In the face of adversity, opportunities arise. For Daeqwon Plowden, the injury-plagued season of the Sacramento Kings has been a chance to shine, and he’s grabbing it with both hands.
With the Kings struggling at 19-55, Plowden is proving he’s got what it takes to compete at the NBA level. The reserve guard, who inked a two-way deal with Sacramento in July 2025, recently delivered a standout performance against the Orlando Magic, dropping 23 points on an efficient 8-for-12 shooting, including a sizzling 6-for-10 from downtown.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Plowden is averaging 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 29.3 minutes per game, while shooting a respectable 37.2 percent from beyond the arc. His March stats show him launching 6.5 threes a game, a testament to his growing confidence and role on the team.
The absence of key players like Zach LaVine, Russell Westbrook, Nique Clifford, and Keegan Murray has opened doors for Plowden and his fellow young guns. "We're all using it as an opportunity to grow our game and build chemistry," Plowden shared after a tough game against the 76ers. His focus on growth and experience is clearly paying off.
Plowden has been on a scoring spree, notching 10 points or more in the last nine outings, and playing a pivotal role in four recent victories. Over his last three games, he’s averaged 21.6 points, shooting 57 percent from the field and an impressive 50 percent from three-point land.
An undrafted prospect from Bowling Green in 2022, Plowden is technically in his sophomore NBA year, having had a brief stint with the Atlanta Hawks in 2025. His two-way contract with the Kings means that if waived, he could return to their G-League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
Joining the ranks of teammates like DeMar DeRozan, Maxime Raynaud, LaVine, and Westbrook, Plowden has scored 20 or more points in three consecutive games, a testament to his growing prowess.
Despite the injuries, Sacramento’s veterans are mentoring Plowden, enriching his understanding of the game. "Those guys are household names," Plowden remarked. "They share insights about scoring, defense, and coverages they've encountered over the years."
This season might just be the turning point for Plowden in Sacramento. His connection with Coach Doug Christie, forged during last summer's league, has been pivotal. Christie, recalling a moment from Summer League, emphasized Plowden’s place in the NBA with a personal pep talk.
Plowden’s stint with the Stockton Kings was impressive, averaging 22.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. As injuries mounted, Sacramento called him up, and since February, he’s been a consistent presence on the court.
At 27, the Philadelphia native is proving to be a reliable asset for the Kings, making the most of the opportunities before him and solidifying his place in the league.