Kings coach Mike Brown says Kevin Huerter’s status could create change in starting lineup
Kings guard Kevin Huerter appears to be on the verge of a return to the starting lineup seven months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Huerter and forward Trey Lyles (groin) were full participants in practice Tuesday after missing training camp and the preseason. On Wednesday, Huerter was cleared to play in the season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
That news came a day after Kings coach Mike Brown said Huerter would likely start if he was cleared to play.
“I think he’s close,” Brown said. “They haven’t given me the green light that he’ll be able to play on Thursday, but I think he’s close. He looks good. He doesn’t look like he’s missed a beat at all. If he plays, he’ll probably start, but right now we’ve got to get the green light to see if he’s going to play.”
Brown said Keon Ellis would “most likely” start if Huerter had been ruled out Thursday. Ellis started all five preseason games for Sacramento, averaging 7.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 45.5% from the field and 29.4% from 3-point range.
Huerter, 26, started 139 games at shooting guard for the Kings over the past two seasons. He averaged a career-high 15.2 points while shooting a career-best 40.2% from 3-point range in 2022-23 to help Sacramento end a 16-year playoff drought.
Huerter underwent surgery after suffering a dislocated left shoulder and torn labrum in a March 18 game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The injury caused him to miss the last 15 games of the 2023-24 regular season and two play-in games
Kings forward Keegan Murray said Huerter looks healthy and fit.
“He’s looked good the last couple days,” Murray said. “I think he’s ready to go physically. Conditioningwise, he’s ready to go, so I’m excited to see him finally get out there along with Trey to get out there and give us some minutes.”
Kings center Domantas Sabonis agreed.
“He looks good,” Sabonis said following Tuesday’s practice. “We had a scrimmage today. He was practicing with us, made shots, played good defense. He’s looking really good. I’m excited for him. ... He made it seem like he never left the starting unit and he’s there hooping with us.”
This story was originally published October 22, 2024 at 5:25 PM.
