Sacramento Kings open 2024-25 season with annual media day

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Media Day went off without a hitch on Monday afternoon. One player after another walked into the scrum of local reporters to give updates about their offseason, talk about Tuesday’s training camp and give their opinions on the Kings’ key summer acquisition, DeMar DeRozan.

It’s always a long day, filled with smiles and small bits of content. More than anything else, it’s a chance to see the players in person, meet the new guys and reconnect on some level with some of the players we’ve covered long term.

We’ll dive more into storylines and training camp battles in the coming days, but sometimes the best way to absorb the information is to just hand out the raw video files and allow fans to immerse themselves in the festivities.

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All 21 players in camp stood in and chatted, but here are the 17 videos of general manager Monte McNair, head Coach Mike Brown and the core group, given without much context.

McNair kicked off the day with ten minutes of positivity. He’s built a team and now it’s Brown’s job to mold the squad into a winner. McNair is confident in the group and continues to wear his patented puffy vest, regardless of the temperature outside.

Brown opened his media availability with a statement about the passing of NBA legend Dikembe Mutumbo, who passed away after a two year battle with brain cancer Monday morning at the age of 58.

In addition to speaking on Mutumbo, Brown described this year’s catch phrase for the team, which is “Climbing Together.“ The Kings’ head coach was his usual energetic self and seems genuinely excited to be back and leading this squad after signing a new three-year contract.

Kevin Huerter is getting close to a return to full participation, but that likely won’t happen until mid-October. He’s been rehabbing alongside rookie Devin Carter, who is dealing with his own recovery from shoulder surgery.

Domantas Sabonis already spent time with DeRozan in the weeks and months leading up to training camp, so he fielded plenty of questions about how the six-time all-star will fit in Sacramento. He also touched based on his upcoming Netflix series, which comes out on October 9.

Terry Taylor isn’t a household NBA name, but he’s a player vying for the final roster spot with the Kings. He’s played with both Sabonis and DeRozan in the past and is one of those dirty work players that all teams need.

There are always one or two players who stand out when they walk up to the media scrum. Last summer it was Trey Lyles and Kessler Edwards, who both came into camp in the best shape of their lives. This year, Keegan Murray looked noticeably bigger as he prepares for a season where he’ll be asked to defend some of the toughest covers in the league.

When the Kings made a sign-and-trade move to acquire DeRozan during the California Classic, it sent shockwaves around Sacramento. The future Hall of Famer is still a star and his book tour over the last few weeks has brought a new level of attention to the Kings, in the same way that Sabonis’ Netflix series will. He is an engaging speaker and already a favorite amongst media members due to his candid responses.

De’Aaron Fox was the last man through during a long day, but we won’t make you scroll to the bottom to see the Kings’ leading scorer. Entering his eighth season in Sacramento, Fox has a chance to rewrite the franchise’s record books. He welcomed a new baby daughter this offseason, released his first signature shoe and was all smiles as he spoke on a summer of change with the Kings.

Malik Monk is always a wildcard, especially when cameras are rolling. He landed a new four-year, $78 million contract to remain with the team this summer and talked glowingly about finding his NBA home.

Last season, Lyles made it all the way through the preseason before coming up with a calf strain and missed the first 13 games of the season. This summer, Lyles pulled a groin muscle about two weeks ago and will need three weeks to heal before joining the festivities. He’s in good spirits and he’s also one of the few Kings players who have suited up alongside DeRozan in the past.

Keon Ellis went from an undrafted two-way player as a rookie to one of the most valuable pieces on the roster in year two. Entering his third NBA season, Ellis is the early favorite to start at shooting guard with Huerter still rehabbing. Ellis looks like he’s stacked on 8-10 pounds and he always brings a positive attitude to the scrum.

Like Lyles and Huerter, Jordan McLaughlin is on the sidelines to open camp. The veteran landed in Sacramento after spending his first five seasons in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was asked about the surge by the T-Wolves last season and how the Kings might find that same type of success this year.

Mason Jones was a ball of energy when he joined the Kings last season on a two-way contract. He’s back for a second tour of duty and has his eyes set on a main roster spot.

Carter is out of action until January at the earliest, but he seems confident in his ability and isn’t writing off his rookie season just yet. He’ll be a sponge in camp, even if he isn’t allowed to play with contact.

The Kings have brought in plenty of centers to compete for minutes over the last five years, but Alex Len always finds a way to earn minutes. The veteran returned on another one year deal with the Kings, his 12th season overall in the league.

Last, but not least is a clip from Skal Labissiere’s interview today. The 28-year-old is trying to break back into the league after a very strong season with the Stockton Kings last year. He might be a long shot, but there are plenty of Kings fans pulling for the former first round pick.