Three takeaways from Kings’ first training camp practice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SACRAMENTO – The first day of school has come and gone for the Kings, and the new kid in town quickly is getting acclimated to his new class.
DeMar DeRozan spoke to media first after practice Tuesday, still a bit winded from one of the team’s final drills: a fast-paced layup competition. Pace is one of the factors that made Sacramento’s historic offense so unique two seasons ago, and it is something coach Mike Brown and general manager Monte McNair hope to re-emphasize this season.
DeRozan, at age 35 entering Year 16, is up for the challenge.
It’s only Day 1, but the six-time NBA All-Star is adjusting well to his new team and playing alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
While speaking to reporters, DeRozan uttered the word “excited” three times in a 15-second span. He was referring to his eagerness of getting the ball rolling with his new squad, and being “excited” to help take them to that next level.
His prediction? The Western Conference finals.
For now, though, let’s get through training camp and the preseason – where one very important decision must be made.
Here are three takeaways from Day 1 of camp:
Adjusting to DeMar, and vice versa
All good things take time, and that will be the case for DeRozan and the Kings during this transition period.
But as the true professional DeRozan is, he appears to already be in good shape. Yes, the seasoned veteran can hang with the younger guys and their fast-paced offense.
“It’s great,” DeRozan said after practice Tuesday. “I know we always talk about speed, but it’s not like Noah Lyles out here running. But it’s definitely a pace you got to keep up at, but it’s consistent.
“If you work at it, you prepare yourself for the summertime, it’s simple when you come on the basketball court.”
DeRozan admitted there was “a little rust” learning the offense and defense, but he was able to quickly catch on, adding: “I love what I see so far.”
Fox noticed DeRozan is a fast learner, too.
“It’s funny ‘cause we were going through some…
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