Photo: Sacramento Kings/Twitter

In a candid interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Domantas Sabonis, the versatile NBA standout, delved into his thoughts on the Sacramento Kings’ remarkable 2022-2023 season.

As a pivotal member of the Kings’ roster, Sabonis experienced the evolution of the team firsthand, witnessing their ascent from the lower ranks to Western Conference prominence.

Following a trade in February 2022 that brought Sabonis to the Kings, along with several other key players, the team underwent a dramatic transformation. Despite missing the playoffs in the preceding season, the Kings emerged in the 2022-2023 campaign as a force to be reckoned with, securing a commendable 3rd place finish in the Western Conference standings.

Sabonis, a standout performer at 27 years old, showcased his prowess on the court, averaging an impressive 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. His contributions earned him his third All-Star nod, solidifying his status as a force in the league.

Reflecting on the dynamic chemistry of the Kings, Sabonis shared, “It’s funny to say now, but we actually knew, I actually thought we were really good… We had a great group of guys. It was probably one of the best locker rooms I’ve been a part of. That clearly showed on the court for us.”

While the Kings’ exceptional regular season performance placed them in a favorable position for the playoffs, they faced an early exit at the hands of the Warriors in 7 games. However, the lessons learned and the growth experienced during the season leave a promising foundation for the Kings to build upon in the future.

Off the court, Sabonis solidified his commitment to the Kings, signing a historic five-season contract worth $217 million, making it the most lucrative contract in Lithuania’s sports history.