Because I’ve got a problem (and I’m a sicko—shoutout to Deuce and Mo’s dope new swag btw), I poured over every minute of Kings preseason footage. A few things really stood out. Most us good, with a couple of concerning trends I hope don’t linger into the season.

So, here we go: 8 questions heading into the season.

1. Can Zach LaVine Keep It Going?

Zach LaVine kind of killed it in the preseason. In four games, he averaged 16 points on 57% shooting, 46% from deep, with 4 assists and 3 rebounds in just 24 minutes per game. I’ve been hyping him up as a guy whose stock is way too low, and I think the reality of his game is better than the perception.

2. What’s Up with Domas’ Shot?

Domantas Sabonis’ shot has been… interesting. The release is noticeably faster, which is cool since he’s traditionally taken his time lining up the seams. But here’s the thing: he’s historically only taken (and made) threes when dared to. A quicker release could mean two things:

More Volume: If he increases his attempts it could be a game-changer, if they go in. This team needs more spacing, and Domas proving himself as a reliable shooter would be huge.

Drawing Defenders: If defenders start guarding him on the perimeter, his elite passing could unlock even better ball movement. With capable cutters, this could help fix the ball movement issues that fell off a cliff after the LaVine trade last season.

3. Dennis Schroder: Rust or Regression?

Dennis Schroder’s preseason was… rough. In his first three games, he averaged 5 points on 27% shooting, 0% from deep, with 3 rebounds and fewer than 2 assists per game. Yikes.

He did show signs of life in the final preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers with dropping 25 points on solid efficiency, but is this a sign of regression or just a case of not caring about preseason? He did just turn 32 in September, so Father Time could be creeping in. I’m choosing to believe he’ll show up when it matters, maybe not Game 1, but at least by Game 11.

4. What Role Is Nique Clifford Going to Have?

Nique Clifford has been a revelation. In four preseason games, he averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal on 48% shooting in nearly 26 minutes per game. That playing time is a strong indicator of trust from the coaching staff.

With Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray both out to start the year, Nique’s consistent minutes and role in the rotation make it easy to imagine him as the sixth man, or even a stealth starter. He’s shown he can swing between the 1 and 3, score, play-make, and defend on the perimeter. Could he secure a starting role sooner rather than later?

5. Can Dario Saric Be A Key Rotational Player?

I’m a Saric guy, what can I say? I was high on him in the 2014 draft, loved his season with the Dubs in 2023-24, and recently wrote about him being more than just a throw-in in the Jonas Valančiūnas trade.

In the preseason, he hit 7 threes over three games on 55% shooting in just 19 minutes per game. He also looked surprisingly mobile for someone who essentially took a full season off. With our front court depth looking shaky, Saric’s shooting and experience could be a sneaky asset.

6. Is Doug Scared of the Vets?

Doug Christie talks a big game about full-court pressure, but it seems like only the young guys are buying in. Politics and trade value aside, there’s an opportunity here for Doug to bench a vet or two—say, DeMar DeRozan—and inject players like Nique Clifford or Keon Ellis into the lineup.

These younger guys bring the heat, ball movement, and pace Doug wants. It’s time to see if he’s willing to make the tough calls.

7. Can The Undrafted Guys Play A Key Role?

Our undrafted players have shown flashes:

Dylan Caldwell (Center): In 11 minutes per game, he averaged 4 points and 5 boards.

Daeqwon Plowden (Wing): In 8 minutes per game, he put up 4 points, hit a three, and chipped in a couple of steals over four games.

The numbers don’t jump off the page, but the energy, grit, and defensive intensity these guys bring could fill some key team needs.

8. Can Drew Eubanks Lowkey Ball?

Drew Eubanks has shown some nice touch around the basket, a bit of a post-game bag, and the kind of pace Doug Christie loves. With other bigs on the roster still unproven, Eubanks could be more than serviceable until one of the younger guys is ready to step up. That vet minimum contract might just turn out to be a stealth value deal.

Wrap It Up, B

 

Does Domas keep letting that thing fly? Will ball movement and spacing improve?
Is Nique Clifford our Day 1 sixth man—or even a starter?
Is Saric officially back?
Do any of the undrafted guys crack the main roster?
Will Doug bench the vets in favor of hungry young players?

Time will tell, but we’’ll be here clocking it and delivering the goods all season long.