Domantas Sabonis Gives Intriguing Answer on New Offensive Role

When asked about the new offense under Doug Christie, Sabonis was excited about getting back to his focus as a distributor on the perimeter more than he was last year.

"It lets me do what I do on offense," Sabonis said. "Getting guys open more frequently, instead of being under the rim, an under the rim as an undersized big. I can't do as much as I do out on the perimeter." While Sabonis has a good post-up game, he hasn't had as much success in that role recently, and he doesn't have the athleticism to be a vertical threat in the dunker spot that other centers have around the league.

"I'm excited," Sabonis continued. "I do all the DHO stuff, the pick and roll stuff, now I'm on the wing. I can either shoot, drive, get into more stuff, whereas when the guards are doing that and I'm in the dunker, not really a threat down there. And now teams are going to have to respect me, not only just creating, but being aggressive too."

Dennis Schröder will help as a true point guard this season, but when it comes down to it, Sabonis is the Kings' best player and offensive hub. And with his improved three-point shooting, he's even more of a threat on the perimeter than he was in the past.

Sabonis has mentioned that he worked on speeding up his release this offseason, which could make him even more lethal from outside. Even with his improved shooting last season, teams sagged off of Sabonis on the perimeter to let him shoot. If he shows he can knock down the shot early this upcoming season, it should open up everything for the Kings offense.

It's a good sign as the season approaches. Christie is setting everyone up for success and putting players in positions to succeed, which is all you can ask for from a coach. And for Sabonis, getting him back to his facilitating ways could be the key to the Kings proving everyone wrong this season.