Jaylen Nowell is one of the most slept on players in the NBA. His unique and creative offense is overlooked by many. He is a hidden gem with a lot of potential and talent.
Nowell, a second-round pick by Minnesota in 2019, spent four seasons with the Timberwolves before signing with the Sacramento Kings in October. He appeared in the Kings’ five preseason games, but it seems like his stay with the Kings was short lived.
Kings waive Jaylen Nowell
Just a few minutes after the King’s preseason finale game on Thursday night, the team cropped its roster to 17 players as they look ahead to the regular season. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Kings waived guard Jaylen Nowell in a move that gives them roster flexibility.
Over two appearances with the Kings in preseason, Nowell averaged 2.5 points over just 6.4 minutes per game, a rather impressive feat. Still the Kings decided to wave him.
During his 2022-2023 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nowell averaged a career-high 10.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game to go along with 44/28/77 shooting splits (65 games, two starts). Over four seasons with the Timberwolves, Nowell posted averages of 9.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 32 percent from deep.
Kings depth chart heading into season
The Kings have plenty of depth at guard behind All-Star De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter and sixth man Malik Monk. Chris Duarte and Davion Mitchell will be consistent contributors in the rotation. JaVale McGee will help by dominating in the paint and blocking shots. Opponents will also be looking out for Harrison Barnes.
In addition to them, there is the rookie Colby Jones who was the No. 34 overall pick in June. Jones scored 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting in the Kings’ preseason finale against the Utah Jazz.
The Kings chose to rest the dazzling duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis in the match against the Jazz and so the role players got a chance to prove themselves. Malik Monk scored 23 points while Kessler Edwards scored 14. Davion Mitchell and Sasha Vezenkov scored 12 and 13 points respectively. Even JaVale McGee, the multiple times Shaqtin’ a Fool MVP, played well and scored 12 points. The match ended with a much-needed victory for the Sacramento Kings.
What are your thoughts on the Kings waiving Jaylen Nowell? Feel free to share with us in the comments below.
