After signing him to a deal over the summer, the Sacramento Kings have made an official decision on big man Orlando Robinson. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Kings have waived Robinson before his contract was set to be fully guaranteed. In doing so, the Kings have opened up a roster spot. Additionally, Charania notes that veterans Jae Crowder and Doug McDermott will now have their contracts fully guaranteed for the year.
The Sacramento Kings are waiving center Orlando Robinson, sources tell ESPN. Veteran forwards Jae Crowder and Doug McDermott will have their contracts guaranteed for the remainder of the season. This move also opens up a roster spot for the Kings.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 7, 2025
In five games with the Houston Rockets in Summer League, Robinson averaged 14.2 points, a team-leading 9.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1 steal. Though he did not make the team, the Kings gave him an opportunity. The former Miami Heat center appeared in just nine games for the team. In those games, he averaged 2.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1 assist.
The Sacramento Kings Waive Orlando Robinson
The Kings’ Rough Season Is Turning Around
After missing the playoffs last year, the Kings had a busy offseason. Most notably, they acquired DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls. Pairing him alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis created a new “Big Three” in Sacramento. At the time, many questioned the fit. However, there was no denying that the potential was there. Unfortunately for the Kings, the current campaign has not been too kind to them (for the most part). The Kings began the season with a 13-18 record. After shockingly firing Mike Brown, the Kings made Doug Christie their interim head coach. Though they still have a losing record, things are beginning to look bright in Orlando.
Sacramento is now 5-1 in their six games with Christie at the helm. They are in the midst of a five-game winning streak, including victories over the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and the Heat. There is still a lot of room for the Kings to grow, but they are finally starting to turn things around. As the No. 11 seed in the West, it will be interesting to see if their hot streak can culminate in a playoff appearance.
The Last Word
With the trade deadline less than a month away, the Kings are a team popping up in numerous rumors. Most notably, they have been linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson. Johnson is a fantastic offensive option and would provide extra scoring on this Kings team. They do have competition, however, from other teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Grizzlies. Regardless, until something becomes official, they remain a team to watch in his sweepstakes.
Even if the Kings do not acquire Johnson, they may be able to turn things around on their own. They have a talented roster and play well on both sides of the ball. It is tough to call them title contenders. However, there is a lot to like about the Kings and what their outlook is.
