The Sacramento Kings Face Turmoil
The Sacramento Kings are experiencing significant turmoil as forward De’andre Hunter has been reported to require season-ending eye surgery, as confirmed by NBA reporters Chris Haynes and Marc Stein. This unfortunate development marks yet another setback for the struggling franchise, which is currently grappling with an unprecedented 15-game losing streak, a record for the team.
Hunter’s Injury and Impact
At just 28 years old, Hunter was incorporated into the Kings’ roster after a trade that involved sending Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He sustained his eye injury during only his second game, which took place against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 6, 2026. Until the injury sidelined him, Hunter had been averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, with a shooting efficiency of 41.5%.
Hunter is not alone in facing the prospect of surgical recovery; he is the third member of the Kings’ lineup to be ruled out for the remaining season, following injuries to Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, the team’s highest-paid players and leading scorers. Their absences put additional strain on the Kings, who must now field a roster featuring a blend of seasoned veterans, including DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, both of whom are over 35, alongside younger players like Keegan Murray, who is returning from an ankle injury, and rookie Maxime Raynaud.
League Context and Future Outlook
These developments coincide with broader concerns within the league, as the NBA recently imposed fines on the Indiana Pacers and the Utah Jazz for actions deemed as improper tanking, a behavior that Kings’ management might be trying to avoid as they seek to stabilize their tumultuous season.
With a dismal record of 12-45, the Kings hold the distinction of having the worst standing in the NBA, casting doubt on their ability to secure a playoff spot for the third consecutive year. This situation becomes even more concerning when considering their previous long playoff drought that lasted 16 seasons before they finally reached the postseason in the 2022-23 season. The future remains uncertain for the Kings as they navigate through this challenging period.
