NOT IN THE GAME, BUT MISSING FROM THE ROSTER! Five NBA Teams Secretly Pursuing Kevin Quiambao After the Kings Passed Him Up, with the Warriors Leading the Chase

In the high-stakes world of the NBA, every draft pick, every trade, and every signing can shift the balance of power within the league. Scouts pour over every inch of tape, front offices conduct exhaustive background checks, and coaches envision how each player might fit into their system. Yet, every so often, a player slips through the cracks. Such is the story of Kevin Quiambao, a promising young talent who was shockingly overlooked by the Sacramento Kings during the draft, only to become the object of a secret, intense pursuit by no less than five NBA franchises—with the Golden State Warriors at the forefront of the chase.

Kevin Quiambao isn’t a household name just yet. At 6’8” with a wingspan that reportedly rivals some of the league’s best defenders, Quiambao has long been considered a diamond in the rough. His journey to the brink of the NBA has been unconventional: a late bloomer from a mid-major college program, known for his defensive versatility and unselfish play rather than flashy scoring or highlight dunks.

Despite his underdog status, his college tape reveals a player with a remarkable basketball IQ, impeccable timing on defensive rotations, and an unyielding work ethic. Analysts have described him as a “glue guy” — a player who might not fill the stat sheet with points, rebounds, or assists but whose impact can be felt in every possession.

However, when the 2025 NBA Draft came around, the Sacramento Kings—who held multiple picks—shocked observers by passing on Quiambao entirely. This decision raised eyebrows, especially given the growing buzz around his potential.

The Kings, a team still on the cusp of true contention and rebuilding simultaneously, have been known for their calculated and sometimes risk-averse approach in recent drafts. Their priority seemed to be players with immediate scoring ability or established athleticism, rather than those who project primarily as role players.

Sources close to the Kings’ front office suggest that while Quiambao impressed during pre-draft workouts, the team was concerned about his offensive limitations and whether he could adapt quickly to the NBA’s pace. There were also whispers about his potential fit in the Kings’ existing roster, which includes a young core of scorers and playmakers but a somewhat crowded frontcourt.

Ultimately, the Kings opted to gamble on younger, higher-ceiling players who could theoretically evolve into stars, leaving Quiambao undrafted.

While the Kings’ pass was public knowledge, what flew under the radar was the immediate and secretive interest from five NBA teams who saw exactly what the Kings overlooked: a player with the perfect blend of skill, discipline, and potential to be a long-term contributor.

At the helm of this clandestine pursuit are the Golden State Warriors. Known for their analytical approach and roster construction savvy, the Warriors have been searching for a defensive-minded forward who can seamlessly slide into their “Death Lineup” or strengthen their bench unit.

Kevin Quiambao fits this mold perfectly. His length, ability to guard multiple positions, and basketball IQ align with Golden State’s core values. The Warriors also appreciate his unselfish nature—someone who would happily defer to stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole while executing the team’s defensive schemes flawlessly.

Warriors’ insiders report that the team has already reached out to Quiambao’s camp with a tailored plan for development and integration. The pitch emphasizes the opportunity for mentorship from established veterans and immediate playing time in a system known for maximizing players’ strengths.

The Milwaukee Bucks, fresh off a deep playoff run but facing questions about their defensive consistency, have also expressed covert interest in Quiambao. The Bucks’ front office sees him as a potential answer to their defensive woes, particularly in guarding versatile wings and forwards who can stretch the floor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been vocal about wanting teammates who can complement his aggressive style, especially those capable of switching on defense and protecting the rim. Quiambao’s skill set fits that requirement. The Bucks are reportedly prepared to offer him a two-way contract initially, hoping to groom him for a larger role in the coming seasons.

The Miami Heat, a team that prides itself on culture and toughness, are no strangers to unearthing overlooked gems. The Heat have a reputation for molding players with high basketball IQ and relentless work ethic into key rotation pieces.

Miami’s coaching staff admires Quiambao’s discipline and commitment to team defense, qualities that resonate well within the Heat’s organizational philosophy. With the Heat’s current roster aging, Quiambao represents a younger, cheaper piece who could learn from veterans like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

The Raptors are in the midst of a youth movement, looking to develop a core of versatile players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Kevin Quiambao’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute as a secondary playmaker makes him an attractive option.

Toronto’s front office has been known for valuing players with high upside and strong defensive instincts—both of which Quiambao exhibits. Raptors executives are reportedly intrigued by his potential fit next to young stars like Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes.

Lastly, the Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions, have quietly scouted Quiambao as insurance depth for their frontcourt rotation. With Nikola Jokic playing heavy minutes and the team aiming to maintain championship-level depth, Denver’s front office sees Quiambao as a high-upside bench player who can step in when needed without compromising defense.

Given the Nuggets’ commitment to team-oriented basketball and maximizing player efficiency, Quiambao’s playing style is a natural fit.

In a league filled with flashy shooters and high-flying athletes, Kevin Quiambao’s appeal lies in subtler, often overlooked qualities.

• Defensive Versatility: Quiambao can guard multiple positions, from wing players to power forwards, thanks to his length and lateral quickness.
• Basketball IQ: His understanding of rotations, spacing, and timing allows him to anticipate plays and make impactful stops.
• Work Ethic: Coaches and teammates consistently praise his dedication to film study and practice intensity.
• Unselfishness: He is willing to play within a system, make the extra pass, and accept a role without demanding the spotlight.
• Physical Tools: Standing 6’8” with a 7-foot wingspan, Quiambao has the natural frame to succeed at the NBA level.
• Potential for Growth: Though his offensive game needs refinement, his youth and attitude suggest room to develop complementary skills.

If Kevin Quiambao has all these qualities, why did the Kings and other teams pass on him in the draft? The answer lies in the harsh realities of NBA roster building and draft dynamics.

The modern NBA draft is often focused on upside and star potential. Players who can immediately score or who possess elite athleticism tend to be favored over role players or specialists. Quiambao’s offense was viewed as raw, and his ceiling as a non-scoring role player made him less attractive in the early rounds.

Each team’s existing roster and strategic plan heavily influence draft choices. The Kings had other positional needs and preferred players who could contribute more immediately on offense. Some teams questioned whether Quiambao could adapt quickly enough to the NBA pace or space-and-pace style.

Coming from a mid-major college program, Quiambao lacked the national spotlight enjoyed by players from powerhouse programs. This limited exposure may have contributed to skepticism about how his skills would translate to the NBA.

Though undrafted, Kevin Quiambao’s journey is far from over. The interest from multiple teams, especially a forward-thinking organization like the Golden State Warriors, indicates a strong chance for him to carve out an NBA career.

Quiambao is expected to receive invites to summer league teams, giving him a platform to showcase his abilities against NBA-level competition. How he performs here will be critical in determining which of the five interested teams will secure his signature.

Any team that signs him will likely emphasize developing his offensive game, especially shooting and finishing around the rim, while leveraging his defensive strengths. This approach aligns well with teams like the Warriors and Heat, known for their player development programs.

Given the competitive nature of NBA rosters, Quiambao may initially sign a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and G League. This path has proven successful for many players who blossom into reliable contributors over time.

Among the five teams, the Warriors stand out as the frontrunners for several reasons:

• Proven Development System: Golden State’s track record of turning overlooked players into key contributors is unmatched. Think of players like Draymond Green and Kevon Looney.
• Veteran Mentorship: Playing alongside Hall of Famers and seasoned stars can accelerate Quiambao’s growth.
• Fit in the System: The Warriors’ style—ball movement, switching defense, and emphasis on basketball IQ—matches Quiambao’s strengths.
• Immediate Opportunity: Injuries and roster turnover mean the Warriors have real immediate minutes for a player like Quiambao, especially on defense.

Kevin Quiambao’s story is a classic tale of an overlooked talent on the brink of opportunity. Passed over by the Sacramento Kings, he now finds himself in the crosshairs of five ambitious NBA franchises. While the Warriors lead the chase, the ultimate decision will come down to fit, opportunity, and his ability to seize the moment.

In a league where roles are often defined by fit and opportunity as much as raw talent, Quiambao represents the kind of player who could redefine his career trajectory with the right team behind him. For fans and analysts alike, his journey will be one to watch closely—a reminder that sometimes, the best gems are those hidden just out of the spotlight.