After "uncomfortable" preseason, Kevin Huerter, Chris Duarte competition still undecided?

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It was supposed to be drama free. Running it back was supposed to mean something different. But for the 2023-24 Sacramento Kings to improve and take another step, head coach Mike Brown decided to make things uncomfortable during training camp and the preseason schedule.

“Uncomfortable” is Brown’s word in this situation, not ours. In all honesty, it is a perfect term for what we have all experienced.

Drama can be a good thing. The battle for the starting shooting guard position was an unexpected detour in what could have been a very mundane camp. Four days before the start of the regular season, we still don’t have a definitive answer on who will suit up alongside De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt as the opening night shooting guard.

The incumbent is Kevin Huerter, a 25-year-old sharpshooter who started 75 games for the Kings last season. The challenger is Chris Duarte, a 26-year-old Swiss army knife who plays with an edge.

Now that we have reached the end of the build up to the season, Brown has a few days to put all the pieces back together, name a starter and galvanize the team. His “all in” mantra likely won’t be tested this early in the year, but his ability to give clarity on roles and build the confidence of his players heading into an important year is crucial.