The Sacramento Kings head into the 2026 season hoping to improve from where they were in 2025, and that seems very possible, especially with the solid depth they have in the backcourt.

On that note, it is time to take a look at the shooting guard position for the Kings heading into the 2026 season.

At this point, the expectation is that veteran Zach LaVine will be the starter at the shooting guard position as he hopes to build on a strong 2025 campaign.

During the 2025 season, LaVine led the team in scoring as he averaged 19.2 points per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39 percent from. three. Last season, LaVine did struggle with injuries, but when he was available he proved to be one of the top scoring option for Sacramento.

So, heading into this season, if LaVine can stay healthy, he should have another strong showing for the Kings and could get back up to averaging 20 points per game.

The next player up in the shooting guard rotation seems to be second-year guard Nique Clifford who could be ready for a sophomore leap.

In 2025, Clifford did have to step up as the Kings struggled with injuries across the board, and as a result, he played in 75 games while starting in 28 of those games. Throughout the season, in those opportunities, Clifford was solid as he averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game on 41.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three.

As Clifford prepares for his second season with the Kings, if he can take a step forward as a shooter and be prepared to be more aggressive overall, he may have an opportunity to take a key step forward and possibly be a key contributor off the bench.

Another player on the shooting guard depth is veteran guard Malik Monk who is a consistent scorer and could be very impactful off the bench.

Monk was included in the point guard primer, but he does have the flexibility to play either guard position, and with his average of 12.5 points per game off the bench, the Kings have the ability to use him at point guard or at shooting guard, which could help him to become one of the top sixth men in the league.

So, as Monk heads into another season with the Kings, it will be interesting to see how head coach Doug Christie uses him off the bench and whether or not he can assert himself as one of the top players off the bench in the NBA 

Next up is rookie guard Emmauel Sharp who is hoping to get himself into the rotation after a solid collegiate career with the Houston Cougars.

During Sharp's collegiate career he was a great defender as he averaged 1.1 steals per game and in addition to that he was a good contributor on offense as he averaged 11.8 points per game and shot 37.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Heading into this season, if Sharp can lean on his strong perimeter defense and consistent three-point shooting, he might have an opportunity to get himself into the rotation and contribute for the Kings in 2026.

Th final player to look at for the Kings at the shooting guard position is third year player Daeqwon Plowden.

Last season, Plowden was solid for the Kings as he played in 32 games and averaged 10.2 points per game on shooting splits of 44.7 percent from the field, 35 percent from beyond the arc, and 86.3 percent from the free-throw line. With efficiency like that, Plowden could carve out a role for himself and possibly be a great scorer for the Kings off the bench.

As Plowden heads into the 2026 season, if he can carry over his efficiency and overall consistency as a scorer he may be able to step up when the Kings absolutely need scoring off the bench.

After seeing where the Kings stand at the shooting guard position, it is pretty clear that they have plenty of scoring across the board whether in the starting lineup or off the bench. Additionally, this position is very young so there is plenty of opportunities to progress and see each of these players take a step forward throughout the season.

So, heading into 2026, it will be interesting to see how the shooting guard rotation works, especially off the bench, and if each of these players can contribute for the Kings in one way or another throughout next season.