Kings Reactions to Mason Plumlee Addition
Mason Plumlee signed with the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, bringing veteran leadership and frontcourt depth to a roster that opened the season with a 1-10 record.
The Sacramento Kings added the 36-year-old center to help guide a struggling team searching for answers. Plumlee enters his 14th NBA season across nine different franchises after staying ready for an opportunity during free agency in Chicago.
“Bring a voice, bring some leadership, bring some veteran presence,” Plumlee told Sactown Sports after participating in his first practice with the club.
Head coach Doug Christie detailed the specific on-court traits the new acquisition brings to the roster. Christie pointed to size, rim protection, and vocal defensive communication as immediate upgrades for the squad.
“Great veteran,” Christie told Sactown Sports. “I think more than anything, size, rim protection, paint protection. Communicates at a really high level on the defensive end. Smart player.”
Christie also highlighted Plumlee’s ability to act as a secondary offensive hub alongside the team’s backcourt. While replacing the injured Domantas Sabonis entirely is difficult, the coaching staff values the veteran’s passing acumen.
“You can play through him a little bit,” Christie told Sactown Sports. “You can throw him the ball. He’s got good hands. DHO, understands how to rim roll… he can catch a lob. The things that can really help, especially when you got a dynamic guard like Darius Acuff.”
Domantas Sabonis endorsed the addition from the sideline, noting the value of experience for younger players on the roster. Sabonis has faced Plumlee frequently throughout their respective careers.
“The more vets, the better,” Sabonis told Sactown Sports. “More veteran leadership is good for these young players.”
The signing adds depth while the team manages injuries to young big men Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud continues progressing toward his regular-season debut, though he currently carries no fixed timetable for his return.
Friday, November 13th brings a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers at 7:00 P.M. PT, followed by a Sunday, November 15th game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 6:00 P.M. PT.