The Sacramento Kings roster, coaching staff, and front office all have notable differences compared to their look heading into 2024-25.
While general manager Scott Perry took over for Monte McNair just days after their play-in exit, Mike Brown was fired after 31 games with franchise point guard De’Aaron Fox traded not long after.
So, while it’s a different look than last training camp, there are plenty of familiar faces from the end of last season’s run.
Eight of their six leaders in total minutes played remain in California’s capital. Headed into his second season fully healthy, guard Devin Carter thinks their togetherness will shine through in Wednesday’s preseason debut against the visiting Toronto Raptors.
“We’re very connected,” he said after Monday’s practice. “We’ve done a few things off the court, but we all have each other’s back and they’re gonna see a fight in us every night.”
Since media day last Monday, the Kings have been in the gym for practices every day, except on Sundays. They’ll practice again on Tuesday before Wednesday’s game.
“I feel like Doug and the staff have done a great job of implementing what they want to run, how they want to do things, and it’s just up to us to go out there and do it,” Carter continued. “I feel like we’re just moving as one unit, and it’s gonna pay off. It’s a long season, so we’re going to learn as we go, have ups and downs.”
With a clear priority on establishing their high-paced, full-court pressure, defensive-oriented team identity this season, they’re chemistry and communication could help shore up their unideal defensive personnel.
Carter has been the only player sharing that feeling, but we’ll have to see how it comes to fruition starting on Wednesday.
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“I personally think preseason games are valuable, especially now that we went from four to eight,” Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie said after Monday’s practice.
Beginning his first season as the Kings’ full-time head coach, Christie and new general manager Scott Perry have been clear in their goal of creating an identity this season.
What does it mean to be a member of the Sacramento Kings? Their core on-court principles include picking up full-court defensively and playing with pace.
They even claimed they want to be “the best conditioned team in the league.”
Christie, who earned four All-Defense honors throughout his playing career, of course, also values his group having a defensive orientation.
Read More:
Doug Christie emphasizes importance of upcoming preseason games
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Preseason
Wednesday, October 8th vs. Toronto Raptors – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 10th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 7 PM PT
Wednesday, October 15th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 17th @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7 PM PT
Regular Season
Wednesday, October 22nd – @ Phoenix Suns – 7 PM PT
Friday, October 24th – vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PT
Sunday, October 26th – vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PT
Tuesday, October 28th – @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5 PM PT
Wednesday, October 29th – @ Chicago Bulls – 5 PM PT
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