The Sacramento Kings open the 2018-19 preseason schedule Monday evening in Phoenix. They traveled plenty of players, but a few will watch the action from the sidelines.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is most noticeable player missing from the Kings’ squad when they take on the Suns. The second-year guard out of Serbia had a second procedure on his left knee one week ago and is expected to miss another 3-5 weeks of action.
The Kings plan to take a cautious approach with Bogdanovic. He was on the court taking set shots on Saturday afternoon without a knee brace. He’s a gym rat that loves to play, but don’t be surprised if the team holds him out until early November.
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Iman Shumpert played just 14 games in the NBA last season after undergoing knee surgery and treatment for plantar fasciitis. He’s been at practice everyday, but limited as he works his way back to the court. He’ll miss Monday’s opener with a sore left calf, but his debut with Sacramento isn’t far off.
Kosta Koufos strained his right hamstring Sunday during practice. The team plans to re-evaluate the injury in approximately 10 days.
Nemanja Bjelica will miss the contest as well with a sore left knee. The 30-year-old forward is listed as day-to-day.
Roster move
NBA
Before leaving for Phoenix on Sunday, the Kings waived Brandon Austin. After going undrafted out of Northern Florida State, the 6-foot-7 wing played 15 games last season for the Reno Bighorns, the Kings G-League affiliate that has since relocated and become the Stockton Kings.
Sacramento’s camp roster now at 19 players, including Jamel Artis, Kalin Lucas, Cameron Reynolds and Wenyen Gabriel (two-way contract), as well as the 15 players currently under guaranteed NBA contracts.