Zach LaVine’s Injury Opens the Door for Kings’ Young Backcourt to Step Up
The Sacramento Kings just can’t seem to catch a break this season when it comes to injuries. The latest blow?
Zach LaVine, who exited early in last night’s matchup against the Timberwolves with an ankle injury. While the team hasn’t given a definitive timeline, early signs point to LaVine missing at least a game or two - and with a back-to-back against the Trail Blazers coming up later this week, his availability is very much in doubt.
This is just the latest chapter in what’s been a frustratingly injury-riddled campaign for Sacramento. The trouble started back in the preseason and hasn’t let up.
Domantas Sabonis and Drew Eubanks are already sidelined, and now LaVine joins them on the injury list. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team trying to find its rhythm in a competitive Western Conference.
Young Guards Ready to Answer the Call
But it’s not all doom and gloom. One thing the Kings do have is depth in the backcourt - particularly with their young trio of Nique Clifford, Keon Ellis, and Devin Carter. With LaVine out, this is a golden opportunity for head coach Doug Christie to give these guys meaningful minutes and see what he’s working with.
Clifford, the rookie with plenty of upside, has already gotten a look in the starting lineup recently. The results weren’t spectacular, but that’s to be expected for a player still finding his footing at the NBA level.
Clifford brings length, energy, and defensive instincts - all things the Kings could use more of. These next few games could be a valuable developmental window for him.
Then there’s Keon Ellis and Devin Carter, both of whom have shown flashes on the defensive end. They’re not just stopgaps - they’re potential building blocks.
Ellis and Carter each turned in solid performances against the Nuggets before being shuffled out of the rotation against Minnesota. That inconsistency in minutes makes it hard for young players to establish any kind of rhythm, and now would be a great time to change that.
Time to Experiment with the Rotation
With LaVine out, Christie has a chance to mix things up - and he should. There’s no clear-cut starter among Clifford, Ellis, and Carter, and that’s okay.
Rather than locking into one guy, this stretch could serve as a live audition. Rotate them.
Give each player a 10-minute run and see who brings the most on both ends of the floor. It’s not just about filling in for LaVine - it’s about discovering what these young guards can bring to the table long-term.
Malik Monk and Dennis Schröder have proven to be more effective coming off the bench, where they can feast on second units and keep the offense humming. That gives even more reason to lean into the youth movement while LaVine recovers.
A Silver Lining in a Tough Stretch
Nobody in Sacramento wanted to see LaVine go down. His scoring, athleticism, and experience are valuable assets, especially with Sabonis already out. But in a season where the Kings are still trying to define their identity, this might be the right time to let the young guys play through the growing pains.
Clifford needs NBA reps - whether that’s in Sacramento or down in Stockton. Carter and Ellis have already shown they can hold their own defensively, and now they need the chance to build on that foundation. These aren’t just end-of-the-bench players - they could be part of the Kings’ core moving forward.
The next few games won’t be easy, especially with key players missing. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Sacramento has a chance to turn a setback into a step forward.
Let the kids play. Let them learn.
And maybe - just maybe - this stretch will reveal something important about the Kings’ future.