Training camp is underway in Sacramento ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.It’s also a new era as Doug Christie steps into his first full season since being named the permanent head coach of the Kings back in May. Eager to inject some of his own DNA into his roster, Christie revealed a bold expectation following the first day of training camp.”We’re going to be the best conditioned team in the NBA; one of the top ones, for sure,” Christie told reporters. “It’s tough, man. Conditioning is not for everybody. And then being in the condition to be the best conditioned team in this league, definitely ain’t for everybody, but it’s what a Sacramento King is about.”Christie, who continues to live an ultra-healthy lifestyle even in retirement following his 15 years in the NBA, has that same desire for his Kings to be a defensive-first type of squad that mirrors the type of player he was in the league. RELATED | Sacramento Kings players and head coach speak at Media DayKings players know three pillars of what Christie has come to expect of them: being in peak shape, a defensive mentality and looking to push the pace on the offensive side of the ball. More specifically, the team is looking to improve from last year’s style of play, where Sacramento finished 19th among NBA teams in pace.Tuesday’s first day of camp was the first time to see new point guard Dennis Schröder in action with his new teammates. He looked spry and fresh, just weeks after leading Germany to a EuroBasket title, while also being named MVP of the tournament. “Dennis is a dude that you hate to play against, but (you) love him on your team,” said Zach LaVine. “He’s a really good player. That’s why all these teams want him as well. He’s been to a lot of different places, but he’s being asked to go there because he’s wanted.” The Kings represent Schröder’s 10th NBA franchise, but Christie doesn’t see a period for his new starting point guard to need to get acclimated. “Dennis looks like he’s been here his whole life,” said Christie. “It’s not hard when you’re that good. He understands how to play, he’s a winner.”VIDEO BELOW: Dennis Schröder discusses day one of training camp with Sacramento KingsTraining camp will continue with consecutive workout sessions through Saturday. The first test of the Kings’ preseason will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Golden 1 Center when they host the Toronto Raptors.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Training camp is underway in Sacramento ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.

It’s also a new era as Doug Christie steps into his first full season since being named the permanent head coach of the Kings back in May. Eager to inject some of his own DNA into his roster, Christie revealed a bold expectation following the first day of training camp.

“We’re going to be the best conditioned team in the NBA; one of the top ones, for sure,” Christie told reporters. “It’s tough, man. Conditioning is not for everybody. And then being in the condition to be the best conditioned team in this league, definitely ain’t for everybody, but it’s what a Sacramento King is about.”

Christie, who continues to live an ultra-healthy lifestyle even in retirement following his 15 years in the NBA, has that same desire for his Kings to be a defensive-first type of squad that mirrors the type of player he was in the league.

RELATED | Sacramento Kings players and head coach speak at Media Day

Kings players know three pillars of what Christie has come to expect of them: being in peak shape, a defensive mentality and looking to push the pace on the offensive side of the ball. More specifically, the team is looking to improve from last year’s style of play, where Sacramento finished 19th among NBA teams in pace.

Tuesday’s first day of camp was the first time to see new point guard Dennis Schröder in action with his new teammates. He looked spry and fresh, just weeks after leading Germany to a EuroBasket title, while also being named MVP of the tournament.

“Dennis is a dude that you hate to play against, but (you) love him on your team,” said Zach LaVine. “He’s a really good player. That’s why all these teams want him as well. He’s been to a lot of different places, but he’s being asked to go there because he’s wanted.”

The Kings represent Schröder’s 10th NBA franchise, but Christie doesn’t see a period for his new starting point guard to need to get acclimated.

“Dennis looks like he’s been here his whole life,” said Christie. “It’s not hard when you’re that good. He understands how to play, he’s a winner.”

VIDEO BELOW: Dennis Schröder discusses day one of training camp with Sacramento Kings

[youtube align=’center’ autoplay=’0′]https://www.youtube.com/embed/z2QBbyY1frM?si=mJVbx7S_Ob0TrHgc[/youtube]

Training camp will continue with consecutive workout sessions through Saturday. The first test of the Kings’ preseason will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Golden 1 Center when they host the Toronto Raptors.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel