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The NBA Summer League often becomes an engine for overreaction, creating narratives that shape perceptions long before the real games have even started. As it turns out, the Sacramento Kings have found themselves at the center of some of the loudest hype and most intense scrutiny. They have been, after all, buoyed by promising performances from a young, hungry core. However, with only a handful of exhibition games in the books, it’s crucial to sift through the noise and temper our expectations.
Change and Opportunity
The Kings have long been known for their tendency to overpay players who are past their prime. That's a pattern that has included names like Rajon Rondo and DeMar DeRozan. It now continues with Dennis Schroder. The Kings committed to the 31-year-old point guard with a three-year, $45 million deal. It's effectively a sign-and-trade involving the Detroit Pistons.
Sure, Schroder showed promise during his stint with the Brooklyn Nets last season. However, his shooting efficiency lagged, shooting under 38 percent with both the Pistons and Golden State Warriors. At this stage of his career, Schroder is no longer a true starting-caliber NBA point guard. And yet, he remains likely the best option for Sacramento unless they turn to Malik Monk. Kings fans, however, deserve better than settling for a player on the decline.
Have they found anyone better at Summer League?
Here we will look at and discuss the biggest Sacramento Kings overreactions from the 2025 NBA Summer League games.
1. Devin Carter’s Bounce-Back Proves He’s a Star
Devin Carter entered the Summer League season under a magnifying glass. After missing much of his rookie season and playing sparingly, his early performances drew mixed reviews. His first game was uneven, marked by inefficiency and inconsistency. However, Carter’s second outing, where he exploded for 30 points on just 13 shots, alongside eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, sent some shockwaves through the Kings fanbase. Immediately, some declared him the team’s next star, a cornerstone for Sacramento’s future success.
That needs to be checked, though. Carter’s breakout came on the heels of a shaky opener, and Summer League numbers are often inflated by less disciplined defenses and faster pace. The small sample size and his offensive green light do not yet replicate the challenges he will face against NBA rotations during the regular season.
Yes, his defensive tenacity and rebounding are genuine strengths. That said, achieving star status at the highest level requires sustained growth and consistency over time, not just flashes of brilliance. Carter’s tools and aggressive style are promising. His progress also aligns with expectations for a young player gaining experience. Still, hastily labeling him a future star based on one standout Summer League game overlooks the realities of development and competition.
2. The Kings’ Rookie Class Will Change Everything
The Kings’ rookie additions, Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, have impressed in limited bursts during Summer League play. Clifford’s 19-point, 12-rebound, and five-assist performance and Raynaud’s near-equivalent numbers have fueled speculation that this young class could immediately elevate Sacramento back into playoff contention. The excitement is palpable, with many optimistic about how these fresh faces fit into the team’s evolving identity.
Of course, this optimism should be tempered. Sure, Clifford’s size and shooting ability make him an intriguing prospect and Raynaud’s performance outpaces many second-round expectations. However, the leap to the NBA’s physicality, speed, and defensive schemes is significant. NBA history is full of promising Summer League debuts that did not translate directly into immediate impact at the NBA level. The journey ahead will almost certainly include growing pains and adjustments. These rookies have potential and belong to a group worthy of excitement. On the flip side, expecting them to be rotation mainstays or franchise-changers from day one is not realistic.
3. This Kings Summer League Team Proves They’re Playoff-Bound
After beginning Summer League with a 2-0 record and posting decisive wins, including a 94-76 dismantling of the Phoenix Suns’ squad, some have latched onto the team’s dominant performances as proof that Sacramento is ready to push into the playoffs. Some are optimistic that the Kings’ youth movement will translate into meaningful NBA success sooner rather than later.
Such conclusions, however, overlook important context. Summer League victories come against inconsistent opposition, with lineups that differ drastically from regular-season rotations. Many standout performers in Summer League will see reduced roles or adapt to different roles once the stakes increase. Team chemistry that looks seamless in a few exhibition games may not hold under the pressures and adjustments of the NBA season.
Sacramento’s roster remains young and in flux, with a new front office constructing its vision gradually. Yes, it is fair to be excited about the direction of the franchise. That said, projecting playoff status based on Summer League success is a premature leap.
Promise Or Premature Praise
The Kings’ 2025 Summer League campaign has been a rollercoaster of hopeful moments and intense speculation. Devin Carter’s resurgence amid health concerns is encouraging but far from definitive proof of stardom. The rookies' flashes of talent suggest a promising future, but immediate transformation is unlikely. And while the team’s early success has generated buzz about playoff potential, the real test lies ahead in the regular season.
Overreactions are a natural byproduct of new faces and fresh energy sparking excitement. However, real progress, especially for a young and evolving team like Sacramento, demands patience. They also need the willingness to let the story unfold with time. For now, the Kings’ chapter is one of guarded optimism tempered with realistic expectations.
