Sacramento Kings Struggle This Season
The Sacramento Kings find themselves struggling this season with a record of 6 wins and 21 losses after recently facing defeat in a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the Kings made a strong effort with a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter, they ultimately succumbed to the Blazers after overtime, losing on a series of free throws.
Injury Concerns for Domantas Sabonis
Compounding their troubles, the team has announced that its three-time All-Star center, Domantas Sabonis, will be sidelined for an extended period. Initially expected to return within three to four weeks following a partially torn meniscus in his left knee, Sabonis’s recovery timeline has now been adjusted. The Kings disclosed on Friday that he will require an additional four to five weeks for rehabilitation, with plans for a reevaluation in the New Year, contingent on his progress.
At the time of Sabonis’s injury diagnosis, the Kings had a lackluster 3-12 record, and since then, they have achieved only three more victories. This dismal performance has positioned the Kings as potential sellers in the upcoming trade market.
Potential Trades and Market Value
Stars like Sabonis, as well as Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, could see themselves traded as the franchise looks to reshape its roster. Other players on the Kings may also find themselves on the trading block. Although Sabonis holds significant market value, his current injury could complicate potential deals since teams would be unable to benefit from his contributions right away.
Already facing multiple injury setbacks this season—he missed the Kings’ season opener due to a hamstring strain picked up during preseason and was also absent for two early November games due to a rib injury—Sabonis’s availability has been a point of concern for the Kings. His hefty contract, which includes a hefty $42.3 million this season and a total of $94 million in the next two years, may deter teams from pursuing a trade as well.
Sabonis’s Performance and Team Dynamics
This season, the 29-year-old Sabonis has averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 11 games, shooting 51% from the field but struggling from beyond the arc with only a 20% success rate, both below his career averages. Despite his offensive talents and strong rebounding skills that support team dynamics, his frequent absences create challenges for a Kings lineup that seems hindered by aging veterans who struggle to mesh.
Remarkably, this group, featuring Sabonis, DeRozan, LaVine, Russell Westbrook, and Dennis Schröder, currently has the third-worst offensive and fourth-worst defensive ratings in the entire league.
