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Kings Sign Former National Champion Newton to Training Camp Deal
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- Kings Sign Former National Champion Newton to Training Camp Deal
(USA TODAY Network/Reuters Connect)
The Sacramento Kings have quickly addressed the lack of point guard depth on their roster, adding multiple options for head coach Doug Christie to utilize.
On Saturday, the team added another guard, Tristen Newton, to a training camp deal.
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Newton has spent time with the Indiana Pacers , Minnesota Timberwolves , and Houston Rockets since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
But, he has had very limited appearances, recording just nine games played in the league.
Newton spent his first three collegiate seasons with Eastern Carolina, where he broke out as a junior.
The El Paso, TX native took a big jump, starting all 30 of the Pirates' games, and averaging 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists.
These were all career high numbers, and earned Newton an opportunity to make the jump to one of the best programs in the country - UConn.
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Newton was an instant fit in head coach Dan Hurley's motion-heavy offensive scheme, while also providing a high-level of perimeter defense to the Huskies' backcourt.
His impact was felt immediately, helping UConn capture back-to-back National Championships from 2022-2024 and posting big-time performances throughout March Madness.
In the Huskies' first run, Newton recorded a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double and went 8-of-8 from the foul line in title game vs. San Diego State.
Following his strong postseason, Newton was named a member of the All-Final Four Team.
He also became the first player in program history to record two triple-doubles in the same season, filling up the stat sheet against Marquette and Buffalo.
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But, this was only the beginning of Newton's legacy in Storrs, CT, as he followed up this title run with an even better showing.
After a Consensus First Team All-American nod during the regular season, Newton once again tore up March en route to a NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player recognition.
In the title game, Newton scored 20 points, dishing seven assists and grabbing five rebounds, without committing a turnover.
He also scored his 2,000th career point in the win, going out in perhaps the best way possible.
While it remains to be seen if Newton can make the official roster and compete against free agent guard pickups like Ben Simmons and Elfrid Payton , but his winning pedigree and ability to show up in big spots is evident.
Newton also brings a level of familiarity with Sacramento's first-round pick Alex Karaban, who lifted both titles alongside Newton at UConn.
