Two Things the Kings Are Focusing on During Their 2025 Training Camp
The Sacramento Kings have entered training camp with a noticeably sharper identity and a clearer set of priorities than they had a year ago. After an offseason marked by organizational change and major roster adjustments, players and coaches have emphasized that this camp feels far more structured and purposeful. The Kings understand that last season’s inconsistency on both ends of the floor and within the locker room can’t be repeated if they want to compete in a tight Western Conference. With new personnel and a more focused staff, the group is trying to establish good habits early on rather than improvising as the year progresses. From the first week of camp, two main themes have stood out: conditioning and connection.
The biggest on-court message so far has come from assistant coach Doug Christie, who made it clear that the Kings intend to be the best-conditioned team in the league. That goal has been reflected in the way practices are being run, with a heavy emphasis on running built into drills and scrimmages. The coaching staff wants players to constantly move, push the ball, and play through fatigue so that a fast tempo becomes second nature. This approach fits the roster construction and the team’s defensive reality. Sacramento’s half-court defense is unlikely to rank among the league's best, so playing in transition will help them control pace and cover up weaknesses. With players like Zach LaVine and Dennis Schröder added to the mix, the Kings plan to attack early in the shot clock, pressure defenses in the open floor, and physically wear opponents down over four quarters.
The second central point of emphasis has been building chemistry on and off the court. Multiple players have stated during media sessions that having a whole training camp under the new regime makes a significant difference compared to last year’s chaotic environment. There is a sense that establishing relationships, trust, and communication now will pay off when adversity hits during the season. The team has discussed openly the importance of staying connected in the locker room and during downtime, not just during offensive sets or defensive rotations. That off-court closeness is being treated as a competitive asset, something that can help the roster respond better, stay engaged, and hold each other accountable.
The Kings are betting that these two priorities, conditioning and connection, will give them an edge in a conference where small margins separate success from disappointment. Rather than relying on talent alone, they’re trying to shape an identity built on energy, speed, and togetherness. In many ways, this training camp represents a reset. The Kings know they can’t rely on half-court play to win games consistently, and their commitment to conditioning reflects an understanding of who they need to be stylistically. Emphasizing running is not just about scoring quickly; it’s also about masking defensive limitations and maximizing the strengths of players like LaVine and Schröder, who thrive in space. Just as importantly, the focus on team connection signals that they’ve learned from last season’s disjointed atmosphere. Players are communicating more, investing in each other, and acknowledging that chemistry is not automatic; it has to be built. If Sacramento follows through on these priorities, this training camp could mark the beginning of a more cohesive and competitive season
