Kings Met Free Agent G Vincent, Could Sign for 14th Roster Spot

The Sacramento Kings' search for a 14th player intensifies, as they met with free agent guard Gabe Vincent on Thursday, per KCRA News 3's Sean Cunningham.

Sacramento has over a week left to meet the NBA's roster minimum after trading second-year guard Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder last Sunday.

Vincent is a strong candidate with his veteran leadership and local ties to the city. He attended St. Mary's High School in Stockton and played his college ball at UC Santa Barbara.

Marc Stein reported that Vincent has a standing offer, according to league sources. Stein also highlighted that he turned down a non-guaranteed offer from the New York Knicks to compete for a roster spot in training camp.

The 30-year-old started his NBA career in the G League with the Stockton Kings in 2018. Vincent dominated in his second season, averaging 23.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists across 20 games (three starts).

Sacramento has been tied to the 6-foot-2 guard since free agency. General manager Scott Perry sought a backup to rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., who could handle playmaking duties and mentor the 19-year-old.

Perry ultimately chose Ben Simmons, but he tore his Achilles in practice a few days before the season opener, dealing a huge blow to the roster.

Vincent would be a reliable 3-and-D veteran for the Kings. He's acclimated to a catch-and-shoot role in his three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and is a pesky defender.

The eight-year veteran can handle some playmaking responsibilities, but is far removed from that role. Vincent averaged a career-high 3.1 assists in 2021-22 with the Miami Heat.

Miami went to the NBA Finals in 2023, and Vincent was key in each series. The 29-year-old scored 20-plus points five times, including a playoff-high of 29 in Game 3 against the Boston Celtics.

Sacramento is doing its due diligence, even with a 1-11 record. The team values Acuff's development and believes he is a generational player.

Acuff has made history several times in 11 games this season. He became the first rookie to score 30 points; joined NBA superstars with multiple 30-point, 10-assist double-doubles and became the first player since 1960-61 to record 200-plus points and 50-plus assists in the first eight games.

The 6-foot-3 guard is carrying the mantle of being the offensive engine every night. It's not adding wins to the record, but it continues to cement the team's belief that they selected the right player to lead them out of a rebuild.