone else is…”
Malik Monk’s Role
As for Monk’s decision to stay with the Kings, Sabonis says he “was actually very surprised (he stayed)…”
“I was talking to him a lot during the year and I thought we really lost him, but I’m happy he stayed. I think it’s the best decision for him and for us.
…I’m happy he’s here. He’s one of the most important players on our team. Having him on and off the court with us has helped us a lot these last two years.”
Now considered one of the best bench players in the NBA after a pair of top-five Sixth Man of the Year finishes, Monk is eyeing a starting role. How that would look is unclear. Though he’s made 37.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s over the past two seasons, he’s more comfortable scoring off-the-dribble. With DeRozan, Sabonis, and De’Aaron Fox starting and needing the ball in their hands as well, that might be a dicey situation.
Nonetheless, there’s no doubt that Monk has made the Kings a better team.
On the court, his scoring instincts and playmaking growth has made their offense more dynamic. The firepower he provides off the bench helps them survive the minutes without a star scorer on it. Off the court, Monk uplifts the team with his positivity. It doesn’t hurt that he’s genuinely friends with Fox, either. In a long and grueling season, he’s the type of person who can help them get through rough patches.
