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Game on!

After what seemed like one of the longest summers in recent memory, Sacramento Kings basketball is officially back. It all starts on Monday with Media Day, followed by the beginning of training camp on Tuesday. It will be a whirlwind from here on out leading up to an opening night battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center on October 24.

The Kings made a final move on Saturday afternoon, adding journeyman Broderic Thomas before releasing their training camp roster for the 2024-25 season. He joins a small group of players vying for the team’s 15th roster spot.

Here is what you need to know as basketball returns with a fury. 

The dynamic duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis headline a group of players who have made up the core of the Kings’ rotation for the last two seasons. They are surrounded by third-year forward Keegan Murray, star Sixth Man Malik Monk, defensive specialist Keon Ellis, sharpshooter Kevin Huerter and veteran big men, Trey Lyles and Alex Len. 

In addition to the main rotation group, second-year guard Colby Jones and two-way player Mason Jones are back for another tour of duty.

DeMar DeRozan (3-year, $76.7 million), Jalen McDaniels (1-year, $4.7 million), Devin Carter (4-years, 22.2 million), Jordan McLaughlin (1-year, $2.4 million), Orlando Robinson (1-year, $2.1 million w/ $500,000 guaranteed)

Sacramento made a few moves during the offseason to reshape a roster that had become stagnant. Headlining the additions with guaranteed contracts is six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who instantly steps into the role of second scoring option behind Fox. 

McDaniels has the length and athleticism the Kings have been searching for at forward, but he has been wildly erratic during stops in Charlotte, Philly and Toronto. If the 26-year-old can find his range from three and provide a defensive presence, he could work his way into Mike Brown’s rotation.

The Kings spent the No. 12 overall selection on Carter, but they’ll have to wait until January, at the earliest, before he sees game action due to shoulder surgery. He’s a connector on the offensive end and a gritty defender on the other side of the ball, but he’s missing valuable time during his rookie season.

McLaughlin shot the lights out last season for the Timberwolves, knocking down 47.2 percent from three in limited opportunities. He could be an offensive upgrade over the departed Davion Mitchell, but matching Off Night’s on-ball defense won’t be easy. 

With a $500K guarantee, Robinson makes this group as well. He’s an intriguing young 7-footer with a 7-foot-4 wingspan who spent the last two seasons with the Miami Heat. He isn’t a super athlete, but he can rebound, block some shots, has a soft touch around the rim and can even hit an occasional 3-ball. 

Mason Jones, Skal Labissiere, Broderic Thomas, Terry Taylor, Boogie Ellis, Isaac Jones, Isaiah Crawford 

The Kings walk into camp with the maximum allowed 21 players. That number has to drop to 15 regular rostered players and three two-way contracts by the start of the regular season. Sacramento has 13 fully guaranteed contracts, plus the $500K owed to Robinson, leaving one open spot on the main squad.

Mason Jones might be the most interesting name on this list. The 26-year-old put on a show at the G League level last season, posting 15.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game for the Stockton Kings. Jones has matured, worked tirelessly on his body and has earned praise for being a good teammate. 

Labissiere, a former first round selection by the Kings, signed a similar contract with the team last summer, but never made it to training camp. He was waived, but played the entire season with the Stockton Kings, averaging 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 26 games. Now 28 years old, the Haitian-born 7-footer hasn’t played an NBA game since the 2019-20 season, but he has an intriguing skill set to work with. 

A super late addition to the team, Thomas has the look of a player who might play for Stockton this season. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard has bounced around the league searching for a home, but he might be lost in the shuffle in a sea of shooting guards on the Kings’ roster.

Terry Taylor is intriguing. Listed at 6-foot-5, 230, the combo forward has a 7-foot-plus wingspan and a style of game that might fit the Kings’ build. He also played with Sabonis in Indiana and with DeRozan in Chicago, which could make a difference when final cuts are made. 

Boogie Ellis earned an exhibit 10 contract with his strong play in summer league. He’s a long shot to make the final roster spot, but there might be a competition for one of the Kings’ three two-way contracts. 

Isaac Jones and Isaiah Crawford didn’t exactly separate themselves from the crowd during Summer League, but they are part of a group of players who have spent a lot of time in Sacramento working out during the offseason. 

As much as the 15th roster spot is up for grabs, don’t discount the potential for change with the two-way players. Mason Jones could earn a call up. Ellis is a player who would have to go into the G League draft if he’s waived. Crawford and Isaac Jones need to prove they belong. There should be competition here. 

The Kings enter camp with an injury report, which is never a great sign. Huerter was cleared for “on-court workouts, shooting drills and a complete strength training program” back on August 30, but he won’t be cleared for full contact until mid-October at the earliest. This could leave him behind in the battle for the starting shooting guard spot.

Huerter, who underwent shoulder surgery back in April, will give a bit of a road map for rookie Devin Carter. Carter underwent a similar procedure for a torn Labrum on July 11 and according to the Kings, he’ll be re-evaluated in six months. That puts him out until mid-January at the earliest.

On Friday, the Kings added two more names to the injury list. Trey Lyles has a left groin strain and will be re-evaluated in three weeks. Jordan McLaughlin is returning from a grade 2 ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.