Ranking the 3 Most Underrated Kings for the 2024-25 Season

The Sacramento Kings have some gems heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.

Apr 7, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) dribbles against Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings have assembled a revamped roster ahead of the 2024-25 season, headlined by the acquisition of six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan. Sacramento's star duo of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have put the league on notice over the past two seasons. Still, the NBA media continues to sleep on the Kings as a contender.

Most fans are aware of the effect of Fox and Sabonis, but which Kings continue to be underrated? Here are the three most underrated Kings heading into the 2024-25 season:

Honorable Mention: Keon Ellis

While Keon Ellis has consistently been one of the most underrated players across the NBA, the young two-way stud has earned his flowers. Ellis has been recognized as a rising star in the league, even after his small sample size last season.

His lockdown defense and impressive three-point shot have made him a perfect fit in Sacramento's lineup, and he has rightfully been recognized for his vast improvements in his sophomore season.

3. DeMar DeRozan

While many people have been talking about Sacramento's blockbuster sign-and-trade to bring in DeMar DeRozan, most conversations have been negative. The Kings are bringing in a six-time NBA All-Star, an absolute game-changer for a struggling Sacramento squad.

Regardless of DeRozan's age or contract, there are very few reasons why fans would not be excited about this move. The soon-to-be 35-year-old averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season, even taking some aspects of his game to new heights.

DeMar DeRozan is ready to light the beam 🟣🔦 pic.twitter.com/oZGJ6AfKnJ

— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) July 9, 2024

After signing a three-year, $73.9 million contract, many claimed DeRozan was overpaid, but the Kings likely will not think twice about this deal.

DeRozan's connection within Sacramento's lineup is expected to be great, especially with his co-stars Fox and Sabonis. Not only is DeRozan underrated across the NBA, but his fit in Sacramento is extremely slept on.

2. Alex Len

The Kings re-signed Alex Len to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million, and the 31-year-old veteran is one of the most underrated backup centers in the NBA.

Len has not had a significant role since arriving in Sacramento but has shown to be the best rim protector on the team in his limited minutes. Not only did Alex Len have the best defensive rating in Sacramento, but he ranked second in the NBA among players who played 40+ games.

Alex Len's Defensive Rating last season: 100.8. That ranks 2nd out of the 354 players who played at least 40 games.

His On/Off Net Rating was 15.5, highest of all the Kings rotational players by far (Lyles 2nd , 8.4) pic.twitter.com/bnEHi032p1

— Will Z. Stats (@will_zimmerle) June 30, 2024

The Kings recently signed Orlando Robinson, who could potentially compete with Len for backup center minutes, but Mike Brown should be trusting Len to have a more significant role going forward. The Kings desperately need Len's defensive presence on the court more.

Len is rarely recognized across the league as an effective backup center, but his role as Sabonis' replacement is valuable for a Sacramento squad needing more defense.

1. Keegan Murray

Many fans expected Keegan Murray to take a leap into stardom in his sophomore season, and while he has not become the All-Star some expect he can be, he is one of Sacramento's most valuable assets.

Murray is already recognized as a rising star by Kings fans, but he remains severely underrated by NBA media. Murray is rarely put in the same tier as other young studs, despite his impressive two-way presence.

Murray has cemented himself as one of the premier three-point shooters in the league, especially after breaking the record for the most efficient game with 12+ threes made last season.

Keegan Murray 47 points on 23 shots

7th player in NBA history to make 12+ threes in a single game, and the first to do it on 15 or fewer 3PA (h/t @stathead)

One of the most spectacular shooting displays of all time, no question#LightTheBeam pic.twitter.com/uZTlWAyCsR

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) July 22, 2024

On top of becoming an elite shooter, Murray has quietly improved his defensive game tremendously. Murray led the Kings in blocks per game (0.8) last season, while typically taking on the defensive task of the opposing team's best wing.

With the addition of DeRozan, Murray will become the fourth or fifth option in the starting lineup, but he will remain the X factor for Sacramento's desired postseason run. With less pressure to become a ball-dominant perimeter threat, Murray can elevate his game even more next season.

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