Yet another day wrapped up, Insiders!
Today, the Kings returned to the ice, following a format similar to that of yesterday. The day’s schedule remained unchanged, although Groups A and B swapped their practice times, with Group B taking the ice first while Group A practiced later, post-scrimmage. Additionally, there was a reshuffling of personnel, with seven players moving up from Group C, including the 2024 first-round draft pick Liam Greentree, who joined Group A on Day 2.
A prevalent observation from the first two days of training camp is that the players are putting in the effort.
After these practices, players are feeling fatigued, yet they are still engaging actively during drills, albeit in a somewhat unconventional manner. Under Jim Hiller’s guidance, practices are slightly longer, focusing on conditioning integrated within the drills rather than as a separate component. This approach stems from Hiller’s own playing days; he disliked lengthy bag-skate sessions but recognized that conditioning is crucial during camp. The aim is to prepare the team for success. Rather than straightforward skating drills, Hiller and his staff have crafted fast-paced practices with minimal rest between drills, combining conditioning with learning. It is clear from observing the practices and players’ reactions that this approach is effective, particularly regarding their conditioning.
“Our goal is to embed conditioning into the drills. Instead of lining players up for traditional skates at the end of practice, we’ve pushed for quick transitions with little rest. You’ve noticed the rapid pace of the drills,” Hiller explained today. “We want to ensure they feel the strain because these practices can be exhausting. There aren’t many opportunities during the season to conduct such intense sessions without draining energy. For now, our objective is to elevate everyone’s stamina so we can really challenge them.”
As before, today’s practices were interspersed with a scrimmage session. Following a higher-scoring session yesterday, the teams ended today’s scrimmage in a 2-2 tie after regulation time, with the halves reduced from 30 minutes to 25. All goals occurred in the first half, featuring Phillip Danault and Kevin Fiala scoring for their respective teams. Danault found the back of the net via a penalty shot, striking from the slot, while Fiala scored for the second straight scrimmage, taking advantage of a line change to create space and ultimately scoring from close range. The teams moved into overtime, where Trevor Lewis capitalized on an Akil Thomas pass in the 3-on-3 session to clinch the victory for Group B.
In the second half of the scrimmage, forward Arthur Kaliyev seemingly sustained an injury. Jim Hiller had limited information regarding Kaliyev, who left the ice under his own power following a hit from defenseman Kyle Burroughs in the corner.
“I’ve been trying to locate [Athletic Trainer Chris Kingsley] myself. I haven’t had much time since practice wrapped, and I haven’t seen him yet,” Hiller stated today. “I’ll find out what’s going on and we should know more tomorrow.”
Admittedly, I didn’t witness the hit in its entirety, only the aftermath, but Kaliyev got up and appeared willing to continue before team trainers escorted him to the locker room. There’s no need to rush anything during camp. I’ll look for an update on Kaliyev as we head into tomorrow, hoping for a favorable outcome so he can keep building momentum here at camp.
Introducing The New Guys
From a hockey standpoint, what stands out the most is their size. Foegs is probably the smallest among the three, yet he is still quite a large figure on the ice. The presence of these three significantly raises the average height. Eddy, in particular, when you stand beside him on the ice, as he prepares for a drill, when he pivots and moves, you can really see how much space he occupies. He pivots once, stretches out, and his size is quite impressive. He’s a big man; he’s
It’s challenging to navigate, but you can observe it when practicing on the ice with him. One aspect that isn’t immediately visible, but we recognize, is the communication; these are high-energy individuals off the ice who are passionate about the game. They engage in conversations and inject enthusiasm into the atmosphere—qualities we were eager to incorporate into the team. Beyond what happens on the ice, we aimed to enhance the overall energy and spirit off of it. Kyle Burroughs embodies this attitude, contributing positively to the locker room as well.
This was Jim Hiller earlier today, discussing the new players acquired by the Kings during the summer. The inquiry focused on the trio of Joel Edmundson, Warren Foegele, and Tanner Jeannot, who have participated in two practices and scrimmages as LA Kings. Hiller also mentioned Kyle Burroughs as a player who aligns with the qualities the Kings intended to add.
Joel Edmundson
Edmundson marked the Kings’ most significant acquisition this summer with a four-year contract. Conversations with Drew Doughty and Mikey Anderson yesterday revealed both players believe Edmundson significantly contributes to the defensive stability and physical presence that Matt Roy provided on the blueline. Physically, Edmundson arguably exceeds Roy, even though Roy excelled in other respects.
The Kings can expect to hold their ground physically whenever Edmundson is on the ice, a point Doughty highlighted yesterday.
“I think everyone they brought in plays a physical game, and yes, that’s a significant aspect of my own game,” Edmundson remarked. “[I’m] not the flashiest player, but I excel at blocking shots, delivering that extra hit, and energizing the bench with those big hits. When necessary, I’ll step up for my teammates and engage in a fight. They did a solid job of acquiring guys who can contribute in these areas.”
In the video, Edmundson also shares his early thoughts on Brandt Clarke, discussing how he fits with the current defensive lineup and his experiences thus far with the Kings.
Warren Foegele
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y71dtxE0Vo
Foegele represents a different kind of toughness, focusing less on traditional physicality and more on intensity and work ethic.
While he may not be as physically imposing as Edmundson, Foegele brings various strengths to his game that enhance his effectiveness. He actively seeks offensive opportunities and possesses the size and speed mentioned by Hiller. Like Edmundson and Jeannot, Foegele acknowledges the overall strategy for the players brought in over the summer. He expresses enthusiasm about his role and looks forward to contributing positively to the team.
“I think all three of us, along with the guys here, want to win and maintain a competitive edge,” Foegele noted. “Whether it’s getting physical, trying to draw a penalty, or fighting, it’s all about seeking an advantage to help the team. I believe that this current competitiveness will lead to promising results.”
Foegele elaborates further in the video about his initial days with the Kings, his fit alongside Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala, and his connection with Byfield from summer training.
Tanner Jeannot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFENJEYQDU0
Jeannot has a clear understanding of his role and the value he adds to the team.
During the summer, in a phone conversation, Jeannot expressed his desire to be the most challenging player to go against on the ice. This sentiment resurfaced today as he discussed his role.
Jeannot’s contributions to the club are worth exploring. While he may not be the most glamorous player, he has a record of scoring in this league. His physical style of play and intangible qualities have drawn interest from various teams. Beyond just his goal-scoring ability, the prospect of integrating these attributes made him an attractive target for Tampa Bay a few seasons ago, as they sought supplementary players during their championship pursuit.
“I believe that [physicality is] a significant aspect of my game. My aim is to be the toughest opponent out there and to challenge the other team as much as possible,” Jeannot stated. “That’s my objective for each game — to leverage my strengths. I am aware of what I excel at, and I intend to contribute to the team in that way to the best of my ability. My mindset revolves around being a great teammate and supporting my team.”
In the full video interview, Jeannot discusses his new linemates, Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore, highlighting the chemistry they share, along with his adjustment to life in California and his past experiences competing against the Kings.
That concludes our coverage for Day 2!
Tomorrow, I will be working on a feature story about Quinton Byfield, focusing on his transition to center, and will share insights from him, Hiller, and his teammates. Additionally, I will provide full coverage of Day 3’s practice, including updates on Kaliyev’s status following the injury he sustained today.
Kings Training Camp Update: Day 2 Highlights, New Faces, and Injury Concerns
Day 2 Highlights: On-Court Action
The second day of the Kings training camp brought exciting developments and highlights from the on-court action. Players showcased their skills, and fans eagerly noted standout performances. Here are the key highlights:
- Dominant Performance: Star player De’Aaron Fox displayed remarkable agility and shooting accuracy during scrimmages, raising expectations for the upcoming season. His leadership on the court is evident, as he orchestrated plays with precision.
- Rookie Showcases: Newcomers like Keegan Murray and Jemarl Baker impressed coaches and fans alike with their offensive skills. Murray’s shooting from beyond the arc caught everyone’s attention, while Baker’s defensive tenacity stood out.
- Team Chemistry: The integration of new players with existing team members was evident. The chemistry on the court seems to be developing quickly, which bodes well for the Kings as they prepare for the regular season.
New Faces: Rookies and Signings
This season, the Kings have welcomed several new faces to the roster, and the training camp has provided them an opportunity to integrate into the team’s dynamic.
Key New Additions
| Player Name | Position | Previous Team |
|---|---|---|
| Keegan Murray | Forward | Iowa (NCAA) |
| Jemarl Baker | Guard | Arizona (NCAA) |
| Matthew Dellavedova | Guard | Cleveland Cavaliers |
These new players bring a fresh energy and skill set to the team. Keegan Murray’s versatility as a forward and Jemarl Baker’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting are anticipated to greatly impact the team’s performance this year. Moreover, veteran Matthew Dellavedova’s experience and leadership will provide a crucial balance to the younger players.
Injury Concerns: Players to Watch
As exciting as the training camp is, it’s important to keep an eye on injury concerns that may affect the Kings’ performance this season.
Current Injury Status
| Player Name | Injury Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Harrison Barnes | Hamstring Strain | Day-to-Day |
| Davion Mitchell | Ankle Sprain | Out for 2 weeks |
| De’Aaron Fox | None | Fully Healthy |
Harrison Barnes is dealing with a hamstring strain but has been participating in limited drills. He was seen working closely with the coaching staff to ensure a swift recovery. Davion Mitchell has a minor ankle sprain and is expected to miss a couple of weeks, which puts pressure on the backcourt depth. However, De’Aaron Fox has reported no injuries, allowing him to lead the team effectively during practices.
Training Camp Culture: Building Team Unity
A successful training camp is not just about drills and scrimmages; it’s also about building camaraderie and team spirit. The Kings have instituted various team-building activities that help create a positive environment.
Activities Promoting Team Unity
- Team Bonding Outings: The Kings organized a team dinner on the first night of camp. This allowed players and coaching staff to unwind and get to know each other off the court.
- Community Engagement: Players participated in community service activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork beyond basketball.
- Group Challenges: Activities that challenge players to work together, such as obstacle courses and strategic games, have been incorporated to enhance chemistry.
These initiatives have built a strong foundation for effective teamwork, which is essential for success in the upcoming NBA season.
Practical Tips for Fans: Keeping Up with the Kings
For fans eager to stay updated on the Kings and their training camp progress, here are some practical tips:
- Follow Official Channels: Stay tuned to the Sacramento Kings’ official website and social media channels for real-time updates and highlights.
- Engage with Fan Communities: Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to Kings fans to share insights and excitement about the training camp.
- Attend Open Practices: Whenever possible, attend open practice sessions to witness the team’s development and cheer for your favorite players.
First-Hand Experience: Fans Share Their Thoughts
Many fans have attended the training camp and shared their experiences. Here are some excerpts from enthusiastic spectators:
“Seeing the chemistry between the rookies and veterans in real time was exhilarating! Keegan Murray has an incredible shot!” - Alex, Sacramento
“It was great to see De’Aaron Fox in action. His leadership really stands out!” - Maria, Kings Fan Club Member
Case Study: Previous Training Camp Success Stories
Reflecting on past training camps can provide insights into how the current roster might perform. In previous years, the Kings have seen significant improvements through focused training camps.
Notable Success Stories
- 2018 Training Camp: This camp saw the emergence of De’Aaron Fox as a key player, leading to an impactful sophomore season.
- 2020 Offseason: The Kings’ focus on defensive drills resulted in a marked improvement in their overall defensive rating during the season.
By examining these success stories, it’s clear that the current training camp offers a tremendous opportunity for players to develop and refine their skills further.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Kings?
As the Kings continue their training camp, they will focus on refining their strategies, integrating new players, and addressing injury concerns. The coaching staff remains optimistic about the team’s potential as they gear up for the preseason games.
