Recent Kings Cuts of Noel & Queta Present Appealing Roster Opportunity

After the Sacramento Kings decided to bring on C JaVale McGee to a one-year contract, it led to lingering questions about how this roster’s extensive center depth would look as we entered the 2023-24 NBA season. Stacked with four bodies to play behind C Domantas Sabonis, it was bound that a move to smooth out the rotation was due.

That awaited move happened Tuesday, as the Kings let go of both C Nerlens Noel and C Neemias Queta. It effectively establishes C Alex Len and McGee as this squad’s backup fives and clears some playing time up for other guys' aspiring minutes on the team.

According to a league source, barring something unforeseen, both JaVale McGee and Alex Len are expected to make the Kings’ final roster and compete for backup center minutes.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) September 9, 2023

However, what possibly stands out most about this move is the flexibility it now gives the front office before next season. Slimming the roster down from 16 to 14 guaranteed deals consequently frees up an extra official roster spot if Sacramento opts to sign an additional player via trade or the open market.

While finding exactly who the 15th man on this roster remains a bit of a blur at this point, many talented names are still available for taking in free agency late in the offseason. If the Kings were interested in making any tweaks or improvements to the current team with a late signing, they now have a clear route to do that.

The Kings could still opt to bring on current Exhibit 10 signings of G Jordan Ford or F Skal Labissiere onto fully guaranteed contracts, but taking a look outside of house might be considered the more attractive option. Names such as G Kendrick Nunn, F Kelly Oubre, and recent NBA champion G Ish Smith stand out as potential advantageous additions that remain waiting to be signed.

After waiving Noel and Queta, the Kings now have four full roster spots and one two-way open. Some remaining free agents:

Kelly Oubre
Will Barton
Ish Smith
Kendrick Nunn
George Hill
Austin Rivers
T.J. Warren
Juan Toscano-Anderson
Jaylen Nowell
Javonte Green
Stanley Johnson
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) September 12, 2023

Add the official roster spot onto the existing availability from a two-way or training camp deal, many more adjustments should be in store before camps.

Over a month still lies between now and the start of the next NBA season, allowing Sacramento loads of time to take a look into all of their options. The moves made by the Kings during this summer might indicate a more conservative approach rather than a super polarizing addition, but only time will tell.

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