The Sacramento Kings will close the season without their All-Star big man.
Domantas Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. Sabonis had been rehabbing the injury during the season and attempted to play through it before ultimately opting for the procedure. (source)
The setback compounds what has already been a difficult year in Sacramento.
Another Blow for Sacramento
The Kings recently lost guard Zach LaVine to season-ending surgery as well, leaving the team without its two primary offensive pillars. Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in just 19 games this season. Those numbers represent a dip from prior campaigns, as he battled persistent knee discomfort and saw his minutes reduced below 30 per night.
Sacramento enters the second half of the season at 12-44, the worst record in the NBA. The absence of Sabonis further limits the team’s interior presence, rebounding stability and playmaking from the frontcourt.
Draft Implications Loom
If there is a long-term silver lining, it may lie in draft positioning. Holding the league’s worst record would give Sacramento the best odds at securing the No. 1 overall pick in what many view as a loaded 2026 draft class.
Potential headliners include elite freshmen such as Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Kingston Fleming, Caleb Wilson and Keaton Wagler, among others.
For now, Sacramento must shift its focus toward development and evaluation. Sabonis’ health takes priority, and the organization will look toward the offseason with hopes of a reset.