Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Huerter sustained the injury on March 18 against the Memphis Grizzlies and subsequent scans revealed the extent of the damage.
He will undergo surgery and is expected to fully recover in time for the 2024-25 season.
Kevin Huerter will undergo season-ending left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/IFtL2G161q
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 29, 2024
In the 64 games he played this season, Huerter averaged 10.2 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 36.1 percent from three-point range, his lowest career percentage.
The Kings, with a 42-30 record, currently hold the 8th seed in the Western Conference with 10 games remaining. They trail the Phoenix Suns by a half-game for the 7th seed and the Dallas Mavericks by a full game for the 6th seed.
Huerter’s absence weakens the Kings’ chances of winning their first playoff series in nearly two decades. His presence as a shooter on the perimeter created better opportunities for De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk on offense.
Without Huerter, the Kings lose another source of scoring from beyond the arc.
The Kings rank 12th in defensive rating in the five games since Huerter’s injury. To keep their playoff hopes alive, players like Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, and Monk will need to step up alongside Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Huerter’s surgery and recovery timeline suggest that he could potentially return if the Kings make a deep playoff run. Coach Mike Brown emphasized Huerter’s continued involvement with the team during his rehabilitation.
This season, Huerter played 59 games and averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. A significant contributor to the Kings’ successful playoff run last season, Huerter achieved career-highs in points (15.2), field goal percentage (48.5%), and 3-point shooting percentage (40.2%).
In Huerter’s absence, second-year guard Keon Ellis has taken his place in the starting lineup, averaging 4.4 points in just over 15 minutes per game this season.
Ellis has impressed with his versatility and potential, prompting praise from Coach Brown. The Kings acquired Huerter through a trade with the Atlanta Hawks in 2022.
The team will miss Huerter’s shooting abilities and his connection with fellow teammate Domantas Sabonis. Ellis and Chris Duarte will have the opportunity to step up in Huerter’s absence, with Monk also expected to contribute off the bench.
Huerter suffered the injury during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 18. This is a significant blow to the Kings, who are vying for a playoff spot.
They currently hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference and are one game behind the Dallas Mavericks for the sixth seed.
Huerter has been an important contributor to the team, averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He has started the majority of games since joining the Kings in 2022. Keon Ellis will take his place in the starting lineup.
Huerter was previously with the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the Kings in 2022. He played a key role in helping the Kings end their playoff drought last season. However, this season has been more challenging for Huerter in terms of scoring and shooting percentages.
He had been averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season, starting in 59 games. Coach Mike Brown hinted at the possibility of Huerter returning if the Kings make a deep playoff run.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Huerter’s surgery will end his season, but he is expected to make a full recovery for the 2024-25 season.
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter will undergo season-ending left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Huerter is expected to be fully recovered for the start of the 2024-2025 season. pic.twitter.com/coLqxvIHhR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 29, 2024
Huerter has appeared in 64 games this season, averaging 10.2 points and shooting 44.3% from the field. His injury is a blow to the Kings, who currently hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings.
The Kings lost in the first round of the playoffs last year and it remains to be seen how far they will go this year if they make it.
Additionally, Kings Coach Mike Brown praised Domantas Sabonis, who recorded his 54th straight double-double, and believes he should be in MVP talks.
Overall, Huerter’s absence is a significant loss for the Kings as they aim to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
Fans reacted as follows.
Huerter has missed the past five games with the injury. He’s averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the Kings this season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 29, 2024
Now that’s too bad: we all know this young guy Kevin Huerter, 6-7 190, was getting you 11, 4, and 3 while looking like a root vegetable with a headband. pic.twitter.com/Nfr6qWwhiG
— Hubie Talks Hoops (@HubieTalksHoops) March 29, 2024
Huge blow right before yoffs
— Street Clothes 🧢 (@LeCap623) March 29, 2024
Kings better without him honestly
— BigAbuelo.eth (@BigAbuelo) March 29, 2024
he’s low key the best Ginger hooper of all time
— Alpha Kabiné (@AlphaKabin4) March 29, 2024
Damn that’s a big loss
— Lucky (@L7ckys) March 29, 2024
🙏🙏 Damn, hopefully he recovers soon.
— FastBreakPhenom (@FastBreakPhenom) March 29, 2024
he missed a lot of games. he's a great player ngl
— Isadora 🤎🍂 (@UrQueen_Dora) March 29, 2024
Kevin Huerter's season ending shoulder surgery is a setback for the Sacramento Kings but they'll hope for a strong comeback in the next season.
— Nadir Sameed (@NadirSameed) March 29, 2024
Wishing Kevin Huerter a speedy recovery! Looking forward to seeing him back stronger next season.
— Sunil Lamba (@Post4Lamba) March 29, 2024
Get well soon 💔
— instantkings (@instantkings) March 29, 2024
