Domantas Sabonis Bio
Domantas Sabonis is a Lithuanian-American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA and the Lithuanian national team. Born on May 3, 1996, in Portland, Oregon, he is the son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis. He began his career in Spain before moving to Gonzaga University, where he showcased his skills in college basketball. Drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in 2016, he has since become a notable player in the NBA, earning multiple All-Star selections and accolades for his contributions in rebounding and team play.
Early Life and Background
Domantas Sabonis was born in Portland, Oregon, where his father, Arvydas Sabonis, played for the Portland Trail Blazers. His mother, Ingrida Mikelionytė, was the first Miss Lithuania in 1988. Domantas has two older brothers, Žygis and Tautvydas, and a younger sister, Aušrinė. The family moved to Málaga, Spain, in 2004 after Arvydas retired from professional basketball. Growing up in a basketball-oriented family, Domantas was exposed to the sport from an early age, and his father recognized his potential, particularly noting his left-handedness and determination.
Path to Basketball
Domantas Sabonis began his professional career with Unicaja Málaga in Spain at just 16 years old. He later declined a contract offer from Unicaja to pursue college basketball in the United States. He committed to Gonzaga University, where he played from 2014 to 2016. During his freshman year, he made a significant impact, earning All-WCC honors and leading Gonzaga to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. His sophomore season saw him further develop his skills, and he was named to the First-team All-WCC before declaring for the NBA Draft.
Domantas Sabonis Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Sabonis began his professional career in Spain, where he played for Unicaja Málaga and gained valuable experience. He was drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2016 NBA Draft but was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on draft night. In his rookie season, he played a significant role, starting in 66 of 81 games.
Breakthrough (2017–2022)
In 2017, Sabonis was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he truly began to shine. He quickly became a key player for the team, earning his first NBA All-Star selection in 2020. His performance continued to improve, and he was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2023. Sabonis was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2022, where he helped lead the team to the playoffs, ending a 16-season drought.
Notable Works and Milestones
Domantas Sabonis has established himself as one of the premier big men in the NBA, known for his rebounding, passing, and scoring ability. He has been selected as an NBA All-Star three times and has led the league in rebounds multiple times.
Domantas Sabonis Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Domantas Sabonis has received numerous nominations, including multiple selections to the All-NBA Team and recognition as the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year.
Domantas Sabonis Awards Won
Domantas Sabonis has won several prestigious awards, including the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year five times from 2018 to 2022. He has also been recognized as an NBA All-Star three times and has led the league in rebounding.
Domantas Sabonis Family
Domantas Sabonis is married to Shashana Rosen, and they have three children together: a son named Tiger, born in 2022, a daughter named Eleven Rose, born in 2023, and another son named Tauras Levi, expected in 2025.
Personal Life
The family practices Judaism and maintains a kosher diet. In April 2023, it was announced that Sabonis was in the process of converting to Judaism. Additionally, he and his wife launched a wine brand called Ones by Sabonis in November 2024.
