What to expect from Keon Ellis, Neemias Queta and KZ Okpala

These players could have a role down the road if they develop the correct way.

As the NBA Summer League has come to a close for the Sacramento Kings, it is now time for the front office to figure out ways to add more talent to the roster.

The team had three open roster spots after the Kevin Huerter trade. It was unclear how general manager Monte McNair would go about filling out the rest of the roster.

Would there be more trades on the way, free agent signings coming, or could they bump up their two-way contract guys to actual roster spots? Well we got our first answer that would fill one of those roster spots and that being that the Kings signed former Heat forward KZ Okpala.

It’s nice to see the Kings take a flyer on KZ to help fill out the end of the bench. Along with that there is a solid chance the Kings’ two-way contract players Keon Ellis and Neemias Queta get a shot to make the team. 

Let’s take a look at what Okpala, Ellis, and Queta have done up until this point and how they can make an impact at some point during this season.

KZ Okpala-

Last week it was reported that the Kings were going to sign Okpala to a two year contract worth just below the veteran minimum per season. When you look at Okpala’s positive attributes you like the potential he could offer on both ends of the floor with his 6-foot-8 lengthy frame and defensive mindset.

The acquisition of shooters to surround De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis by Monte McNair has been impressive so far this summer, but the defensive end of the floor hasn't always received as much attention.

This makes the signing of Okpala all the more logical, especially in light of his prior association with Mike Brown. KZ played under coach Brown on the Nigerian National team last summer.

Coming from a strong culture like the Miami Heat where player development is a key part of players success, it will be interesting to see how Okpala will perform with the limited amount of minutes available for coach Mike Brown. This would be a low risk, high reward signing which you love to see a team like the Kings make. 

Keon Ellis-

Outside of Keegan Murray playing so great during the summer league, Kings undrafted rookie out of Alabama has played very well also.

Ellis was able to ink a two-way contract with the Kings right away. He has ideal size for a guard at 6-foot-4 with a plus-size wingspan which has made him a pesky defender and almost averaged two steals per game at Alabama and has already shown that same impact in the summer league.

He can also shoot the long ball as he shot 37 and 39 percent during his two seasons in college. Already in summer league, Ellis has shown he can do a bit of everything on both ends of the floor and is earning every bit of that two-way contract.

With Keon’s strongest asset being his defense, that will bode well for him when he does see real NBA action. Ellis is a really disruptive defender, which should bode well for him on a team that wants to go out in transition as often as possible to take advantage of De'Aaron Fox's exceptional speed.

Ellis is frequently seen picking up full court, his hands are active, and he maintains continual awareness of both his man and the ball while on the court. More than anything, he wants to help the team win at all costs.

Even though cracking this deep rotation will be difficult, a defensive mindset player is a good trait to have especially when your head coach is more defensive oriented. 

Neemias Queta-

Now former Kings second pick Neemias Queta will be entering his second year with the team and there are higher expectations for him this upcoming season as he looks to make strides in all facets of his game.

Queta spent most of his rookie season in the G-League, but got some action towards the end of last season and showed some promise. Going into this year's summer league and upcoming regular season, expectations became bigger for the Portugal big man.

He was able to also earn the other two-way contract spot with a chance to replace Damian Jones or Alex Len on the active roster. The 7-footer offers great size and length and needs to focus on using his size as a presence in the paint on both ends of the floor.

If Queta stays down in Stockton he should absolutely dominate and put all his skills on full display. Averaging a double double should be realistic for Neemias while also being a viable rim protector.

Queta performed well during his eight total games in the summer league as he averaged just over 12 points per game and 6.5 rebounds a game. Those are solid numbers for Queta going into next season.

He seems to be a fan favorite here in Sacramento, but in all honesty we need to see better development in his game because he has all the physical tools to be successful. 

Conclusion- 

All we can hope for these three prospects is they develop nicely, and turn their potential into a good rotational piece for this Kings team. It will be interesting to see how coach Brown utilizes these guys and see the opportunities they get. It’s nice to see a team like the Kings gamble on a few end of the bench young guys who could potentially turn into something later down the road.