NBA injury update: Sacramento Kings hit with devastating blow as De’Andre Hunter set to miss significant time | NBA News
The Sacramento Kings’ difficult season took another sharp turn after De’Andre Hunter was ruled out for the remainder of the year. The forward, acquired at the trade deadline, will undergo surgery on his injured left eye, ending his brief stint with the team after only two appearances.The update was dropped as Sacramento continues to struggle in the standings. With 25 games left and multiple starters already sidelined, the franchise now faces the closing stretch without one of its key wing pieces. Medical evaluations confirmed the need for surgery following complications from an in-game blow earlier this month.
Sacramento Kings forward De’Andre Hunter to have season-ending eye surgery
According to NBA insiders Chris Haynes and Marc Stein, De’Andre Hunter “will undergo season-ending eye surgery,” bringing his season to an abrupt end.“Sacramento Kings forward De’Andre Hunter will undergo season-ending eye surgery, league sources tell [Marc Stein] and me,” Haynes wrote on X.Hunter sustained the injury on Feb. 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers. The issue was later diagnosed as iritis, an inflammation of the iris in his left eye. Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reported at the time, “Sacramento Kings forward De’Andre Hunter has been diagnosed with iritis after taking a blow to his left eye in Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He will be reevaluated in about 10 days.”Initially, there was hope for a return. Hunter had resumed training and sounded optimistic about his recovery. “It’s not all the way there yet, but it’s definitely a lot better than it was,” Hunter said, according to Sports Illustrated. “I’m able to actually play and train and stuff like that, so it’s progressing really well.”The reevaluation led to a different conclusion. Surgery became the recommended course, closing the door on any comeback this season.
Why De’Andre Hunter’s season-ending injury is bad news for the Sacramento Kings?
Hunter’s absence creates a significant gap on the wing for the Sacramento Kings. He is one of only two natural wings on the roster, alongside Keegan Murray. With Zach LaVine sidelined following hand surgery and Domantas Sabonis recovering from knee surgery, rotation stability has already been strained.Hunter averaged 13.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 45 games this season, shooting 41.5 percent from the field. Sacramento traded for him to add length, defense, and floor spacing. Those elements are now unavailable during a stretch that could have been used to build chemistry among younger players.Replacement options exist at other positions, yet the wing spot lacks comparable depth. Precious Achiuwa stepped into the starting lineup, though his long-term role remains uncertain.
