The Sacramento Kings are searching for positives after dropping their fourth straight preseason game, a 98-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on October 13. One bright spot has been the play of forward Jonathan Mogbo, who is using the exhibition slate to push for a real role. The 24-year-old on a two-way contract has emerged as the team's second-leading scorer and top rebounder through three appearances, averaging 13.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.7 steals while shooting 53.8% from the field.
Mogbo's production has been impossible to ignore. His 6'9" frame and 7'2" wingspan have allowed him to impact the game on both ends. He posted a preseason-high 15 points against the Trail Blazers. After that game, Mogbo outlined his goal. "I just want to play hard out there," he said. "I feel like I want to be that impact guy that comes off the bench and gives the team a spark." His energy and defensive activity have been a constant. He's been more productive than other power forwards on the roster, despite the less secure nature of his two-way deal.
Realistically, Mogbo has done everything required to get a look when the games count. The Kings have a history of two-way players earning trust, like Dylan Cardwell in recent seasons. Mogbo isn't a complete unknown, either, having shown flashes as a rookie with the Toronto Raptors two years ago. Assistant coach Doug Christie, who oversees the defense, will certainly respect the effort. With some key players managing injuries, a path to minutes on opening night exists. The Kings' bench unit remains undefined, and Mogbo's preseason play has inserted him into that conversation.
The Kings wrap up their preseason schedule with an away game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 16. It's one final chance for players like Mogbo to state their case before the regular season begins. The team will hope to carry any individual momentum into that finale after losses to the Lakers (twice), Warriors, and Trail Blazers. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page. For now, the front office has to feel good about a low-risk offseason pickup paying immediate dividends. Mogbo's two-way deal looks like one of the best-value moves of the summer, providing much-needed depth and a potential rotation piece as Sacramento looks to bounce back from a tough preseason.
