The Sacramento Kings have quietly established themselves as one of the NBA’s best organizations at developing two-way players into legitimate contributors. In a league where two-way contracts are often treated as temporary experiments, Sacramento views them as long-term investments. Their development philosophy emphasizes defensive reliability, effort, and basketball IQ. Players are given clearly defined roles that align with both their strengths and the team’s identity. This structure has consistently allowed the Kings to turn overlooked talent into real NBA depth.
Keon Ellis is the clearest example of that philosophy paying off. Initially signed to a two-way deal, Ellis earned minutes through elite point-of-attack defense and positional versatility. The Kings trusted him in meaningful situations as his confidence continued to grow. His offensive consistency improved alongside his defensive impact. That development ultimately led to a guaranteed NBA contract and a stable rotation role.
Isaac Jones followed a similar developmental path within the organization. Known for his physicality and relentless motor, Jones maximized his opportunities through the Kings’ system. Sacramento allowed him to develop patiently through consistent G League reps and selective NBA minutes. He proved he could impact games without needing heavy offensive usage. Over time, he transitioned from a two-way player to a proven contributor.
Another Example This Year