The Kings’ season came to a crashing halt Wednesday when they fell 120-106 to the Mavericks in the play-in tournament. Just like that, Sacramento’s playoff hopes vanished.
Players cleaned out their lockers and met with media Thursday for exit interviews, and Domantas Sabonis didn’t hold back. The All-Star big man made it crystal clear what he thinks the team needs most.
“The biggest thing is that we need a point guard,” Sabonis told reporters bluntly.
His comment raises serious questions about the team’s direction after trading away De’Aaron Fox at the deadline.
For four seasons, Sabonis and Fox formed one of the league’s most dynamic duos. Fox had been the face of the franchise for eight-and-a-half years before Sacramento shipped him to San Antonio mid-season.
The move left a massive hole at point guard that the Kings never properly filled.
Despite having serious firepower with DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Sabonis in the starting lineup, the team clearly missed Fox’s playmaking and scoring ability down the stretch.
Sabonis also made it clear he wants to stay in Sacramento long-term. He loves playing for the Kings and the community.
But he dropped another interesting nugget that might raise eyebrows in the front office.
The big man wants more input on roster decisions moving forward. Reading between the lines, it seems Sabonis wasn’t thrilled with some recent moves – possibly including the Fox trade that left the team without a true floor general.
Will the Kings front office listen to their star player this summer? Can they find the point guard Sabonis believes they desperately need?
Those questions will define Sacramento’s offseason as they try to avoid another disappointing finish next year.
