Domantas Sabonis hosted a youth basketball camp Sunday in Rocklin and spoke about the upcoming season and the changes/additions to the team so far this offseason.
Sabonis referenced this summer as an offseason of change: “A lot has changed; a lot is probably still going to change.” He revealed that Doug Christie has been working hard on “the new system” that he wants to implement and has been sharing the new offense with the team throughout summer in “bits and pieces.” Sabonis hopes that makes it smooth when training camp begins.
He praised Scott Perry, mentioning they “think alike” and that “his values are aligned with mine.” He expects the Kings to play hard, run and be a gritty team. He also commented on the addition of Dennis Schröder at point guard, saying, “we didn’t have one so right now we have a starting caliber point guard. Dennis is very talented. He is playing in the EuroBasket this summer, so we’ll see him later. He’ll come in shape and ready to go.”
In terms of the rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, he said they look great and perform at a high level and mentioned he hosted Raynaud and Isaac Jones at his home in Napa for workouts, “trying to teach the young guys some things.”
Following the Rocklin camp, he was planning to travel to Los Angeles to start training with teammates, and it sounded like DeMar DeRozan might be of those players: “We’re going to meet up with some guys and get some work in.”
Sabonis said he understands the move to let Jonas Valanciunas go.
“We know where all of these decisions are coming from. It’s sad to see a good friend leave, but at the same time, you understand. I’m happy for him. He’s with the Nuggets now. They’re a top team in the West, and all he wants to do is win, so I know he’s happy,” he said.
Domas confirmed he won’t play in international basketball this summer, instead he is focused on the Kings and trying to get things started off right.
Sabonis had this to say about giving back to Sacramento through things like the youth basketball camp:
“It’s really important. Ever since I got here, Sacramento has welcomed me and my family with open arms and it has just been a really cool ride and we want to stay here and keep building inside the community,” he said.
Domas seems very optimistic. Then again, he does get hit in the head a lot.
Following that logic you’d think us Kings fans would be more optimistic considering how much we bang our heads against the wall.
I coached for him at the camp, got to meet him, really genuine guy. He did mention the push for playoffs this year for Sac (I didn’t like hearing that lol)…easy to like the big guy, just think his time is going to be limited here once they try and clear the cap in 2 years.
…he was 0-3 from three in his messing around 1v1s lol
That Domantas Sabonis is a good shit. If a system can be created that allows him to really shine, my hope is that he’ll prefer to stay in Sacramento while a more-suitable supporting cast is put around him in the next 6-12 months. How anyone takes issue with the man is beyond my understanding.
Conversely, if the right offer comes along, I could certainly see a trade that could be beneficial to the Kings in the immediate-to-short term. Sabonis is a guy who could turn a good team into a great one, even while doing little other than rebounding and cleaning up misses.
It would be nice if this mythical good team played in Sacramento, but more than ever, it is prudent to manage one’s expectations.
Sabonis to the Pistons for Tobias Harris Ron Holland and Jalen Duren and 2 firsts. Seems reasonable.
It’s not that good…maybe for Ausar, Duren & Holland + two 1sts. Then we could talk, but still would rather keep Sabas.
The reason I choose Harris over Ausar is the Pistons want to keep him, Ausar, and Harris is a really good reliable PF. What’s nice his contract will be up in 1 year and the Kings can posket the money. He is still a good player and a mentor for our young guys. Holland showed what he can do in this years summer league and already a really good defnder. IMO Duren as young as he is wii be a standout in the league. His work is great and had almost the same double doubles as Sabonis last year. Would be a starter for the Kings for years to come.
I was wrong on double doubles. Sabonis had 61 and Duren 41. My mistake.
I don’t think you came up with that trade idea at all, I saw the exact same one on a Piston’s fan site yesterday.
I beg your pardon. I have at least 9 months or more trying to explain this trade. If someones making the same trade then there are 2 of us who think on the same lines. That’s a good thing.
PS On my trade at first I only had one first round but I do like 2.
No…no. I respectfully disagree. Jalen Duren, Beef Stew, and 1 first. Everybody eats.
The problem with anyone of his caliber staying long term is you are going to have to pay the 60 mil average max…we CANNOT do that with him, just like we COULD NOT do it for fox.
Gonna have to trade him after next year imo
I’d rather have Domas at 45-48M the next 2 years over Fox at 57mil. It’s not even a dispute. And give me Domas even at 60 compared to Fox’s 57. He is the better player hands down.
For sure, I just don’t think EITHER player are good enough to pay that much and build a winner around them
Gotta love Domas. Always says the right things. Man of the people. That being said, my optimism last year at this time was pretty high. This year not so much.
Off season Domas enjoying life. Definitely the most enjoyable time to be a Kings fan also, when they’re not playing. This year will be a joke. Starting caliber Dennis, Christies’ system, and Perrys’ values will all fail.
Hope you are wrong but are most likely correct . Seems Kings led by the dissmive little chap are still 2 years from being 2 years away .
I expect very little from this team, so I won’t be completely surprised when they win 50 games next year because flipping an expectation on its head is what this organization does best year after year.
Sabonis is toxic-ly nice. Not being genuine can have as negative an affect as calling people out (or worse, in some cases.) I understand you never want to give the other team “fodder”, but at some point you absolutely can give the other team the mean face while you’re going to work putting them to bed. You don’t have to offer wine pairings while posting up your opponent or offer to pay their tip at dinner later that night. Bro was hella cordial about getting stomped in the chest, FFS.
It would be fine if it were just his interview demeanor, but it shows up in his offense just as much. Tenacious rebounder with a limited offensive package who does one thing at a high level for a big; play making. He uses effective dribble drives and superior court vision to get his teammates the ball in scoring rhythm possibly better than any player not named Jokic. And he’s a damn fine finisher at the rim when he decides to get there. If he coupled that with a dependable jumper from just 15 feet, whole new worlds of basketball possibilities would open up for him and the team and create soooo many problems for defenses. Alas…
I write this as I’m rocking his jersey after work because despite those flaws his attitude, determination and team first approach have made him the best big we’ve had since Vlade and I’m a fan. He’s a damn fine player.
Kudos for spittin the truth
Domas just has to tow the company line. He’s a good dude so I expect as much. But if given truth serum, I’m sure he’d express what a sh!t show this org is, as long as Vivek is running things.
As an aside, I won’t go into details, but i ran across SP, DC and BJ Armstrong at an establishment. I didn’t speak with SP or DC, but had a random exchange with BJ and he was extremely friendly and down to earth. He just gave off positive vibes and was all smiles. Glad he’s a part of this FO.
Domas is the primary reason I still watch support the Kings and NBA . The ultimate unselfish, hustling team player .
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