The Sacramento Kings head into the 2026 NBA season with a deep and versatile shooting guard rotation, aiming to improve upon their recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five games. Their most recent result was a 124-118 victory over the Golden State Warriors on April 11, 2026, providing a positive note as they assess their backcourt options.
Veteran Zach LaVine is expected to be the primary starter. He led the team in scoring during the 2025 season, averaging 19.2 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. LaVine's season was hampered by injuries, but when available, he was Sacramento's top scoring option. If he maintains his health, he could easily push his average back above 20 points per game this year.
His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor is vital for the Kings' offensive spacing. Coach Doug Christie will rely on LaVine's experience and scoring punch to set the tone early in games.
Second-year guard Nique Clifford is positioned for a larger role after appearing in 75 games with 28 starts last season. He averaged 8.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, shooting 41.8 percent from the field. Clifford's defensive energy and willingness to step up during an injury-plagued season for the team earned him valuable minutes.
A leap in his shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc where he hit 33.3 percent, would make him a key bench contributor. Malik Monk provides another proven scoring option off the bench, averaging 12.5 points per game last season. His flexibility to play both guard spots makes him a valuable piece for Christie's rotation, potentially positioning him as one of the league's top sixth men.
Rookie Emmanuel Sharp joins the team after a solid college career at Houston. He averaged 11.8 points per game and shot 37.6 percent from three-point range in college, alongside 1.1 steals per game. His perimeter defense and consistent outside shot could earn him rotational minutes as a specialist.
Third-year player Daeqwon Plowden also returns after a solid 32-game showing last season. He averaged 10.2 points per game with efficient shooting splits: 44.7 percent from the field, 35 percent from three, and 86.3 percent from the free-throw line. That kind of efficiency is hard to ignore and could carve him a specific role in certain lineups.
The Kings' recent results show a mixed bag. Following the win over Golden State, they had lost to the same Warriors 110-105 on April 8. Before that, they secured a 117-113 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 4. Losses to the Atlanta Hawks (123-113) and a heavy 134-90 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets in late March highlight the consistency they need to find.
This backcourt depth will be tested as they look to build momentum. The combination of LaVine's star power, Clifford's development, Monk's instant offense, and the potential of Sharp and Plowden gives Sacramento multiple ways to attack. Staying healthy will be the biggest factor. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on the official schedule page. The shooting guard position, with its blend of experience and youth, appears to be a relative strength as the 2026 campaign gets underway.
