A Season Interrupted: Hunter's Unexpected Exit
A Sudden End to De'Andre Hunter's Season with the Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have announced a significant blow to their roster with forward De'Andre Hunter's season-ending surgery. The procedure, performed on his left eye, marks an untimely conclusion to his participation in the current NBA campaign, further impacting the team's already challenging season.
The Unfortunate Onset: Retinal Detachment During Clippers Game
Hunter's injury, a retinal detachment, was sustained during only his second appearance for the Kings. The incident occurred in the third quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 6th, leaving fans and the team concerned about his immediate future.
Successful Procedure and Hope for Full Recovery
The surgical intervention took place on Friday at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Roseville, California, under the expertise of Dr. M. Ali Khan. The team's medical staff expressed optimism regarding Hunter's full recovery, with an update on his condition anticipated in approximately eight weeks.
A Roster Under Strain: Kings Grapple with Multiple Key Injuries
This latest injury compounds the Kings' struggles, as they continue to languish at the bottom of the NBA standings with a franchise-worst 15 consecutive losses. The team was already without star players Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, both of whom underwent season-ending surgeries earlier in the week.
Sabonis's Setback: Torn Meniscus Sidelines All-Star Forward
Domantas Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, had surgery to address a torn meniscus in his left knee. His return to action in mid-January, following a 27-game absence, was short-lived, marking another significant loss for the Kings' frontcourt.
LaVine's Lingering Issue: Hand Tendon Injury Leads to Surgery
Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star guard, had been battling a persistent tendon injury in his right hand. After an on-again, off-again presence in the lineup for ten games, he ultimately opted for surgery, further weakening the team's backcourt.
Hunter's Brief Stint: Initial Impact and Statistical Contributions
Despite his limited time with the Kings, the 28-year-old Hunter started both games he played, contributing a total of 15 points, three rebounds, and one assist over 51 minutes on the court.
The Trade that Brought Hunter to Sacramento
Hunter joined the Kings on February 1st as part of a complex three-team trade. This deal saw him move from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who received guards Dennis Schroeder and Keon Ellis. The Kings also traded Dario Saric and a 2029 second-round draft pick to the Chicago Bulls, with the Bulls sending Emanuel Miller to the Cavaliers for a second-round pick.
Season Averages and Career Trajectory of De'Andre Hunter
Across 45 games this season, including 25 starts, Hunter averaged 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 26.1 minutes per game. Drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, he began his career with the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the Cavaliers in February 2025.
Hunter's Career Overview: Consistency in the NBA
Throughout his career, Hunter has maintained consistent performance, averaging 14.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 372 regular-season games (271 starts). His playoff statistics reflect similar contributions, with averages of 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 24 postseason appearances.