Three takeaways from the Kings’ first training camp practice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SACRAMENTO – The first day of school has come and gone for the Kings, and the new kid in town is quickly acclimating to his new class.
DeMar DeRozan spoke to the media first after practice on Tuesday, still a little shaken from one of the team’s final drills: a quick-step contest. Pace is one of the factors that made Sacramento’s historic offense so unique two seasons ago, and it’s something coach Mike Brown and general manager Monte McNair hope to emphasize again this season.
DeRozan, at age 35 entering Year 16, is ready for the challenge.
It’s only Day 1, but the six-time NBA All-Star is adjusting well to his new team and playing alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Speaking to reporters, DeRozan uttered the word “excited” three times in a 15-second span. He alluded to his eagerness to get the ball rolling with his new squad, and being “excited” to help take them to that next level.
His prediction? The Western Conference Finals.
For now, though, let’s get through training camp and the preseason – where one very important decision needs to be made.
Here are three takeaways from Day 1 of camp:
Adjusting to DeMar, and vice versa
All good things take time, and that will be the case for DeRozan and the Kings during this transition period.
But like the true pro DeRozan is, he seems to be in good shape already. Yes, the seasoned veteran can hang with the younger guys and their fast-paced offense.
“It’s great,” DeRozan said after practice on Tuesday. “I know we always talk about speed, but it’s not like Noah Lyles here running. But it’s definitely a pace that you have to keep up, but it’s consistent.
“If you work at it, you get ready for the summer, it’s just when you get on the basketball court.”
DeRozan admitted there was “a little rust” learning the offense and defense, but he was able to catch on quickly, adding, “I love what I’m seeing so far.”
Fox also noted that DeRozan is a quick learner.
“It’s funny because we went through some things, there were only 5 [against zero] no defense out there, and he was like, ‘Man, this makes it easy,’” Fox said. “I was like, yeah. Our offense might look complicated, but once you know what’s going on, it becomes really easy to understand.
“And when he started to understand how the offense worked, he was like, ‘Wow, I see why it’s moving the way it’s moving.’ And I think he’s a perfect fit.”
The star guard admitted that he and DeRozan are still trying to learn each other’s spots on the floor, but consistent communication makes it much easier.
DeRozan raved about the countless amount of “killers” the Kings have, praising Fox’s speed and playmaking, Sabonis’ passing, screening and ability to get others involved and Keegan Murray’s shooting.
And he traded on his offseason prediction for his new team, proclaiming that Sacramento will reach the Western Conference Finals in the 2024-25 season.
“Sure, man. We will work our asses off,” he said. “We showed it today. It’s only Day 1. This is a special group right here, and like I said, I want to put everything I’ve got in me on this team and put it all on the line.”
Keon wins by starting a two-guard job … for now
Coach Brown finally let the cat out of the bag regarding the Kings’ starting shooting guard spot.
Well, sort of.
Currently, with Kevin Huerter rehabbing a shoulder injury but nearing a return, Keon Ellis will fill out the starting five, along with Fox, Murray, DeRozan and Sabonis.
But that could change.
So what does this mean for Malik Monk?
The 2023-24 NBA Sixth Man of the Year runner-up will remain in that sixth man role off the bench during camp and likely for the season opener on Oct. 24.
“To be able to have that luxury of that pop coming off the bench is something every team dreams of,” Brown said of Monk. “And we are lucky to be able to have that luxury. At the end of the day, shoot, just in life, it’s not about who starts things, but who finishes.
“So that will be a more telling sign.”
DeRozan’s early identity for Kings
At the beginning of each season, teams typically reveal their identity for that campaign.
It’s early, but there was one unique characteristic that immediately stood out to DeRozan about this Kings squad.
“I know I’m the new guy here, but the fellowship already,” DeRoza said. “You just see everybody [as] one already, and I’m trying to just go in and stretch that even more. It was definitely a surprise how comfortable everyone is together.
“Even when we started going over offensive and defensive things, it was like everyone was already on a leash together.”
That’s a testament to the culture Brown has built and maintained since coming to Sacramento — and certainly an early positive sign of what this team can accomplish in this long journey that is an NBA season.
