The Sacramento Kings have begun getting impatient in their rebuild and flipped the switch to winning now. The franchise has not made the playoffs since 2006 and signaled its impatience by trading Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis last season. The team continued its strides in the right direction by making some notable moves this offseason. Sacramento signed Malik Monk, drafted Keegan Murray, and traded for Kevin Huerter. While none of these guys are expected to be game-changing stars, each player is set to contribute right away. Filling out the roster with well-rounded players is a positive step and the Kings have begun to establish a true core. For now, the focus will shift to summer league where the Kings' youth will get their first chance on the court.

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3 major reasons Kings fans should be hyped for 2022 NBA Las Vegas Summer League

Keegan Murray

There is a surprising lack of allure surrounding a guy who was the 4th overall pick just two weeks ago. Whether it be the sour taste of passing on Jaden Ivey or disappointment the pick was not traded for a win-now player, Keegan Murray has not received the hype he deserves. The Iowa product averaged 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks last season. Murray is an impactful two-way player who also shot 39.8% on three-point attempts. He is a terror in transition and one of the more NBA-ready prospects to come out of the class.

Murray will get his chance as the focal point of the roster in the summer league. He is a high-quality player with few holes in his game. Murray shined at the California Classic and is ready to carry this momentum to Las Vegas. Look for him to continue to produce and make Kings fans to be made aware of the high-level player he is capable of being.

Jared Rhoden

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One of the greatest aspects of summer league is allowing chances to guys who otherwise would not receive them. This is exactly the case with Jared Rhoden. The 6'6″ wing had an impressive four-year career at Seton Hall where he improved each season. Last season he averaged 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He has had some up-and-down shooting performances and this will likely play a major role if the NBA door opens for him. The first-team All Big East member shot 31.2% on three-point attempts during his college career.

Rhoden is fearless on the court and has an appealing skillset. He can score on all three levels, moves fluidly, and is a solid athlete. The 22-year-old needs to improve his shot selection and cut down on turnovers but still holds a great deal of appeal. If he can learn to play in a minimized role, Rhoden projects well as a three-and-D prospect. He signed a two-way contract with the Kings and will have a chance to prove his worth in the summer league. Look for him to play with a chip on his shoulder and serve as a key piece of the Kings' summer league roster.

Keon Ellis

The Kings filled their second two-way slot with another undrafted free agent, Keon Ellis. The Alabama product earned SEC All-Defensive honors last season and was one of the most desired undrafted targets among NBA teams. Last season he averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 steals. He also shot 36.6% on three-point attempts while launching 5.5 long-range shots per game. Ellis is a wiry athlete with a 6'6″ frame. The 22-year-old is an explosive athlete with impressive lateral quickness and verticality. Ellis is a pest defensively and also serves as a lob threat when making back door cuts.

He is still fairly raw and likely will benefit from minutes in the summer league and in the G-League. Ellis needs to add weight and has a concerning lack of feel for the game. The stringy defender has many intriguing tools but is likely several years away from truly putting them together. Regardless, his plus athleticism and activity are sure to make an impact in the summer league. Look for Ellis to get himself going by getting out in transition and making his presence felt on the defensive end.

While these three players are guaranteed to be a part of the Sacramento franchise moving forward, there are several guys on the outside looking in. Summer league is a tryout for every NBA team so expect each player to leave it all on the court. Neemias Queta, Alex O'Connell, and DJ Steward are also three interesting names to watch. These players are currently without an NBA or G-League contract and are sure to be ready to make a statement.