Sacramento’s summer standouts are forcing a roster rethink as defensive tenacity and elite shooting spark a calculated gamble to secure both high-upside forwards before training camp ends.
The Sacramento Kings found a gem in Marquel Sutton, whose defense and shooting have played a significant role in the team’s summer success in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League.
Sutton has had multiple impressive showings that The Lead Kings writer Ethan Minton believes he deserves a two-way contract. Sacramento has filled all three two-way spots with Adam Flagler, Jonathan Mogbo and Isaiah Stevens.
Minton’s plan to open a two-way spot for Sutton is to sign Mogbo to a standard contract. The idea isn’t far-fetched as both have impressed throughout the summer league.
Mogbo opened the Las Vegas Summer League with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the Kings’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. He also had a steal and a block to go with his totals.
Sutton scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds on 4-for-4 from the field. The former LSU product closed the California Classic with a 24-point performance over the Milwaukee Bucks and shot 50% from three (4-for-8).
Their defensive tenacity has been the foundation of Sacramento’s victories in the past four games. They give the team much-needed forward depth, and given their injury luck, the Kings always need depth.
Sutton signed to Sacramento's summer league team, guaranteeing his time with the organization until summer play is over. His strong performances have put the fan base on notice, and they do not want to let go of a 3-and-D wing so easily.
Signing Mogbo to a standard deal opens an extra two-way spot but increases his salary. Sacramento can play Mogbo for 50 games throughout the season without upgrading his deal, making him a valuable cost-controlled asset.
However, the NBA is a fluid business, and anything can happen. Sutton has impressed enough in a small sample size, at least, for other teams to understand what he brings to the court.
The Kings need all the talent they can get at a reduced cost. Mogbo and Sutton fit what general manager Scott Perry wants to do for the team for the next several seasons.
Perry wants financial flexibility and youth, and both fit those needs. Sacramento most likely isn’t paying more than $3 million combined for Sutton and Mogbo.
The young duo will continue to impress and turn heads on Sunday when the Kings face the Washington Wizards. It will likely be the biggest defensive test for Mogbo and Sutton to guard the first overall pick, AJ Dybantsa.
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