Domantas Sabonis has experienced highs and lows during his tenure as a member of the Kings, and he says he’s excited about what the coming year could look like with some of the personnel additions made by general manager Scott Perry.
“I think Scott’s done a great job so far, and he’s trying to turn things around just like everyone else,” Sabonis said during his basketball camp in Roseville, as relayed by ABC 10’s Matt George (Twitter link).
He also hints that there might be more to come.
“A lot has changed; a lot’s probably still gonna change, so we’re just gonna wait and see ’til training camp,” he said.
One area that Sabonis is encouraged by is the addition of Dennis Schroder. The Kings were missing a point guard after they traded De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs in a deal that sent Zach LaVine and Sidy Cissoko to Sacramento.
“Right now, we have a starting caliber point guard. Dennis is very talented,” Sabonis said.
Sabonis was also encouraged by the play of the young Kings at Summer League, and mentioned that he hosted Isaac Jones and rookie Maxime Reynaud in Napa Valley, working out and preparing for the season.
Sabonis has a strong relationship with Doug Christie, who went from interim head coach to head coach this summer, and is looking forward to their partnership continuing this season.
“He was in there with me those three summers, every day in the gym,” Sabonis said, with a smile on his face. “I’ve seen how hard he works, so for him to have this opportunity, the fans love him, he’s one of us here. So I think it’s going to be very exciting.”
When asked about the departure of fellow Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas, Sabonis said, “We know where all these decisions come from. It’s sad to see a friend leave, but at the same time, you understand. I’m happy for him; he’s with the Nuggets now, the top team in the West, and all he wants to do is win. I know he’s happy.”
The star center believes that having a training camp will allow Christie to create a scheme that maximizes the interchange of skills between Sabonis, LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan.
Sabonis said that after his camp, his plan is to fly down to LA to work out with some Kings players, hinting that DeRozan would be one of the players present.
He needs to get out of that dumpster fire ASAP.
Him not making the all star team the last 2 seasons is a joke.
Lol. He is the Trae Young of big men.
I never get to see Sabonis play. My impression is that he should be the 3rd best player on a contender, Not a superstar, fringe all-star type of player. Am I wrong?
Do yourself a favor and catch a few Sabonis games. The endless arsenal of passes, screens, DHO’s and other savvy movements and post ups. I really like watching him. So few players can do what he does on offense.
That being said dude is useless as a rim protector.
So he is such a tough player to figure out. An absolute wizard on offense and a complete non-threat at the rim on defense. He kind of presents the same problem as Trae young. If you have all the right pieces around him, then he could be the second best player on a contender. If not then he is just a fun regular season player, that will struggle to get out of the first round in the playoffs.
So yeah your assessment is probably about right.
Sabonis is a man without a position. He can’t defend fours or fives, and this creates a lot of limitations and a ceiling for his teams. He is primarily lauded by casuals who think individual Rebounds are an important stat.
He is essentially a poor man’s Jokic, which equates to a modern Kevin Love. He isn’t dominant enough offensively to carry a contender, and doesn’t have the defensive skills required from a player in a tertiary offensive role (like a Chris Bosh or a Porzingis).
I.e. your team doesn’t improve by pushing him down in the pecking order, like it would with an Aaron Gordon for example.
Ask out Sabonis, specifically to Boston, lols.