Kings Face Mounting Injury Woes: Hunter Suffers Season-Ending Injury

The Sacramento Kings’ already challenging season took another unfortunate turn as De’Andre Hunter will miss the remainder of the year after undergoing surgery for a detached retina. This news comes just days after the team learned that both Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine would also be sidelined for the rest of the season due to injuries.

Hunter’s Injury Adds to Kings’ Troubles

Hunter, acquired in a three-team trade with Cleveland on February 5th, was reevaluated Friday after initially being diagnosed with iritis in his left eye on February 6th. The surgery was deemed necessary to address the detached retina.

The seventh-year veteran had been experiencing a dip in his shooting performance this season, with his field goal percentage at 41.5% compared to a rookie career low of 41.0%. His three-point accuracy also stood at 30.5%, below his previous low of 32.6%.

In 45 games played for both the Cavaliers and Kings (25 starts), Hunter averaged 13.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per game.

“Just bad by accident. Just organically, abysmally, depressingly bad. The most unwatchable basketball team,”

Zach Lowe of The Ringer

Sabonis and LaVine Already Sidelined

Hunter’s injury is the latest in a string of season-ending setbacks for the Kings. Kings star Domantas Sabonis will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season after undergoing surgery today to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Sabonis had been averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 0.9 steals in 19 games.

Zach LaVine also underwent season-ending surgery, further depleting the Kings’ roster.

Kings Struggle in Disappointing Season

Entering the All-Star break, the Kings held the worst record in the NBA at 12-44. Despite high hopes for the 2025-26 season, injuries and a lack of team chemistry have derailed their performance. The front office acquired Hunter as part of a three-team trade, sending Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dario Saric to the Chicago Bulls.

Looking Ahead

With their chances of securing the top pick in the 2026 NBA draft improving, the Kings’ front office will be focused on the future. The team hopes to capitalize on a high draft selection to rebuild and improve their roster.

The Kings face a challenging road ahead, but the upcoming draft offers a potential opportunity to turn the page and build towards a brighter future.