Before we get to looking forward to this season, let's take a trip down memory lane with a famous story on our beloved 2000-01 Kings, from the SI Vault.

Remember: at the time, the Kings were a novelty, a spectacle that couldn't win in the defense-first postseason. That slander didn't last. It'll be interesting to see the way the next great Kings team develops, if it follows a similar path: superstar offense, followed by the addition of defense, followed by (almost) ultimate success. The offense was #13 last season, and figures to finish anywhere from #9 (if Beno, Martin and Salmons build a connection) to #18 or so (if Miller regresses, Salmons was a fluke, and Beno plays on an island).

With the right moves, and good development of camaraderie in the backcourt and skills in the frontcourt, Sacramento could be on the path to excellent offense once again. (Landing Amare in two summers also wouldn't hurt.) Fingers crossed.