The Sacramento Kings made a big move this offseason with the acquisition of DeMar DeRozan, but that did not exclude them from the 2024 NBA Draft. They obtained several talented rookies in the draft this year. Like their conference opponents in the Minnesota Timberwolves or Los Angeles Lakers, the Kings have rookies who are gifted in their own way. However, they have issues in their games that need to be addressed in the coming season. Here is a question that each of the rookies on the Sacramento Kings has to answer during the 2024-25 NBA season.
One Question For Each Sacramento Kings Rookie
Devin Carter
Question: Can Carter return from injury to play in the 2024-2025 NBA Season?
The Sacramento Kings selected Providence guard Devin Carter with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Carter, as a player, is a talented two-way player who can lock down opposing guards with his elite defense. Additionally, Carter has a well-rounded offensive skill set as he can play-make, shoot, and finish at a high level. On top of that, Carter has an excellent feel for the game and a high basketball IQ, which would make him a valuable player for any team, not just the Kings. Without question, the rookie would have been a standout for the Sacramento Kings Summer League team.
However, Carter did not attend Summer League due to an injury to his shoulder. Carter had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder and it would need six months before another medical update will be provided. That would knock Carter out for well into the season and possibly for longer. So, the question surrounding Carter is whether or not he can make it back to play for the Kings this season. If he can, he will need time to ramp up if he gets playing time in the rotation. However, by the time Carter can realistically return, it could be closer to the end of the season. It could be safer if he is ruled out for the rest of the season to focus on rehab. Hopefully, Carter can return and play his rookie season.
Isaiah Crawford
Question: Can Crawford perform well enough to earn a standard contract with the Kings?
Isaiah Crawford signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. Crawford, as a player and prospect, has a skill set of a prototypical 3-and-D wing. He can space the floor as a threat from beyond the arc and defend at a high level. Furthermore, Crawford can defend across multiple positions. He is more ready to put his defense to use in the NBA as a five-year college player. While Crawford had a quiet performance at Summer League, he had moments of what he could be in the NBA proper.
The question for Crawford is whether or not he can perform well enough to earn a standard contract with the Kings. As mentioned, he is more ready to perform better than the average rookie. If he can perform well enough, it is well within the possibility for him to earn a standard contract. The Kings have done it before with Keon Ellis, so the path is there for Crawford. Regardless, he must be ready and perform well when he has the opportunity to.
Isaac Jones
Question: Can Jones perform well enough to earn a standard contract with the Kings?
Isaac Jones signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. For Jones, his talents lie in his ability to be a physical presence in the post against other big men and score around the rim. At Summer League, his physicality and paint scoring were apparent, especially in an efficient performance against the Knicks where he scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Like Crawford, Jones had been a five-year college player and is more NBA-ready than most rookies. So, the question for Jones is whether or not he can perform well enough to earn a standard contract. If he can perform well enough, there is a real possibility of Jones earning a standard contract. Furthermore, he could have a real role on the team as a backup center behind Domantas Sabonis. While it is likely that Jones will mostly play in the G-League, he needs to make the most of any opportunity given to him. They can be the difference between sticking in the NBA or not.
