Amid a disappointing 22-60 season, the young talent on the Sacramento Kings was perhaps the lone silver lining.
Rookie draft picks Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud were obvious standouts, with undrafted rookie Dylan Cardwell joining them as he earned a standard contract. But two unexpected players emerged as well in Precious Achiuwa, who joined the team a few games into the regular season, and two-way player Deaqwon Plowden.
Plowden had hopped around the NBA after going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. He spent years, a few seasons, hopping around the NBA G League before landing a two-way deal with the Atlanta Hawks last offseason. He impreessed for the College Park Skyhawks and stoodout in the six games he played at the NBA level.
Unfortunately for him, he was later included in the seven-team Kevin Durant trade, which sent him to Phoenix. With no intention of retaining him, the Suns waived him quickly after.
Despite being the most productive player on the Golden State Warriors Summer League roster, he didn’t earn a two-way deal with them. With some of his best performances coming in the California Classic, which Sacramento also participated in, he caught the attention of their front office and signed a two-way deal with the Kings.
Fast-forward through plenty of productive showings in Stockton and 50 games later, he became a regular in Sacramento’s rotation. Head coach Doug Christie said around then that he was certain Plowden was an NBA player, and the wing helped his coach’s case.
The 27-year-old joined Kevon “Whitey” Gleason and Allen Stiles, A.K.A The Drive Guys, following the conclusion of their regular season.
“Around March is when I really found my niche and the game really slowed down for me,” he said.
Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots over Daeqwon Plowden #29 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Golden 1 Center on April 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Don Collier/Getty Images)
More on Daeqwon Plowden
Starting in seven of 32 appearances, Plowden averaged 10.8 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 33.3 percent from three on 5.8 attempts per night. There were a few occasions where his late-game heroics and efforts defending the best opponent led to wins.
As most would, the Golden 1 Center crowd grew more fond of his game and efforts over time.
“Sacramento has been welcoming to me,” Plowden said. “Definitely enjoyed my time here and enjoy what I was able to do this season, and even just experience in the city.”
Headed into free agency after signing a one-year deal with the Kings, his future with the organization isn’t guaranteed.
“But honestly, right now, I’m unsure what the future holds,” Plowden continued regarding his free agency. “You know, I love Sacramento, I love the front office, but still got to weigh options and see what happens.”
Despite being an older player, Plowden still has two years of two-way eligibility. That could make him appealing to a more competitive team, housing a potentially impactful rotation piece on a two-way deal.
Or it could make matters simpler for the Kings’ general manager, Scott Perry, if he chooses to bring the forward back. If anything, it feels safe to say that he’s played his way into another opportunity somewhere in the league.
Check out the full conversation with Daeqwon Plowden at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
Tuesday, April 14th – NBA Play-In Tournament begins
Saturday, April 18th – NBA Playoffs begin
Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
