Karaban finished with seven points (2-3 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 20 minutes during Thursday's 114-110 preseason loss to the Lakers.
Karaban made the most of his limited scoring opportunities, converting both attempts from beyond the arc while contributing in several other categories. The rookie forward also committed two turnovers but demonstrated the perimeter shooting ability that could help him compete for a reserve role in Sacramento. His regular-season fantasy appeal remains limited until he establishes consistent playing time.
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Kings' Alex Karaban: More competition for minutes
Rotowire
The Kings signed Ben Simmons to a one-year deal Friday, adding another bench option who will challenge Karaban for playing time.
Simmons will return to The Association after sitting out the 2025-26 campaign. With the three-time All-Star in the mix, Karaban faces increased competition for playing time off the bench. Karaban, the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, could see increasingly steady minutes as the season progresses, though the UConn product isn't guaranteed a meaningful role early on, especially if Keegan Murray (ankle) is healthy to begin the campaign.
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Kings' Alex Karaban: Tallies 14 points in SL victory
Rotowire
Karaban finished Friday's 92-90 Summer League win over Charlotte with 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-8 3Pt), three assists and two rebounds over 35 minutes.
It was a bit of an inconsistent performance from Karaban, who scored seven points in both the first and third quarters but did not score in the other two frames. He still finished tied with Jonathan Mogbo as the Kings' second-leading scorer behind Emanuel Sharp (16 points). The Kings acquired Karaban from the Cavaliers after he was selected by Cleveland with the No. 29 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, but the UConn product's playing time in his rookie season could be limited if he's behind De'Andre Hunter (eye) and Nique Clifford (rest) on the depth chart after the preseason.
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Kings' Alex Karaban: Comes close to double-double
Rotowire
Karaban posted 21 points (7-15 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds and a steal across 27 minutes in Wednesday's 82-76 Summer League loss to the Celtics.
Karaban endured a slow start to the Summer League, scoring just seven points on 3-for-15 shooting across his first three appearances. However, he bounced back admirably here and showed a glimpse of what he can do on both ends of the court after ending just two boards shy of a double-double. The 29th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and former UConn star is expected to fight for a rotation spot during training camp.
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Kings' Alex Karaban: Scoreless in win
Rotowire
Karaban went scoreless (0-6 FG, 0-4 3Pt) with two rebounds, one assist and one block in 24 minutes during Thursday's 91-85 Summer League win over the Clippers.
Although the former UConn standout missed all six of his field-goal attempts, he finished with a team-best plus-12 and continued to provide solid positional defense. He wasn't even supposed to be ready in time for this game due to an ankle sprain, so it's not worth overreacting to his scoreless outing.
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Kings' Alex Karaban: Available to play
Rotowire
Karaban (ankle) is available for Thursday's Summer League game against the Clippers, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Karaban was initially expected to miss this game, but he progressed quicker than anticipated. The No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft could be heavily featured during the Summer League.
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Kings' Alex Karaban: To be re-evaluated in one week
Rotowire
Karaban sustained a sprained right ankle in Thursday's practice and will be re-evaluated in one week, Kayla Anderson of Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Karaban won't play in the California Classic Summer League due to the ankle injury. His next chance to suit up will come in the NBA Summer League game against the Wizards on July 12.
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Kings' Alex Karaban: Rolls ankle in practice
Rotowire
Karaban left Thursday's practice after suffering an ankle injury, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Karaban appeared to roll his ankle near the end of Thursday's practice, per Nunes, and he was unable to return. He can be considered day-to-day leading up to Sacramento's first Summer League game against Brooklyn on Saturday.
