Apr 4, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) react after fouling out against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kings Make Unexpected Summer League Roster Change

Originally posted on Sacramento Kings on SI
By Al Pingree | Last updated Jul 19, 2024 12:40 PM ET

After playing for the Sacramento Kings in the Las Vegas Summer League against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, guards Keon Ellis and Adonis Arms did not participate for the Kings against the Washington Wizards on Thursday. No explanation was given by the team.

Keon Ellis in street clothes for this afternoon’s Summer League game vs. Wizards. His summer duties have concluded. Adonis Arms has also left the squad. pic.twitter.com/guDt0rtQjI
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) July 18, 2024

Ellis, a third-year guard for the Kings, scored 29 points in 38 minutes in Sacramento’s 106-105 loss to the Knicks on Wednesday. His presence on the Summer League team was always a bit surprising, considering Ellis has already established himself as a solid contributor and starting caliber player for the Kings.

Ellis was seen on the Kings' bench in street clothes cheering on his teammates on Thursday. The defensive-minded Ellis has two years left on a three-year contract he signed with the Kings last season.

Arms' absence was a bit more surprising. After being a standout player during the California Classic, in which he averaged 20.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 assists, the 6-foot-6 guard out of Texas Tech almost fell completely out of the Summer League Team rotation.

Adonis Arms today in the Kings win over the Lakers in Summer League

32 PTS
11 REB
5 AST
2 STL
12-17 FG
1-3 3PT
7-8 FT pic.twitter.com/x6Fm8qzMHE
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) July 6, 2024

Arms stole the show in Bronny James’ California Classic debut, scoring 32 points as the Kings beat the Los Angeles Lakers. But on Wednesday, Arms only played 4 minutes against the Knicks, scoring 3 points. Arms did not appear to be with the team on Thursday.

Arms’ play in the California Classic looked like it would earn him at least a two-way spot on an NBA roster, and it’s possible he left the Kings because he is joining another team.

The Kings have one more game at the Las Vegas Summer League, against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, July 20. Sacramento is 1-3 in the Summer League.

This article first appeared on Sacramento Kings on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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