Domantas Sabonis addressed the media Thursday following Sacramento’s season-ending Play-In loss, voicing support for the franchise but also calling for greater clarity and communication moving forward.
The 28-year-old center said he wants to remain in Sacramento, but emphasized the need for direction after a chaotic 12 hours that included the firing of general manager Monte McNair and the hiring of Scott Perry.
“First of all, I want to say I love it here. I want to stay here. I want to win here,” Sabonis said during his exit interview. “But I also do want to know what’s going to happen.”
Sabonis, who led the Kings with 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists this season, confirmed he was not consulted on either front-office move and only learned of the changes during team meetings.
“No, nothing at all,” he said when asked if he was informed beforehand.
The Kings’ season came to an end Wednesday night with a 120-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at home, where Sacramento surrendered 44 points in the second quarter and never recovered.
Sabonis admitted frustration over the breakdown in execution, saying, “We had a plan that we practiced for three days, and we didn’t execute the plan on either defense or offense.”
He also echoed DeMar DeRozan’s postgame sentiment that the roster needs adjustments, specifically identifying the need for a primary ballhandler.
“The biggest thing is we need a point guard. That’s for sure,” Sabonis said.
The franchise, which missed the playoffs for the 18th time in 19 seasons, has undergone significant turnover in recent months, including the trade of De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio and the midseason coaching change from Mike Brown to Doug Christie.
Sabonis spoke highly of Christie, noting their working relationship and shared commitment. “He loves the team, he loves the franchise, he loves the city,” Sabonis said. “We were just in the office talking—if he does get the job—about what’s going to happen this summer.”
The Lithuanian big man, now one year into his four-year, $186 million extension, also expressed a desire to be more involved in organizational decisions moving forward.
“Oh yeah, I wish,” he said when asked about having a voice in the team’s direction. “That would be great—to trust some of your guys who’ve been here longer on how to try and change things around.”
Despite the turbulent season, Sabonis praised the locker room chemistry, calling it one of the best he’s been a part of during his career.
“Guys are great. Guys love hanging out with each other on and off the court,” he said.
With a pivotal offseason ahead, Sabonis stressed the importance of aligning the franchise early, saying, “If we can organize everything throughout the summer… everybody has a role, a position, a job, and knows what to do—that would be very helpful.”
