Continuing with our ongoing top 25 rankings we arrive at Domantas Sabonis. He is an all-around big man who is incredibly impactful offensively. Let’s dive into Sabonis’ game and spot within the NBA hierarchy.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 24 – Domantas Sabonis
A Well-Rounded Big Man
Sabonis is one of the most well-rounded and impactful big men in the league. As an elite rebounder, passer and interior scorer Sabonis offers a ton of value. Sabonis is arguably the league’s best rebounder and is certainly the league’s second-best passing big man behind Nikola Jokic. In many ways Sabonis is mini-Jokic. This skill set allows Sabonis to operate as an offensive hub for the Kings and makes him a double-double machine. Additionally, Sabonis is arguably the best screener in the league.
While Sabonis is one of the league’s most complete offensive players he leaves a lot to be desired defensively. Sabonis is not one of the league’s worst defenders like many of his critics suggest, however, he is below average on that end of the floor. Rebounding and physical play allows Sabonis to make a solid impact but his lack of athleticism and mobility will always hold him back. On/off numbers show that the Kings are 7.4 points better defensively with Sabonis off the court. Nevertheless, Sabonis’ offensive impact is undeniable.
Is there a player with a larger disconnect between his stats & general perception than Domantas Sabonis?
20.1 PPG
65.4 TS%
13.5 RPG
8.4 APGLeads the NBA in triple-doubles. 2nd to Jokic in touches per game at 92.7, but 55th is overall in time of possession (Jokic 39th) pic.twitter.com/lnRC5oeGmg
— NBA University (@NBA_University) March 14, 2024
Season Recap
The Kings had a stellar 2022-23 season where they made the playoffs as a top-three seed. Despite winning just two fewer games they took a step back and missed the playoffs this past season losing to the Pelicans in the play-in tournament. Nevertheless, Sabonis had a stellar individual season. He posted averages of 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. An absurdly well-rounded statline to say the least.
With tonight’s double-double, Domantas Sabonis passes Kevin Love for the longest double-double streak since 1976-77 🤯
Sabonis: 54 games (12/2/2023-ongoing)
Love: 53 games (11/22/2010 to 3/11/2011) pic.twitter.com/e8ZAqFDc8L— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 26, 2024
Notably, Sabonis’ 13.7 rebounds led the league and he recorded 61 straight double-doubles which was a post-merger record. Sabonis’ 77 double-doubles and 26 triple-doubles lead the league. Furthermore, Sabonis led the league with 6.0 screen assists and 14.1 screen assist points. Impressively Sabonis also ranked seventh in box-plus-minus. Sabonis’ extreme consistency as an interior scorer, bruising rebound, and playmaker stood out in an otherwise shaky season for the Kings. Despite being snubbed from the All-Star team Sabonis managed to All-NBA third team for the second straight season.
Season Outlook
With the Kings’ major offseason addition of DeMar DeRozan, Sabonis’ role is intriguing. It’s unclear if Sabonis will be as much of an offensive hub or if De’Aaron Fox and DeRozan will be used more as isolation scorers. My guess is Sabonis will continue to be used as a primary offensive hub due to his elite playmaking. However, Sabonis will be used even more as a screener which will open up more opportunities for Fox and DeRozan both on and off the ball even with a steady diet of isos from both players.
While many are concerned with the floor spacing after the Kings added DeRozan Sabonis’ connective playmaking the overall offensive talent of all three could allow the trio to work. If this trio can fit together the Kings offense could return to a top-five level which would help secure a spot in the playoffs. Many are also concerned about the defense with this pairing as a result Sabonis stepping up his defense would greatly benefit Sacramento. Overall, Sabonis’ all-around responsibilities will never be more important while his scoring will be less of a priority.
The Last Word
Sabonis is difficult to rank his eye-popping stats making him seem like a top-15 level player. However, he is an unproven playoff performer who notably had a disastrous series against the Warriors in 2023 all while being a below-average defender. If the Kings make the playoffs Sabonis will have to show his game can translate to playoff success. Sabonis will never be a number-one option on a championship-level team but he could be an elite complementary star and move up the rankings quite a bit. Regardless it will start with a productive playoff run from Domas this year.
