Welcome to 30Q, our annual September series where we ask a question a day to preview the upcoming season for the Sacramento Kings.
Coming into the offseason, it seemed clear that Monte McNair and company had their work cut out for them. The team had made a big swing at the trade deadline by trading Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis, but that trade itself wasn’t enough to save the season and the Kings found themselves on the outside looking in once more.
At the end of the season, both McNair and De’Aaron Fox mentioned the same things as big needs that needed to be filled that summer.
“I think most winning teams are built the same,” Fox said. “You got your two, three, maybe four guys and everything else is kind of length and shooting. Just being built like that, I feel like we have a pretty good foundation where we’re at, but obviously you can never have too much length and too much shooting in the NBA. That’s at a premium.”
McNair said much the same:
“I think shooting, we can clearly acknowledge, will be a huge priority. It’s a priority for every team, but certainly around those two guys. Shooting will be a big one. Length, athleticism, versatility, we’ve talked about all that as well. Obviously, you want the whole package, but shooting will be a big priority for us.”
Defense also remained a big need. The Kings had finished the season ranked just 27th in the league on that end, their 16 straight year of being in the bottom third of the league. Not uncoincidentally, that’s the same length as Sacramento’s playoff drought.
Before anything else, however, was finding a new coach. The Luke Walton era had been a disaster, and Alvin Gentry wasn’t able to turn the ship around when he took over the team after Walton’s departure. Finding a permanent replacement became the immediate priority, and the Kings brought a good group of names to interview to be their new coach. Three of the other candidates the Kings brought in ended up being hired as head coaches by other teams, and the Kings themselves hired Mike Brown, a veteran coach who had most recently served as the head assistant for the championship-winning Golden State Warriors.
Brown said all the right things in his press conference, but now it was time to start adding the right pieces to the team to enact the vision. First up, the Draft.
The Kings had gotten lucky in the Draft Lottery, moving up from the 7th slot to 4th, giving them some more options than they would have had. Most pundits considered this a “three-man draft” so of course the Kings found themselves in the 4th position. For Sacramento, the consensus largely seemed to be that they would take either Purdue’s Jaden Ivey or Iowa’s Keegan Murray. Ivey had extreme physical gifts and was by all accounts the best guard in the draft, but also was an awkward fit with De’Aaron Fox already on the team given their similarities. Murray on the other hand was perhaps the best fit of almost anyone in the draft and provided exactly what the Kings said they needed most coming in: length, versatility and shooting.
The Kings ended up taking Murray in a move that was seen by many as Sacramento filling a need rather than “BPA”. Of course, that’s disregarding the fact that if Ivey was ranked 4 by many, it wasn’t like Murray was ranked so much lower. Other teams had reportedly tried to trade up with Sacramento to take Murray themselves, but the Kings were enamored and took their guy.
The rest of the draft was a bit of a disappointment at the time. The Kings had two second rounders coming in, and they sent one off to the Mavericks for two future seconds, and the other was sent to Cleveland for the rights to international big man Sasha Vezenkov. The Kings did sign undrafted Alabama guard Keon Ellis immediately after the draft though, another player that was supposed to provide defense and shooting.
Come Summer League, Murray quickly showed why the Kings fell in love with him. In nearly every game, he was the best player on the floor, showing incredible offensive polish on his way to averaging 23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.3 steals a game while being named Summer League MVP. Summer League is far from an ideal proving ground, but it seemed clear that the Kings had at least found themselves a quality player.
There was still more to do and the Kings got very busy. When Free Agency began, the first deal the Kings made was signing guard Malik Monk to a 2-year deal. Monk, De’Aaron Fox’s former backcourt running mate at Kentucky and a lottery pick himself, had just had a career year in Los Angeles, averaging 13.8 points while shooting 47.3% from the field and 39.1% from three. He was also young, just 24 years old.
Not long after, the Kings made a trade with Atlanta, but not for John Collins as had been much rumored. Instead the Kings traded for swingman Kevin Huerter, another 24 year old who had proven himself to be a solid two-way player and another very good shooter. The Kings didn’t send out too much either, losing veterans Maurice Harkless and Justin Holiday, as well as a lottery protected 1st round pick. Huerter was also locked up on a four year deal, making him a potential long term addition for the Kings.
To round out the roster, the Kings made some additional signings in adding KZ Okpala, Matthew Dellavedova, Chima Moneke, Kent Bazemore, Sam Merrill and Quinn Cook. Not all of them will make the team, but all of them fill one of those big team needs that the Kings stated. More importantly, this is the first time in a long time that I’ve seen the Kings bring in some real training camp competition.
The Western Conference is still brutal, but it really shouldn’t be that hard to at least make the play-in tournament. At least one Western playoff contender got worse in Utah, and they might get even worse if they trade Donovan Mitchell before the season. The Spurs, Thunder and Rockets are all in full rebuild mode, leaving just 11 teams competing for those 10 coveted post-season spots. Were this year’s additions enough to make sure the Kings aren’t 11th? That remains to be seen, but at least they seem to have given themselves a fighting chance.
The start of the 30Q series means the start of September…which means the new NBA season is just around the corner.
Oh, and be safe out there Sac folks (and most of California, for the most part)…sucks that there’s gonna be a heatwave Labor Day weekend…it’s gonna be hot here in the Bay Area too. 🙁
I’m leaving the comfort of our coastal cool weather to head to the fire pit of sactown to see my mom. It’s currently 57 degrees with a foggy mist at the moment. Should be fun!
I think the Kings did about as much as most teams can do. They went out and hired a defensive minded and proven head coach, drafted what looks to be a very good player, made a nice trade to upgrade the wing depth with Huerter, made a nice free agent signing in Monk.
Outside of landing a star in free agency (which isn’t going to happen for Sacramento) or trading for a star (which is something maybe only a few teams do a year) they made no mistakes and improved the team from top to bottom.
Is it enough to make a dent in the win/loss column, eh… I don’t know. So much of that relies on what other teams do as well. If Utah trades Mitchell to the East and tanks the season, did the Kings improve because the made the playoff conversation or is it because Utah, OKC, Houston, and the Spurs are in full rebuild?
I’m still not sure they make 40 wins, but I think Monte did all the right things this offseason and I really don’t question any of his moves, and I haven’t been able to say that in regards to a Kings GM since I was sporting a Motorola flip-phone.
This is basically where I’m at. Given that there wasn’t so much talent on the roster that you could reasonably expect to trade for a top twenty player, the moves made stand a good chance of resulting in improved basketball.
Shooting and defense were the glaring deficiencies, and most of the moves directly address that. I like the Mike Brown hire, and he has the credibility with players to gain their respect. I don’t know if this is a playoff team, there are just too many things to factor in, and endless unknowables. I’m not ruling it out, though. There is talent here, and once in awhile, you catch lightning in a bottle.
Playoffs are the goal, but if we see consistent effort and improved play over eighty-two games, the season should be considered a success. Getting a foundation built that can become a launching pad is achievable, and it’s been a very long time since that could be said with a straight face.
Well said. I’ll add if there is any nit to pick with Monte’s offseason it might what to do with Holmes and Barnes. Nothing really has to happen this offseason, but I’d hope there were some clarity on their future and role with the team by the deadline. I think it would be really unfortunate to just let Barnes expire in hopes of a playoff push and I feel Holmes is far too expensive to be sitting the bench behind the Kings best player.
As of today the give the Kings excellent depth and good talent to improve the roster this season, but I don’t see what use they have beyond this one.
Do I think the Kings have done enough? I don’t think so. I agree with Adam on above comments but if possible I think Monty might be able to do more. Harrison Barnes is 30 and slowing down. He has done everything the Kings have asked of him and is a true pofessional. We need a younger three and D and a starter. A couple of weeks ago and article mentioned a trade. Harrison Barnes and a lot of assets for OG Anunoby. I personally think it would be a good trade. Anunoby is young, a possible future all star, and can play defense. He would really fit in with our team and be there for many years to come. He hasn’t reached his potential yet. I would also include Trey Lyles in trade and try and get Precious Achuiwa in return.
We also need a backup three and D to help Anunoby. My idea would be to trade Holmes and Metu to the Hornets for Kelly Obrue Jr. He isn’t doing much for the Hornets. He averaged 15 pts. last year and plays really good defense. The Hornets still want a good solid 5 and Holmes would be their man. Include Metu to make the money work. That leaves the 5 for the Kings at Len and Queta alough Achiuwa could play the 5 in a pinch.By the way Achuiwa is a young defensive 4 and has some real potential. He would also be one of my small ball defensive 5,s. I would trade Len and Terrance Davis, who I really like but would be odd man out for Jaxson Hayes. Hayes is a good weak side defender, is young and has a lot of potential. I would appreciate any comments. GO KINGS!
Jack-
Like many of us armchair GM’s, we want to trade to get who we want and not really give up anybody. Sorry, but there is no way that Toronto gives up OG and Precious for anywhere near that meager haul.
I personally think it would be a good trade.
is not any reason for Toronto to bite. They do not want Barnes and there is really no team in the league would wants Lyles.
Hornets- they may want a 5 and may go for RH. Oubre does not play defense. He cheats passing lanes but plays no D. And he never met a shot he did not LOVE.
Len and TD for Hayes- Hayes is the odd man out, you say– Well what about Len and TD- both odd and out. NOP need Hayes for insurance. He has some limited value but has far more value for the BNOP to trade him for odd + out.
You would make a great GM if the Kings could be the only ones involved in the trades.
The other option I thought possible would be to trade Barnes and a first and second to the Hawks for John Collins. Murray would be the 3 and D. Starters would be Fox,Huerter or Monk, Murray, Collins and Sabonis. If we start Monk then Huerter could backup Murray or Monk.
I like Collins, maybe more than some others. like him. The real problem wioth trading a first is thatwhile next year’s first is safe, the following years first round picks are all provisionally traded to Atlanta for Huerter. So trading another fist means that Atlanta has to stand in line to get that pick-wait for the Huerter pick to clear ( ironically it’s theirs) but for the Kings,this type of trade ties up all future flexibility.
We only tied up our 2024 protected first for Huerter. We also have next years second which from Indiana will be pretty high. I considered that flexible. All other firsts and seconds we still have. We are talking about one first and one second for a player who is only 24 and hasn’t reached his potential. He would be a great stretch 4. Atlanta wants to trade him since last year and with Barnes and his expiring contract would be favorable. He doesn’t play defense right now but at 24 and letting the defensive minded coaches work with him I think he could really improve.
I forgot to add next years first with our second. I also like what McNair said awhile ago”I don’t want to pick at #4 again” What does that tell you?
it tells me that they want to win. “Want to” is not the same as “do win”. Kings do have next year’s #1. The following years from 2024 on start the de-escalating protection for Huerter. So, they cannot trade 2024, 2025 or 2026 until that all clears. They wanted to keep the 2023 pick since that draft is loaded Even just out of the lottery pick (assumes make play-in and play-off) will be valuable. Your contention is that Barnes + two next year’s picks is worth Collins. Maybe but there is a risk that Murray cannot play the 3 spot.
Collins made more sense before they drafted Murray. If Monte continues to draft the way he has, there won’t be reason to trade for guys like Collins.
Not extending Monte’s contract yet is certainly concerning.
Nah, that’s fine. Let’s see if by the deadline we can say that he’s done enough, before we commit longer.
From a win-loss perspective, the team has gone backwards sinds he came here.
For reasons that were out of his control, IMO (can’t fire the coach, can’t trade certain players, Vivek Vivek-ing, in other words. And I certainly understand mileage may vary on opinions regarding this. That’s fine.)
I still think he has done loads better at roster management than anyone we’ve seen since Petrie and would definitely have extended him with the hiring of Mike Brown, just so their tenures lined up in the event I’m not liking what I’m getting out of Brown. I certainly think the 2 are somewhat tied together, at this point, why not lock the GM in at this point…?
We’re back to that weak sauce? All the bad stuff is Vivek meddling, all the great stuff is Monte?
Funny how I never hear anyone argue that Vivek insisted on drafting Tyrese…
You can still wait to the AS break to see how much reason there is to extend him, and allign his contract with Brown. What is the compelling argument for doing it NOW?
Back? I’m still not sure we ever left but I’m hopeful, considering competent moves were made this off season. I don’t think its a stretch to suggest Vivek is one of the main reasons this team hasn’t been competitive for the last 8-9 yrs. And I certainly understand mileage may vary on opinions regarding this. That’s fine. In case you missed it the first time.
Anyway, what is the compelling argument for NOT doing it now?
Because Monte hasn’t achieved jack shit with this team yet? He sent out an exciting young guy on a cheap contract with team control out for what could amount to a two year rental?
And if Vivek is that horrible, that extension won’t mean shit anyway, so what’s the rush? A GM can function properly on the last year of his contract.
Let’s see if the new acquisitions add up. Let’s see if Brown can make them play D. Let’s see if one of the top players won’t ask for a midseason trade. Let’s see if the gaping hole at SF won’t come back to hunt him.
And maybe let’s also wonder if reaching the play-in in a year when the tanking may very well be historically hysterical is a good enough step towards a better future. Is there room for growth to become a contender, or just first round exit-fodder?
The compelling reason is that until they clearly get better ( wins ) they have accomplished nothing . I like this seasons moves but until we see actual results there is no evidence of actual improvement .
Vivek has been really bad.
Mostly feeling bad about it, I would probably offer Monte a 2-year extension meaning he has a contract through the 2024-2025 season.
The compelling argument to offer an extension now instead of the All-Star break IMO is that without an extension McNair is incentivized to get an extension, potentially to the detriment of the long-term interests of the team (and its fans). That interest or I should say my interest, is sustained winning with the legitimate chance to win an NBA championship.
Incentivized to get an extension could mean trading more 1st round draft picks and our limited cache of youthful upside players for still good but much older veterans. In other words, make the playoffs this year regardless of the cost to the team in the future.
I agree with you that McNair has not performed well in terms of win percentage, the most important stat. But for the reason above, I would offer him an extension now.
The flip side is that when he had job security and when he had time, he did almost nothing. The first year he basically ran back Vlade’s team and coaching staff and the second year he waited until the season was off the rails before making moves, essentially punting the season. And everyone knew it would be bad, and that retaining Luke was idiotic.
By that track record, i’d say let him feel the urgency because apparently that is what he needs to become more active and decisive.
On top of that, and this goes back to an argument I have been making for years; there should be a detailed and coherent plan, with clear objectives and a philosophy, and with short term goals (one season, mid-term goals (3 seasons) and long-term goals (5/6 seasons). that would have everybody alligned and commited towards the same goals, and would also ensure that Monte, even nearing the end of his tenure, would ordinarilly be committed to only making steps within the parameters of that plan, and be judged by it.
I doubt that they have such a plan: everything has been too reactionary, too opportunity driven, and there doesn’t seem to be a clear, sound philosophy behind it. They may have a plan, but my guess is that it is little more than a few generic goals (reach the play-offs by date X, become a contender etc.), and lacks detail. (One thing I do like is that Monte seems to be attaching much more importance to BBIQ than Vlade did.)
If I would give him an extension, i would tie his future clearly to Sabonis; if Sabonis leaves when his contract is up, Monte only had basically a two year rental while giving up a very promising young and cheap player with team control for a long time.
But the main point remains: if we now give him an extension NOW and everything falls apart this season, it will be seen as a huge mistake and rightfully so. So wait until the AS break and see how things go.
Yeah, those are some great points. He did do a whole lotta nothing for a good while.
I think that first year had a lot to do with Vivek not letting Monty do his thing. Since Vivek has given Monty control I think he has done a pretty good job.
There’s reason to be optimistic in that they added a legit all-star and have several NBA contributors on the upward trajectory of their careers in Monk, Huerter, Mitchell, and Fox. not to mention Murray. But it’s hard to project because the success of the season will be highly dependent on the development of these players.
At this stage in their career, calling Fox, Monk and Huerter developmental players, is an indictment, not a reason for optimism.
“NBA contributors on upward trajectory” <> ” developmental players”
All are already legit NBA players who are not at their prime. Not the same as someone with a quick second jump that just hasn’t found his rhythm. Good players that are still getting better.
Point taken, but Steve Nash was damn near 30 when he broke-out. Some guys are late-bloomers. Huerter is more than a “developmental player,” calling Fox “developmental” is ridiculous, and Monk is a late-bloomer.
Agree, but same could be said about Damian Jones and Donte .
Whoa!!!
I called that a while back thinking they were the dark horse landing spot for Mitchell. Cleveland made the most sense and they had the assets. Utah is gonna need to move some players to scale their roster down. One thing they don’d have is a starting center, and the Kings have one backing up Sabonis.
One thing is for sure, the Kings just “better” in the West thanks to this trade.
I’d wager that Utah will be better this year from the trade than they’d have been had they kept Mitchell. I was really looking forward to Mitchell “leading” the Jazz to fifty losses, but I guess I’ll have to be content watching the Cavs underperform relative to last season.
Utah has a starting center- Victor Wenyenbama. Actually I joke. He is not a center. But that’s the plan. There may be a fire sale on the other Bogie, Conley etc. But they have driven a very hard bargain on the 3 that they got rid of. I suspect more hard ball.
They did pick up some fluff in the trades- PatBev already gone, Beasley and Vanderbilt who would not help the Kings.
It is fascinating how one player- Mitchell or Gobert can gather so much in return. Those two are good players but THAT good?
How much could Sabonis get on the open market? More than Hali and Buddy? That one seems like a fair trade, but the two Utah trades are steals (but the Jazz have to wait 16 years now)
Kings now better than 4 teams in West- need to pass one more for play-in wimpy tournament. If they are any good, they ought to pass 3 teams and get some big boy pants.
Someone will have an injury- someone will under-perform. NOP, LAL, Blazers, , Mavs (if Luka goes down), –
Kings did get better. More shooting, a real coach, and some emphasis on D. What they needed was a gift from the gods- like Sasha coming over and being Dirk. No gifts but Keegan now one of top 3 in this draft. That’s a start. Have to start believing in themselves, not settling. Like beats the duds upside the noggin.
Good call Adam. I wasn’t sure if Cleveland had the assets or the willigness to give them up, but I think this is a great trade for both sides honestly.
CLE has a nice big 3 setup now (Garland, Spida, Mobley), I really like the trade for them. Those picks they gave up will likely all be late first rounders as their core is young and should be good for sometime. The East over the last few years has become loaded much like the West. Just a ton of talent in the league right now.
With the Jazz in full rebuild mode, that’s four teams that should suck bad in the West. Kangz running out of excuses to make the playoffs. Having said that, I think the 10 other West teams aside from the 4 bad ones are clearly better than the Kings. So a play-in spot, let alone a playoff spot is still a toss up at best.
IMO, no better time for expansion than now, with basically 4-5 teams owning everyone’s draft picks.
Utah still has talent
I knew some team would step up and fuck the dog on this by vastly overpaying for a scorer who does nothing else particularly well. Didn’t think it would be Cleveland, but their roster from last year was lacking a vastly overrated prima donna, so this should get them to the finals.
Hard to overstate the value of a dude who can get buckets when the team needs buckets, and Mitchell is undoubtedly one of those dudes
Mitchell gets buckets- not in first tier of bucket getters but up there. He does not however play any D and will help form an undersized backcourt with Garland. Mobley and Allen can protect them to an extent.
They did seriously mortgage their future.
Sexton was redundant and Markenon a weird fit but the two of them plus all those future assets is a big price to pay.
I think Sexton is seen as a sunk cost, as the team didn’t want to re-sign him, and Markenon was clearly seen as not part of their future (and eating up tons of salary). The number of picks given up is the real question mark here.
I think the defense may not be as bad as some people expect, but it will take a hit. While neither Garland or Mitchell are particularly effective on that end, the team is built around a strong and creative scheme.
They won’t win a championship next year, but you can’t rule them out in subsequent years. And, if it doesn’t quite work out, Mitchell will remain a powerful trade asset that could land them a missing piece
I think the fact that Sexton failed to get an offer worth signing this off season shows that he was not a huge asset to give up. He is obviously talented, but he is also at a position where a lot of guys can do what he does, which dilutes his value. I do like this trade for both teams, and I think if it does go sideways, that it won’t be hard for Cleveland to move one of their core-4 in a season or two for something of value.
yes, they and others had given up on Sexton. Losing him– to them at least – was no big deal. Markenon cost a lot and forced their weird line up. In this regard, they won. The picks ? man that is a lot of future.
Don’t normally find myself disagreeing with you too much Sims, but I think Mitchell solves a key weakness for Cleveland: He gets buckets. And lots of them. Garland is really suited as a #2 scorer IMO, and Mobley is more of a #3 scorer when he tops out in offensive value (IMO). Allen is more of a #4 guy.
Cleveland can cover a lot of the defensive weaknesses of Mitchell with Allen and Mobley, but there’s nobody on that team including Sexton that is the caliber of scorer that Mitchell is.
You’re right
Agreed. He makes a lot of sense on Cleveland, in the same way he made a lot of sense partnered with Gobert. The guy needs a defensive anchor.
Still, IMO he is is Monte Ellis 2.0.
Agreed. Maybe a little change of scenery can amp up the defensive effort, he can’t look at that Dallas series last year and not be embarrassed by getting lit up constantly.
He certainly makes sense on the current roster, but not at the cost exacted. The market right now for significantly-flawed players is absolutely stupid.
They made moves that made sense for the roster and didn’t take a step back for a change. That’s enough for me to want to tune in. Is it enough to be contenders? No. I think not. Is it enough to make the playoffs? Maybe. If the team develops some chemistry and some things go their way; absolutely but the margin for error is incredibly small.
I guess Danny Ainge just answered the first 30Q question.
Yes, the Kings have now done enough.
I appreciate the competence Monte has brought to the front office. I can appreciate and root for a team that works together for a common goal, without tripping all over themselves due to poor decision-making.
It does feel different this summer with all of the new personnel who seem to know what they are doing. It feels like a foundational culture is being laid down. Hopefully, this leads to some stability with this team and better play.
He did enough to make the Kings fringe-y. Somewhere in the 9th to 12th range. Where in that range they land will likely depend on the vagaries of fate.
I agree, and I think that is about as good as you could hope for, without ever tanking. The Kings have been just honest-to-god shitty. They never traded away assets in an attempt to play a back-game. Vivek either can’t afford it, or just doesn’t have the stones, or just simply doesn’t get what is necessary to build a contender. It’s hard to say which is the worst-case scenario. Anyway it’s hard to see that McNair has been anything but pretty damn good, and often stellar, given the mandate.
In general, I think McNair’s moves have been solid since he took over. This is his third season in charge. In the NBA, that’s a reasonable amount of time to start seeing real progress. So, you know, we’ll see.
Is it really fair to measure his success against other teams, straight up? How many seasons has OKC been rebuilding? Does anyone question Presti? He’s a genius! But how much progress could he show with a win-now mandate? Also you can’t predict injuries, and Sac was w/o their two best players last season when they needed them. Monte has been good. Maybe not excellent, but good. He’s been forced to play it really safe.
Also, a comparison with a guy like Presti makes no sense because Sam would never take the job. And not just because it’s Sac, but because of the circumstances.
Of course he would if enough money and control were offered . OKC has ownership in financial trouble and why the tanking .
Yes, very fair. He signed up to build a successful team in the NBA.
Unless you think the goal should be, being less shitty than Vlade?
That really is a good point. So many assets! So much brilliance in the front office!
So when does it begin to translate into wins? OKC has been going over the same stretch of road for years now, and the view never changes.
Of course, Presti’s resume includes more than this current rebuild.
Skip the first season as Vivek didn’t give Monty full control.
One option for a few years ago would have been the OKC, Detroit, SAS, Houston and now Utah route- take it down to the studs (who are not studs at all) but that strategy is gone now- too many others deep on the tank train. Then other option is to get extremely lucky- 3 # overall picks in a row. Nope. Or tread water in the middle with incremental improvements. That’s the current strategy. Cavs and Wolves started this and then jumped with the other option: get sort of good, trade for one guy who can take you further but give up the future.
Sadly, the Kings HAVE gotten extremely lucky in the lottery. In both 2017 and 2018, the Kings jumped and should have been in ideal position to draft the players that have turned out to be the best in their class and were consensus picks at those slots. Then, of course, they also jumped this year. Add in Haliburton falling and it’s actually crazy how fortunate we’ve been in the draft over the past 6 years. Yet, here we are.
I think that last line is likely their approach. It’s similar to the Rockets approach when they acquired Harden. That said, the market has gone a bit crazy so it’s hard for me to really just player cost at the moment.
“Extremely lucky” is an extreme exaggeration. Historically they’ve not been lucky at all. Vlade wasted a #2 when he could have had the guy who is likely the most productive player in the game. We’ll not get over that one soon. That was the luckiest thing to happen to the Kings since they came to Sac, and they wasted it! Meanwhile multiple franchises have had multiple #1s! BestHyperbole indeed!
It’s not an extreme exaggeration if you talk about the last 6 years, as BHE did.
The play-in is awesome because it means less teams in the play-offs, not more. Also, teams on the fringe get to/have to earn their way in. No one backs in anymore, unless they are a legit contender. I just wanted to say that because people seem to like it for the wrong reason. No team actually goes “all-in” on a season just to make the play-in. I don’t believe that even the Kings did that. They traded Hali because they like Sabonis.
yes, and both play critical positions, but the Kings had 2 more at PG. I see this as a lateral move.
I’m overly bullish on our Kings and think 41-43 wins is possible.
Overall, I like what they’ve done, and I think this team has a chance to develop the kind of chemistry that can help a team out-perform their talent level. Monk has potential to be a late-bloomer, and a game-changer, especially with his familiarity with Fox. Huerter is just a very versatile player who will produce no matter what. And, as much as it may be difficult to establish a pecking order, or even a clear starting five, this team has depth.
Unless Murray busts, and that would be a shocker at this point, they have 8 NBA-quality rotation players, without counting Davis, or Len. Those two are a bit iffy, but could also be major contributors. Lyles and Metu can also contribute. Who knows what they might get out of the rest of the bench, but there is potential there.
Monte has done an admirable job, and Brown has the experience, and should be skilled enough to do a professional job at the helm. The pieces are all in place for this team to compete. If things go well they could make some noise in the regular season, and maybe even compete in the post-season, with a little luck. Certainly, they’re way overdue. Let’s hope they catch some momentum and hold-onto it!
Did the Kings do enough? I think so. Adding a lot of shooting to a team with some shooting on it isn’t going to hurt.
I think this team could have 6 36% or better 3pt shooters (Barnes, Huerter, Monk, Davis, Murray and Mitchell) which around Fox and Sabonis is going to make their lives a lot easier, and much tougher to defend, too.
Is defense going to be an issue? Yes, it will be. But defensive rebounding will most likely be a strength on that end because of Sabonis, and this team has the ability to force enough shots in enough matchup’s I think to be able to get in transition and easy buckets.
But I think this is a 45 win team legitimately, and I think there’s some elements that may not show up under a deeper dive test. One, Fox isn’t going to look good with the metrics. For whatever reason you wish to assign that reason for, and there’s a number of valid one’s including Fox’s poor play at far too often a time, that’s going to make projections look lower than maybe they should. Fox and Sabonis aren’t an ideal pairing on paper, especially in today’s NBA, and that’s going to make them look less ability to impact actual winning. I’m not sure that’s true either.
I don’t think we have a firm read on what this team really looks like until it suits up (and for all we know there’s a trade with Harrison Barnes coming) and that’ll answer a lot of questions. Between the players brought in, a summer of internal improvement (or refinement), Mike Brown having a chance to implement his system, a possible lower roster spot making more impact than we’re accustomed to seeing, I can see 45 wins. Is that optimistic? Probably. But being a pessimist about the Kings is easy, and well I’m tired of that pessisism.
What would a Barnes trade look like that would be an upgrade?
If he is healthy, I’d still like to see a Barnes and Holmes for Hayward trade. Kings May even be able to a future first out of the deal if the Hornets want to move Hayward bad enough.
When healthy Hayward is a better wing than Barnes. I think a Fox, Huerter, Hayward, Murray, and Sabonis lineup would be very good.
I’d do this deal if I believed in Terence Davis enough as a potential starting SF.
What about Barnes and a first say 2026 or 2028 for the Clippers Luke Kennard and Terance Mann? Kennard is one of the top 3 point shooters in the NBA and Mann has played all positions from 1 to 5. IMO Mann could be a starter at small forward for the Kings. He has a great motor and plays really good defense. Doesn’t have to be a 20 point shooter but in the range from 10 to 12. Kennard could start but can backup at 2 and 3. A great shooter and a really good defender at young ages would fit Monty’s timeline.
He’s too old. Doesn’t fit Monty’s timeline.
This looks like the best roster since 2006. Will that equate to more victories in the West? Not sure. I am not a Brown fan. He hasn’t coached in many years. He really wasn’t pursued by other teams much. during these past 7 years.
The West seems to be healthy this season. Kings won’t have that crutch. Pels, CLips, Lakers, Blazers and Nugs all had major injuries to their stars. Losing them for most or all of last season.
The Kings probably don’t have to worry about OKC, Spurs, Hou, and Utah.
Memphis, Dubs, CLips, Minn, Suns, Den, Pels, and Dallas are Automatic, if healthy.
Spots 9-10 will come down to the Blazers, Lakers, and Kings.
If Kings can’t make at least a Play in, the season is a total failure.
Totally agree on all points . This is it in simple terms . Short of major injuries to rivals stars .
They did enough to compete for a play-in, major excitement in these parts!!!
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