SACRAMENTO -- Kings fans love an underdog and they fell head over heels for big man, Jack Cooley. NBC Sports California confirmed Sunday morning that the 27-year-old bruiser was not extended a qualifying offer from the Kings before the start of Saturday's NBA free agency period, making him an unrestricted free agent.
After toiling in European leagues for a few years, the 6-foot-10, 274 pound power forward/center became a fan favorite at Las Vegas Summer League last summer. His gritty, physical style earned him a cult-like following and a two-way contract with Sacramento.
The former Notre Dame star spent the 2017-18 season bouncing back and forth between the Kings' G-League affiliate in Reno and the parent club. He put up big numbers for the Bighorns, finishing the year with 17.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
Cooley's opportunities in Sacramento weren't as frequent. He played in a total of seven games for the Kings, posting 5.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 12.4 minutes of action.
After a year in Sacramento, Cooley has already signed on to play with the Phoenix Suns in Summer League next week in Las Vegas.
Cooley out, Sampson in?
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Cooley did not receive a qualifying offer from Sacramento, but the team's second two-way player did. JaKarr Sampson is now a restricted free agent, giving the Kings an opportunity to match offers for the 25-year-old forward.
Sampson appeared in 22 games last season in Sacramento, averaging 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds. He's spent time this summer working with the team and is an option as a combination forward this season.
