Domantas Sabonis closed the 2025–26 season reflecting on a year shaped by injury, limited availability, and roster instability. The Sacramento Kings center addressed his recovery, team outlook, and long-term direction during his end-of-season press conference on Monday, April 13.
“It’s been tough. It’s definitely been a really tough season for me personally,” Sabonis said, describing the stretch that included early injury trouble and eventual surgery.
He detailed how the issue escalated over time, explaining the decision-making process that led to the procedure. “I missed the first game and then my second game here at home against the Lakers, that’s when this injury happened and I tried to play through it until it got to a point where it was either rehab or surgery.”
Sabonis also explained why he initially avoided surgery. “I decided to do rehab and try and get back to be out there with the guys and ultimately it led to six more games and then going for surgery.”
Despite the setback, he emphasized optimism in his recovery. “Surgery went great. Doctor was very pleased. Basically we’ll have a better knee than I did before.”
The veteran big man also described his mentality heading into the offseason. “I feel like I’m ahead of schedule and I’m just really excited for next season… I’ll be ready for the start of next season and play at the All-NBA level that everyone here in Sacramento has been used to seeing me play at.”
When asked about uncertainty around his future, Sabonis was direct. “Yeah, there’s a lot of uncertainty. I don’t know what that feels like. But I can control what I control and is getting back to that All-NBA player that I know I can be.”
He also addressed Sacramento’s internal direction and roster context. “It’s hard this year cuz there’s a lot of noise going on and no one really knows what’s going to happen… we have so many pieces that we’ve been missing.”
Sabonis praised the coaching transition and staff work throughout the season. “Great job. There was a lot of things thrown at them this year, especially Doug as a first time head coach, and he managed it the best way he could and all the guys are bought in.”
On the Kings’ developmental trajectory, he noted the emergence of younger players. “They’re playing great. They’re moving the ball… so that’s all very exciting. They’re playing the right way and you can see the progress throughout the year.”
He also described how watching from the sidelines influenced his perspective on the game. “It gave me time to watch other games too and really learn… I have a little notepad that I write things down and then go back in summer and really focus on those things.”
Sabonis ended the season focused on recovery, structure, and a return to full availability for Sacramento’s next campaign.
