The last time the Kings made the playoffs was in 2006. Fourteen seasons. The second-longest playoff drought in the NBA is the Phoenix Suns, who made it in 2010 with Steve Nash at the helm. Third longest? The sorry New York Knicks seven seasons ago. Yes, the third-longest playoff drought in the NBA is also only half as long as the Kings, and it’s the freakin Knicks we are talking about. Even the Hornets made the playoffs four seasons ago (and sit at the fourth-longest drought). The NBA has tried its best to create a league with parity, and while the biggest players tend to go to big markets, it is clear that the NBA has a vested interest in creating a league where even the smallest markets have a shot. It just takes strong management and good drafting.
And that’s why the Kings have sucked for so long.
I don’t need to relive the miserable, regretful, disappointing, and disheartening recent (if recent is even applicable after fourteen years) past of the Kings, though, to preview this season. All I need is a current view of the roster to experience all those same feelings. Without further ado, let’s preview the 2020-21 Sacramento Kings.
Draft Picks
Tyrese Haliburton (12th pick overall), Robert Woodard II (40th overall), Jahmi’us Ramsey (43rd overall)
I am really hoping not to jinx the Kings this year, but it actually seems like they drafted well for once. Tyrese Haliburton has been touted as one of the steals of the draft, and was expected to go within the top five picks or so. While he has a lot of his game to work on (his shooting form will probably determine his ceiling), Haliburton has all the natural ability to work with De’Aaron Fox in a combo-guard backcourt in the future. Haliburton is also good insurance for the unhappy Buddy Hield who could get traded if a worthwhile deal is offered.
Robert Woodard II and Jahmi’us Ramsey are a bit more unknown quantities. Robert Woodard is a hard-worker, and Ramsey is only 19-years old, which means both should improve over time. That being said, expecting anything from two second-round rookies this season is ridiculous. Let’s give them some time.
Free Agency
In: Glenn Robinson III, Hassan Whiteside, Chimezie Metu, Frank Kaminsky
Out: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kent Bazemore, Harry Giles, Alex Len, Yogi Ferrell, Corey Brewer
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It’s been a fairly quiet offseason for the Kings. The big get for Sacramento this year was…Whiteside? Robinson III? I’m still not sure whether either will be very good to be quite honest. They are both on friendly deals, though, which is encouraging. Metu and Kaminsky will probably not get much playtime barring injuries from starters. Overall, not much to be ecstatic about, which is unsurprising considering the coronavirus and its expected financial effects on this upcoming season.
As for the players leaving, Bogdanovic certainly hurts. Whether or not he will be getting overpaid in Atlanta this year is up for debate, but the Kings will lose his ability to spread the floor, and in general, lost an opportunity to get something in return for him in a trade. The Kings did Kings things this offseason, and it shouldn’t be a surprise for any fan of the team.
Projected Starting Five
PG: De’Aaron Fox
SG: Buddy Hield
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Marvin Bagley III
C: Richaun Holmes
On paper, this starting five is not bad. De’Aaron Fox is a star. Buddy Hield is one of the best shooters in the league. Marvin Bagley has loads of potential if he can stay healthy. Richaun Holmes is a no nonsense center on a friendly contract. But is this a playoff team? Maybe if the stars align, and the Kings can make a move or two that move them up. But otherwise, it will take a lot of luck. That being said, De’Aaron Fox could improve even further and launch himself into the All-Star conversation. If the Kings are going to be successful this year it will take a monster season from the fourth-year player.
Prediction
Record: 27-45
I just can’t see them making the push to the playoffs this year. The rumors surrounding Hield would suggest he will be on the move at some point, and if the season is already on the rocks the Kings will most likely move him for future assets. The team also lost shooting on the floor, and it will be interesting to see how Sacramento will rotate its guards. Additionally, Marvin Bagley has yet to prove he can keep himself in shape to play for a whole season. This team has some talented players, but other than Fox (and Haliburton) nobody on this team is untradeable. The most important factor, though, is that the Kings didn’t improve while every other team near the bottom of the West will certainly be better. I don’t want to be too doom and gloom, but if they finish outside of the bottom four in the West they should consider it a successful season.
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