Before the season started, I previewed the Kings season and, let’s be honest, I was pretty downtrodden. Luke Walton had yet to show true coaching acumen and the team didn’t improve in free agency. The only hope the Kings have this year is to be pleasantly surprised with first-round draft pick Tyrese Haliburton and see De’Aaron Fox take another leap from star to All-Star.
I didn’t think both would show exactly that.
Fox and Haliburton Impress
I’m not saying the Kings are going to keep this up. I’m not saying Sacramento finally has something real after years of being fooled into thinking so. All I’m saying is this actually looks promising. The Kings are 2-1 going into the second week of the season, beating the conference finalist Denver Nuggets and the undefeated bubble Phoenix Suns before falling to them at the end of a back-to-back. De’Aaron Fox looks smooth as ever; attacking defenses, creating space, and even playing shutdown defense. Haliburton is already profiting from the attacks as if Dick Cheney is part-owner of the team, dropping bombs and shot clock buzzer-beaters. He missed when he had a chance to get the game-winning three against the Nuggets, but I can’t blame the kid. He already looks as poised as most NBA vets and while his odd stroke is a bit perplexing, it might just work for him.
But these were the two great hopes of Sacramento this year. What about everyone else?
The Others
While Haliburton missed the potential game-winner versus the Nuggets, it was Buddy Hield who came out with the walk-away layup in overtime. Even more encouraging was his demeanor. He seemed to truly enjoy the moment. Hopefully this means Hield and management with the coaching staff are starting to separate their differences. If not, every big shot he hits will at least increase his value on the market.
Harrison Barnes looks efficient as a third or fourth option, a role in which he excels at. Both Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley have looked solid. Overall, the Kings have exceeded my expectations so far. But not everything is rosy. Sacramento still relies so heavily on Fox that if he gets shut down or injured they have no chance. This year is about progress, though, so let’s just wait and see what happens.
Thank the gods, the NBA is back.
