Domantas Sabonis said he is entering the 2026-27 season with a renewed appreciation for basketball after missing most of last season because of a long-term injury.
Speaking during Sacramento Kings media day on Monday, September 28, Sabonis reflected on the physical and emotional challenges of his first major injury and his excitement about returning to the court.
“It’s my first injury long term, first surgery, so definitely a lot of emotions,” Sabonis said. “It happened game two of the season actually. Tried to push through the next 17 games, I would say. And then, yeah, just had to get it done.”
Sabonis said the experience of watching the Kings from the sidelines was particularly difficult because of his competitive nature. Sacramento finished 22-60 last season, its worst record during his tenure with the franchise.
“It was very hard,” Sabonis said. “Especially at home with the kids, they didn’t understand why I was in crutches or I could barely move. And then obviously on the court watching from home, then being able to be on the bench was tough.”
The three-time All-Star admitted he wondered whether he should have undergone surgery immediately rather than trying to play through the injury.
“Maybe I should have got the surgery straight away,” Sabonis said. “Maybe, instead of pushing the next 17 games. Would have been healthier earlier. But, you know, like you said, always want to be there for the team and play through things.”
Sabonis said he returned to the court in the first week of July and was fully cleared in August after spending six weeks on crutches.
His time away has changed his perspective heading into the new season.
“Being away from the game so much, I just learned that, you know, we’re NBA players, this is awesome,” Sabonis said. “You got to enjoy every moment. This is everything we worked for as a kid. So, just to go out there and have joy.”
Sabonis said he is not entering the season trying to prove anything, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Kings.
“Prove nothing, to be honest,” he said. “Just to come out, for myself, my own mental peace, just come out there and have fun. Like I said, I’m just happy to be here.”
He also dismissed concerns about outside reports and trade speculation, saying he remains in direct communication with the organization and his representatives.
“Easy. It’s all made up. It’s all out there,” Sabonis said. “I’m there with Scott [Perry], with my agent, so I’m not on social media as much. So, it’s easy. I got my kids.”
The Kings have also reshaped their roster, adding size and length while selecting Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 pick. Sabonis said the changes could help Sacramento establish a different identity.
“I’m very excited, to be honest,” Sabonis said. “I feel like we filled those holes in a big way. I don’t think we’ve had that many tall wings, power forwards, length, size, whatever you want to call it, since I got here.”
Sabonis also believes the addition of more creators can make his own offensive role easier.
“It definitely makes my job easier,” he said. “It makes the team flow better, play better. Having high IQ players that can get guys open makes everyone look better.”
Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 19 games last season before his injury. He said his immediate priority is simple: getting back on the court without pain and enjoying the opportunity.
“I’m excited I’m healthy and I’m excited I get to play and be on the court tomorrow, have training camp, go through practice without pains,” Sabonis said.
