Here’s where Sasha Vezenkov stands in Kings’ rotation going into preseason game vs. Lakers

Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov might have the steepest learning curve of any player on the preseason roster as a 28-year-old rookie who is new to Sacramento and has never appeared in an NBA game.

Vezenkov is already proving to be a marvelously gifted shooter with good instincts as a passer, cutter and scorer. However, his defense needs improvement and it remains to be seen how long it will take him to establish a role in the rotation for a squad that returns 10 players from last year’s playoff team.

Some people were taken aback by the fact Vezenkov didn’t play in the first half when the Kings opened their preseason schedule with a 112-99 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Vezenkov wasn’t part of the starting five or a second group that logged minutes in the opening half, but he came off the bench in the third quarter to score a team-high 12 points in 11 minutes.

Kings coach Mike Brown addressed the situation following practice Tuesday as the Kings prepared to face the Los Angeles Lakers in their second preseason game Wednesday at Honda Center in Anaheim.

“(Vezenkov) played well for us offensively against Toronto and he’s getting better,” Brown said. “Again, like I said, we’re just taking a look at different combinations. We may throw Sasha in with the second five and (Chris) Duarte with the third five. The only thing that may not happen is I don’t think I’ll mess with the starting five, but the second and the third five can change at any time. And Sasha, again, showed some of his versatility at the offensive end of the floor for us that people will expect to see come this year.”

That comment suggested Vezenkov could be part of the second unit against the Lakers, but Brown offered more insight into his current thinking when asked if he expects Vezenkov to have a spot in the rotation when the Kings play the Utah Jazz in their season opener Oct. 25.

“That’s a great question,” said Brown, who prefers to use a nine- or 10-man rotation. “I don’t know if he will be or not. He’s just got to keep fighting his behind off and getting better every opportunity that he gets whether it’s in practice, in shootaround and/or in the game.”

Vezenkov, a former Olympiacos star, is a three-time Greek League MVP and the reigning EuroLeague MVP. The Brooklyn Nets selected him with the 57th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, but Vezenkov chose to remain in Europe. The Nets traded his draft rights to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a multi-team trade involving James Harden in 2021.

The Kings acquired Vezenkov’s rights from the Cavaliers in exchange for the 49th pick in the 2022 NBA draft. After a yearlong courtship, Vezenkov agreed to come to Sacramento on a three-year, $20 million contract.

The Kings see Vezenkov as a perfect fit for their pace-and-space offense, but Brown recently said he wants to see more from him defensively.

“How well can he sit down and defend?” Brown said. “He’s gifted offensively with his ability to pass the ball and he’s really smart, knows how to change pace and cuts really well. Obviously, he can shoot it. He offensive rebounds. There’s a lot of things he can do offensively, and then there are some things he does defensively, too. He’s a physical guy. He’s not afraid to take a hit or give a hit. It’s just whether or not he can sit down in front of the ball when it comes to teams wanting to try to go at him, because there is no secret — they’re going to try to go at him.”

Brown on Tuesday was asked about Vezenkov’s defense against the Raptors.

“His defense against Toronto was at best OK,” Brown said. “He gave up middle a couple times and we’re a no-middle team. He’s got to keep the ball on the sideline, and then he’s got to make sure he continues to understand the league, and so he’s got to watch as much film as he can on guys he may match up against so he can try to pick up on their tendencies sooner than later.”

Kings vs. Lakers

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Honda Center (Anaheim)

TV: NBA TV

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140

Odds: TBD

Over/under: TBD

Injury report

Kings: None.

Lakers: Not available.

Preseason schedule

Oct. 8: Raptors 112, Kings 99

Oct. 11 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Anaheim)

Oct. 15 vs. Golden State Warriors

Oct. 18 at Golden State Warriors

Oct. 19 vs. Utah Jazz