For several weeks, the Kings and veteran guard Victor Oladipo have had mutual interest. On Wednesday night, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line revealed that the Kings privately worked out Cameron Payne and are looking into Elfrid Payton.
Oladipo, Payne, and Payton are three experienced guards who can provide mentorship to the Kings’ potential future superstar, Darius Acuff Jr. What would each of their fits look like in Sacramento, though?
Before looking into the specific roles they’ll play on the floor, it’s important to understand the bigger picture. Malik Monk is likely going to settle in as the point guard and commander of the second unit. The three guards the Kings are watching would spearhead the third unit. They won’t play many minutes, but their league experience is what entices the organization.
How Did We Get Here?
On June 23, the Kings selected Acuff with the seventh pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Kings refused to trade up, despite teams above them trying to coax them into a move. The front office was interested in Acuff for much of the draft process and didn’t believe teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets, who stood at picks five and six respectively, were even considering selecting Acuff.
As the offseason progressed, it became clear that the Kings were in the market for a veteran point guard to guide Acuff. Last October, the Kings signed veteran point guard Russell Westbrook to a minimum contract. He averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. He believed he outperformed that contract and deserved a standard deal.
The Kings were still interested in bringing him back to mentor Acuff, but Westbrook eventually retired in August. He wanted a role where he could compete for a championship, or at least play significant minutes. The Kings’ current situation would have given him neither option.
Westbrook would have been an intriguing player to bring back. He is one of Acuff’s heroes, and as one of the fastest players with the ball in his hands, he could have helped the rookie adjust to the speed of the game and learn how to facilitate at a high speed. With his retirement, the Kings must now look for options that won’t hurt their chances of winning.
Oladipo Provides a Spark
On April 22, 2023, in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Victor Oladipo suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. That was the last game he played in the NBA. He’s since battled back to a potential return after spending time playing overseas in Shanghai and in the G League.
In the 2017-18 season, his best statistically, Oladipo won the Most Improved Player award and received All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive First Team honors. Acuff has drawn criticism for his defense, with analysts pointing to a lack of effort. Oladipo can help the rookie adjust to the NBA level of physicality.
One of the most valuable aspects of signing Oladipo is the advice he can share on overcoming obstacles. The Orlando Magic selected Oladipo second overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. He had high expectations coming into his first year like Acuff, but underperformed.
Fans and journalists alike wrote Oladipo off before he made strides as an Indiana Pacer. He took prime LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference First Round. Then, he suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon in 2019, which kept him out for the rest of the season. He was never the same player.
Despite constant rehab, Oladipo hasn’t lost hope. For many players, multiple career-altering injuries would warrant an early retirement, but the former All-Star remains determined to return to the NBA. It takes pure willpower to remain fighting despite being battered and bruised.
How he performs in NBA games will all depend on his bounce and health. Leg injuries are difficult to come back from, and players often lose the speed and verticality they once possessed before going down.
The Kings flew him to Sacramento for a private workout after the Las Vegas Summer League. The organization’s continued interest likely means he still has gas in the tank. When it comes down to it, the advice he can give regarding how to recover from injuries or stay motivated to compete is invaluable to a rookie.
Payne Is Steady and Reliable
Unlike Oladipo, Payne played in the NBA last season, appearing in 22 games for the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s a capable shooter with a high basketball IQ and quick hands to disrupt passing lanes. While his efficiency has dipped in recent years, he can carve out a role in Sacramento.
In college, Acuff was highly efficient from the field, but he shot poorly in the Summer League, going just 35% from the field and 27.8% from three-point range. Payne is known for being in the right place at the right time when a shot is needed, and he can drain buckets at a solid rate. Taking and finding smart shots are two skills that Payne can supply the rookie.
Aside from overall guidance he can share, Payne remains a quality point guard that can hold down the fort when Acuff needs a breather. While Monk seems like the main candidate for backup point guard, Payne can slot in and perform when necessary.
If the Kings need spacing, Payne can operate off-ball, but he’s comfortable taking the ball up the floor and creating opportunities for others, a skill that he shares with Acuff. The pace of the NBA can be tricky to adjust to, but he handles the ball coolly and calmly.
Payne stays alert and attentive on the defensive end. Despite his smaller frame, he averaged 1.1 steals per game last season, despite only suiting up for an average of 17.0 minutes. Acuff must not get comfortable in coverage; he must stay active and constantly move with his assignment. Payne is a master of overcoming tough assignments.
The Kings hosted him for a private workout on August 20, according to Fischer. He was the first of a string of veteran guards the Kings plan to work out.
Payton Provides Facilitating Chops
Payton has not played an NBA minute since the end of the 2024-25 season for the New Orleans Pelicans. When he did play that year, he made his minutes count. Over his final ten games, he recorded 10+ assists seven times.
Payton plays with pace, rather than pure speed. Acuff is one of the fastest players in the NBA with the ball in his hands, but sprinting isn’t everything. Knowing when to put your head down and attack the basket, versus playing with patience, is key for young players.
Payton’s style of play is not flashy by any means, but he finds teammates with simple, high-value passes. He bends the defense enough that most of his passes become easy. Any player’s goal should be to make their job easier, especially rookies.
Another part of Payton’s game that stands out is his rebounding ability. He’s averaged 4 rebounds per game in his career despite his small size. He and Acuff possess a similar frame, short in stature, but lengthy enough to make up for their height. Payton can show Acuff how to use leverage when boxing out NBA-level talent.
Who’s the Best Fit?
Each of the three guards the Kings are publicly looking into has something to offer. At the very least, they can share advice they’ve picked up throughout their careers with Acuff. At the end of the day, the veterans will play few meaningful minutes.
If you’re looking into their on-court fits in Sacramento, it’s a matter of preference. Payton constantly looks for ways to generate open looks for his teammates. Oladipo is the most athletic and the biggest of the three, which allows him to make a consistent difference on both ends of the floor. Payne is a player that fans know is NBA-ready, given he suited up numerous times last season.
Payne is a low-risk choice, whereas Payton and Oladipo have not played for two and four seasons, respectively. Do you believe the Kings need to take a chance or add a piece that can definitively make a major impact?
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