Months after undergoing a season-ending shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, Sacramento Kings wing Kevin Huerter has taken a significant step in his recovery process, being “cleared for on-court workouts, shooting drills, and a complete strength training program,” per a team report (h/t The Sacramento Observer’s Mark Haynes). Huerter’s status “will be re-evaluated in mid-October prior to being cleared for full contact….”
Kings forward Kevin Huerter has been cleared for on-court workouts, shooting drills and a complete strength training program. He will be re-evaluated in mid-October prior to being cleared for full contact court activity, per team.
— Mark Haynes (@markhaynesnba) August 30, 2024
The Kings’ 2024-25 season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves is set for Oct. 24.
Kings’ Kevin Huerter’s Meaningful Injury Update
The 26-year-old Huerter won’t be able to have a full training camp. He’ll probably miss the entire preseason as well, with the final game on Oct. 17. There’s even a question if he’ll be back on the court in time for the Timberwolves matchup. Still, Huerter doesn’t seem like he’ll miss an extended stretch in the regular season. That bodes well for Sacramento, who may need him even more than they did in 2023-24.
After the Kings managed to win the DeMar DeRozan sweepstakes, it may seem counterintuitive to think Huerter’s a bigger piece of the puzzle than last season. Yet, DeRozan is the very reason why Huerter’s value increased. A player who knows his 3-point shot is the weakest area of his game, DeRozan doesn’t take many. In fact, over the last six seasons, he’s taken 1.5 3-point attempts per game, making just 31.1 percent of them.
In a vacuum, DeRozan’s shooting woes are problematic. However, those issues are compounded by the fact Sacramento doesn’t have one reliable 3-point threat projected to start.
Who Can Sacramento Count On?
De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are locks to start as the faces of the Kings’ franchise. Yet, both shoot under 34 percent from 3 for their career. Though they both made over 36 percent of their 3-pointers last season, these are shots that defenses will be willing to concede.
Then there’s Keegan Murray, a two-year pro and a career 38.4 percent 3-point shooter. Murray isn’t afraid to launch from deep and he’s been more effective than not when doing so. However, he made just 35.8 percent of his 3s last season after making 41.1 percent of them as a rookie. That type of fluctuation makes it difficult to count on him for now.
Meanwhile, Huerter is a career 38.2 percent shooter from 3. Last season, he made a career-low 36.1 percent from 3, and it’s just the second time the six-year veteran has shot below 38 percent from 3. He’s a player who opponent’s scouting reports will focus on running off the line.
When Fox, Sabonis, or DeRozan have the ball and need a release valve, Huerter may be the their best option.
Keon Ellis To Start?
Huerter will still have competition at shooting guard. Because of the time he’ll miss, they may even get the first chance to prove they should start.
Sixth man extraordinaire Malik Monk may be too much of an on-ball scorer to mesh well with the Kings’ Big 3 in the first unit. Nonetheless, he’s a clutch scorer who has plenty of chemistry with Fox and Sabonis. Soon-to-be third-year guard Keon Ellis is a sensational 3-and-D player. Yet, though he’s a career 42.2 percent shooter, it’s been on 2.5 attempts per game.
Of the two, Ellis is a more fitting option for the starting lineup. If he can remain efficient while taking a higher volume of 3s, he can play off of Sacramento’s stars. Furthermore, his point-of-attack defense is superb. With DeRozan known as a so-so defender, Ellis’s ball pressure could really help give him the nod over Huerter and Monk.
