Sacramento

Kings

Given how well Ellis has played this summer and his minutes tally on Wednesday, it’s fair to question if the Kings will shut him down. His offensive role will be comparatively limited once the season begins, as the Kings can rely on De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis to shoulder most of the workload. However, Ellis earned rotation minutes last season, including a move into the starting lineup after Kevin Huerter suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Ellis will be worth a roll of the dice in the latter rounds of drafts.

With 2024 first-round pick Devin Carter (shoulder) sidelined, Jones, the Kings’ first-round pick in 2023, is one of the team’s focal points in summer league. Twelve of his 21 shot attempts came from beyond the arc on Monday, and a catch-and-shoot role could be what awaits Jones once the season begins. With De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan all being capable playmakers, a reserve like Jones will be most valuable if he can defend his position and hit open shots. He isn’t a must-draft player right now, but Carter’s shoulder injury (he’ll miss at least six months) may open up opportunities for Jones after failing to crack the rotation last season.

When the Kings revealed on July 7 that Carter, the 13th overall pick in last month’s draft, would undergo surgery, the full severity of the issue was unknown. With doctors needing to repair a torn labrum, Carter will be sidelined for at least six months, likely taking him out of consideration in redraft leagues. His absence makes Keon Ellis and Jordan McLaughlin players of added importance within the Kings rotation, especially with Davion Mitchell being traded to the Raptors.

Ellis broke out for Sacramento late last season because of his defense, but he was able to showcase some offensive firepower in this game. Though he did have some turnover issues, he was by far the best offensive player in this game. Managers shouldn’t expect an offensive explosion next season, especially with DeMar DeRozan joining the team. However, he should be on the floor because of his defense, so if he is able to contribute offensively as well, Ellis could be in for a big season. He should be worth a late round dart throw.

Jones has played well in both of Sacramento’s games to open the summer, good timing for a player currently on a two-way contract. The news that Devin Carter will have to undergo shoulder surgery may crack the door open for Jones, especially with it unknown if the rookie will be healthy at the start of training camp. Jones isn’t a player who fantasy managers should consider selecting in most league drafts, but there may be times during the season when he’s allowed to show what he can do.

Ellis wasn’t as productive as in Sacramento’s summer opener on Saturday, but he was plenty effective as the Kings moved to 2-0. Four Kings scored in double figures, led by undrafted rookie Boogie Ellis (no relation), who scored 17. Of the players on the roster, Keon has the most significant chance of being in the opening night rotation. He had a bench role for most of last season, moving into the starting lineup after Kevin Huerter went down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Ellis didn’t offer consistent fantasy value in 2023-24, but there were times when he was worth streaming in deep leagues. What the Kings likely want to see this summer is for him to dominate against less experienced players.

After spending last season on a two-way contract, Ford faces an uphill battle for a camp invite, with Sacramento having already allocated its three available slots. While Sunday’s scoring production was encouraging, one would like to see more from Ford in the assist category (zero vs. Miami). In a similar position this summer is Adonis Arms, who chipped in with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer in 26 minutes. While Arms and Ford are representing the Kings, they’re auditioning for all 30 NBA teams.

Two days after the Kings announced that Carter would not participate in the California Classic or Vegas Summer League, Charania reports that the first-round pick will undergo shoulder surgery. While the former Providence standout is expected to fully recover without any long-term issues, it’s unknown if Carter will be healthy when training camp begins. In addition to having Keon Ellis on the roster, the Kings also signed Jordan McLaughlin to a one-year contract. Carter’s value in redraft leagues won’t be determined until the Kings announce a recovery timeline, but he does take a hit due to the uncertainty.

After five seasons in Minnesota, McLaughlin is on the move, reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal with the Kings. Injuries limited him to 56 appearances last season, with the point guard accounting for 3.5 points and 2.0 assists in 11.2 minutes per game. With De’Aaron Fox firmly entrenched as the starting point guard, don’t expect McLaughlin to be worth selecting in fantasy drafts.

After playing sparingly as a rookie, Jones is looking to move up in the Kings’ pecking order on the wing in 2024-25. While Sacramento acquired DeMar DeRozan on Saturday, Harrison Barnes and Chris Duarte headed out in that trade, which could free up a few minutes for someone. While Jones didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, he was responsible for five assists (tied for team-high with Mason Jones). Colby isn’t a player fantasy managers should plan on drafting, but he’s worth tracking throughout the Kings’ games in northern California and Las Vegas.