The Sacramento Kings’ disappointing preseason is over.
After going 0-5, there was little that stood out. There were a couple of player performances that were intriguing. Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. showed flashes of potential, giving fans excitement for the future. The Ben Simmons resurgence also seems like it might be real.
Then there is Jonathan Mogbo.
Mogbo Already Has the Resume to Earn a Look
Drafted in the 2024 Draft with the first pick in the second round by the Raptors, Jonathan Mogbo has now found himself as a member of the Sacramento Kings on a two-way contract. While he had a notable rookie campaign, he fell out of Toronto’s rotation for the majority of the 2025-26 season. Mogbo played a traditional big-man role: get boards, score inside, play defense.
In this year’s Summer League, Mogbo averaged 11.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 44% from the field. Similarly, he put up 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game with 55% efficiency this preseason. Not only does he have his resume from Toronto under his belt, but he is looking pretty great for the Kings so far in offseason play.
Being the headliner of the second round should mean something too, even if the draft class is widely considered a weak one. He was drafted ahead of Kyle Filipowski, Ajay Mitchell, Jaylen Wells, Pelle Larsson, and Cam Spencer, among other quality role players.
Scouts felt good about Mogbo coming out of the University of San Francisco. In his final collegiate season, he averaged 14.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game on 64% efficiency. While he is a smaller big, he has shown flashes of elite rim protection, including his 5-block performance in Summer League against the Brooklyn Nets.
Sacramento’s Defense Needs What Mogbo Does Best
The 6-foot-8 forward’s most important skill is his ability to get so many blocks at his height. That should earn him minutes alongside Sabonis and Raynaud, neither of whom is a defensive-first player.
The dream fit next to Sabonis has always been a versatile, athletic defender to slide in between him and Keegan Murray. Mogbo may not be the perfect answer for that need. If he can at least develop into a strong rotational piece for Sacramento, the investment in him is more than worth it.
Obviously, if his performances end up being disappointing, the Jonathan Mogbo experiment will not last long. He also could get buried on the bench. Although he plays in a way that is unique to many of Sacramento’s previous players, he could find himself behind Precious Achiuwa, De’Andre Hunter, and Simmons. He’ll have to earn his keep.
The Sacramento Kings get referred to as a dysfunctional organization more often than most other teams. Recently, however, it is undeniable they have been great at finding diamonds in the rough.
The best example of this is Keon Ellis. He was a fan-favorite rotation player for the Kings, who just got a nice payday from the Brooklyn Nets. It also looks like the Kings found another gem in Dylan Cardwell. Jonathan Mogbo could very well be next in line.
A Backup Power Forward Role Is a Win for Both Sides
To break out, a player doesn’t need to add 12 points to his scoring average or become an All-Defensive candidate. Sometimes, becoming a solid role player is sufficient for certain teams and players.
As far as Mogbo and the Kings are concerned, becoming the backup power forward, or at least setting himself up for that role in the future, is more than enough. But is that the most realistic outcome?
Mogbo seems to have the tools and hunger to make this his best season yet. But the hurdles, like a struggle for playing time, are real. Jonathan Mogbo could become a real piece next to Sabonis or Raynaud. He may become one of the top commanders of the second unit. The Kings have done it before with Keon Ellis; Mogbo should also run with his opportunity if one ever appears.
Mogbo is one of the more intriguing players on the Kings’ roster this year. He is turning 25 years old this October. Finding young pieces to put around Acuff is the most important thing for Sacramento right now.
Jonathan Mogbo appears to be a player who could be a key member of this upcoming era of Kings basketball if he keeps up the pace he has been at.
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