Domantas Sabonis hosted a youth basketball camp Sunday in Rocklin and spoke about the upcoming season and the changes/additions to the team so far this offseason.
Sabonis referenced this summer as an offseason of change: “A lot has changed; a lot is probably still going to change.” He revealed that Doug Christie has been working hard on “the new system” that he wants to implement and has been sharing the new offense with the team throughout summer in “bits and pieces.” Sabonis hopes that makes it smooth when training camp begins.
He praised Scott Perry, mentioning they “think alike” and that “his values are aligned with mine.” He expects the Kings to play hard, run and be a gritty team. He also commented on the addition of Dennis Schröder at point guard, saying, “we didn’t have one so right now we have a starting caliber point guard. Dennis is very talented. He is playing in the EuroBasket this summer, so we’ll see him later. He’ll come in shape and ready to go.”
In terms of the rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, he said they look great and perform at a high level and mentioned he hosted Raynaud and Isaac Jones at his home in Napa for workouts, “trying to teach the young guys some things.”
Following the Rocklin camp, he was planning to travel to Los Angeles to start training with teammates, and it sounded like DeMar DeRozan might be of those players: “We’re going to meet up with some guys and get some work in.”
Sabonis said he understands the move to let Jonas Valanciunas go.
“We know where all of these decisions are coming from. It’s sad to see a good friend leave, but at the same time, you understand. I’m happy for him. He’s with the Nuggets now. They’re a top team in the West, and all he wants to do is win, so I know he’s happy,” he said.
Domas confirmed he won’t play in international basketball this summer, instead he is focused on the Kings and trying to get things started off right.
Sabonis had this to say about giving back to Sacramento through things like the youth basketball camp:
“It’s really important. Ever since I got here, Sacramento has welcomed me and my family with open arms and it has just been a really cool ride and we want to stay here and keep building inside the community,” he said.