Domantas Sabonis talks about Starting 5, the signing of DeMar DeRozan, and his possible retirement in Sacramento

During the promotion of Starting 5, a Netflix series featuring five NBA stars, Domantas Sabonis talked about his expectations for the season with the Sacramento Kings, the addition of DeMar DeRozan to the team, and much more in an extensive interview for HoopsHype.

The Lithuanian is one of those five players featured in the documentary series alongside LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Jimmy Butler.

How did your participation in Starting 5 come about?

It happened very quickly. It was at the end of the summer. It was just a couple of guys, and I got it through my agent. Once I said yes and signed the next day, there were cameras around me 24/7. I would wake up and have a camera in my face. Trying to go to the bathroom, and they were following me.

What made you want to be part of Starting 5 and let people see your life behind the scenes?

I'm definitely more of a private person, with a family and all, but Netflix has been incredible in giving me such an opportunity, especially seeing the list of players who were starting to be on Starting 5. It's an honor to be on that list and shed light on Sacramento and the Kings with everything we've done since the trade to change the organization and allow people to get to know me a little better.

What can people expect to learn about you?

For those who don't know me on the court, I'm a typical physical player. It's very intense out there, facing off against players and referees. I'm just a regular, kind guy who wants to spend time with his family and wife. They'll get a behind-the-scenes look with me and each of the players, not just what they see on social media. I think it's going to be very interesting.

Did you change anything for the cameras?

I don't know how the other players did it, but I have two kids at home, and you really can't change. You're in dad mode. Whatever happens, happens. You can't tell your one- and two-year-old that the cameras are rolling (laughs). It doesn't work like that. What viewers will see will be all natural and real.

DeMar DeRozan was at the Starting 5 event. What does his addition mean for the Kings?

I think it's huge. We haven't had a veteran with a Hall of Fame career like him and his IQ. I spent a couple of weeks with him in Los Angeles training, and I learned so much from that short time with him. The best part, aside from what everyone knows he brings, is that off the court and inside the locker room, he's going to bring a different mindset to the group. He's here not just to play, but for the right reasons. He wants to win. For us, I feel like last year, our biggest problem was staying focused in every game, where you notice the difference between the good teams and the lower-tier ones. That put us in a tough spot. I feel like he's going to bring that veteran presence we need.

Where do the trio of you, De’Aaron Fox, and DeMar DeRozan stand in the league?

Everyone knows what Fox can do. He's been Clutch Player of the Year. Whenever we need a bucket, he's got it. We all know DeMar. He's been in the league a long time and commands a lot of respect. I think it's challenging. Teams will have to put the best defender on one of those two guys, and then the other is left free. That's going to put us in a good position. As for all those rankings, let's see how the season unfolds. We'll be ready to step in and compete.

What are the fair expectations for the Kings now?

The Kings have high expectations. We had them last year after our first year. Now, with DeMar, it's expected for us to go far. I'm excited to start and kick off training camp. You can already feel the excitement around the facility.

You've been a King for over two seasons now in Sacramento. How has it been for you and your family to be there?

I've loved Sacramento from the moment I arrived here. Everyone welcomed me with open arms. They made this transition very easy. Fox allowed me to be myself from the day I got here. I didn't have to adjust my role. That's been incredible. The fans, when you arrive, every game is sold out. You'll see it in the show. They're there. If we have a back-to-back and play against the same team in the next game, it's still sold out. As a player and competitor, it makes it so much more fun to be here. It's hot here. We have palm trees. You can be by the pool. I've enjoyed my time here. The Indy stage seems so distant. I know I've only been here for two full seasons, but it feels like much longer than it has been.

Can you see yourself retiring in Sacramento?

Yes, definitely. They've just been kind. It's been amazing. The fans have been great. As a player, you always want to build a legacy somewhere, and you can't do that if you're not in a place and doing great things for that team. Obviously, it depends on my performance and the team's performance, but it would definitely be a really cool thing.

When you didn't make the All-Star team last year along with De’Aaron Fox, did you feel underestimated, and is it motivating entering this new season with the team?

Actually, we didn't talk about that. We're two guys who are really focused on the team. Everyone was saying we were underestimated. If anything, it shows that people think we deserved it and shows disrespect from others (laughs). It just made us go out and play harder and stronger. I don't need any more motivation. I'm always ready for every game.

What went through your mind when you were able to retain Malik Monk and what does it mean for the team?

Thank God we kept him. He's a great piece of how we play and his energy and vibes off the court. He's a great guy in the locker room. He always keeps us focused and happy. That's something you can't replace with many players in the league. He brings a style and is always ready to perform. For us, last year, he had a boost coming in and helping the second unit. Keeping that with another year of experience under his belt and a new contract usually gives you more confidence. I expect big things from him.

What do you expect from De’Aaron Fox this season, and how vital has he been to the overall restructuring of the Kings?

He's big. I feel like all of us, the three or four core guys, have to keep taking steps. At the end of the day, it's about how well we perform and help the team. He's been working all summer and has taken a step each year since I got here. For us, as it was before and even more now that we have DeMar, it's about winning. We know there will be sacrifices for everyone. We really don't care. We want to get to the end of the season, make sure we're in the playoffs, and then have the same mentality going forward.

What do you expect from Keegan Murray this year?

To gain more confidence and belief in himself. We're always here for him. I always try to give him easy opportunities, get him going, and have him come out and be himself. With DeMar, I hope there are more guys out there trying to create open opportunities for him. I think he'll have easier chances, which will be good for us.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Domantas Sabonis habla de Starting 5, el fichaje de DeMar DeRozan y su posible retirada en Sacramento