Predicting the Kings' Guard Rotation for the 2024-25 NBA Season

The Sacramento Kings have quite a few talents playing in their backcourt.

Mar 21, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) dribbles during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings focused heavily on their guards this offseason by retaining elite sixth-man Malik Monk and drafting Devin Carter in the 2024 NBA Draft.

On top of those two, the Kings traded for six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan who can play as a guard, but will likely play as the small forward in Sacramento. Another new name is Jordan McLaughlin, a rotational guard entering his seventh year in the Association.

With a talent-flooded roster, playing time can get tricky. Mike Brown's crew has a few decisions to make, but none more important than choosing who will start in the season opener.

Potential Starters at SG

Point guard is not a worry for the Kings as long as De'Aaron Fox exists.

At the 2, it's a completely different story. Sacramento has three potential starters: Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, and Kevin Huerter.

From an outside perspective, it is unlikely that the Kings start Monk after using him as a sixth man last season. His shot-creating ability made him one of the best bench scorers in the league, giving him a versatility that allowed him to close out games despite not starting them.

Malik Monk this season:

— 15.4 PPG (career-high)
— 5.1 APG (career-high)
— 2nd in 6MOY voting
— Led NBA in bench PTS & AST

Light the beam. pic.twitter.com/gb7stIpRrL

— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 21, 2024

For a well-rounded team, it would make the most sense to hand the starting job to Keon Ellis. His defensive prowess is unmatched and is something you can't find in Monk or Huerter's game. On top of being able to defend, Ellis' three-point shot fell an efficient 41.7 percent of the time last season. Every team needs a role player who can be a dog on the court, and Ellis is that guy for the Kings.

Over 6 minutes of Keon Ellis defense this season. Truly a special defensive talent - does it both on & off-ball. Carried Sacramento's defense down the stretch. pic.twitter.com/CZNY8BJYZG

— Skyler (KFR) (@SacFilmRoom) May 19, 2024

Huerter has survived a summer full of trade rumors and remains on Sacramento's roster entering the 2024-25 season. He started 59 games last season, so it's certainly possible that Brown will keep him in that spot this year.

On a night where he's just 2-9 from 3, Kevin Huerter drops 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals.

So much more to his game than 3pt shooting. Active as a cutter + on the boards, great touch, good midrange game - really complete offensive player. pic.twitter.com/UV8uiuoRHd

— Skyler (KFR) (@SacFilmRoom) March 26, 2023

Shooting just 36 percent from three, it was Huerter's worst career year from beyond the arc. It's unclear if it's his spot to lose or not, but another poor shooting year would be enough reason to take him out of the starting five.

Because of the influx of talent in the backcourt, it would almost make more sense for Huerter to come off the bench as a backup small forward. The Kings have no clear substitute for DeRozan and a 6-foot-7 Huerter might be best suited to play that role when the season rolls around.

Minutes predictions in the Kings' backcourt

Fox played his most minutes per game (35.9) last season, a number that will likely stay near the same. He'll likely be supported with 10-12 minutes per game from McLaughlin, a defensive-minded player who can shoot the ball fairly well.

Jordan McLaughlin's advanced numbers last season:
Net Rating: +11.0
Defensive rating: 100.1
Team On/Off Net Rating: +5.8

Highly underrated signing by the Kings. Read more in my latest for @KingsOn_SI https://t.co/xOhWKGjuVX

— Will Z. Stats (@will_zimmerle) July 26, 2024

Devin Carter may not see much of the NBA floor this year as he rehabs through a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined until early 2025. If he fully recovers during the season, he may end up taking some of McLaughlin's minutes.

At shooting guard, it'll probably be a near-even split between Ellis and Monk with 20-30 minutes from each of them. Game-by-game matchups and high-quality play will determine who gets more game time, but it's also possible they see the court together. Monk can be a floor general while Ellis plays three-and-D basketball.

Malik Monk takes flight off the steal from Keon Ellis. Golden 1 Center goes bonkers. pic.twitter.com/XxUm5qA8TJ

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) December 23, 2023

Huerter saw a career low in minutes last season with 24.4 per game. If he plays behind DeRozan at the three, that number could go even lower. 20 minutes is a realistic expectation for Huerter, but Brown may play him for longer as he rotates the team around.

There are too many combinations the Kings could have on the floor, so it's hard to see what direction Brown goes in. Regardless, someone is probably going to be the odd man out every game.

Kings fans will get their first look at the starting five when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit Sacramento for the NBA season opener on October 24th.

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