Two years ago Kings fans were laughed at for predicting a 40-win season. It was understandable, given that the Kings hadn’t won 40 games or made the playoffs in 16 years. 16 years, I still marvel at how horrible the Kings managed to be for so long. People expected that to continue, and it was hard to blame them. The Kings had fruitlessly revamped the roster so many times, and cycled through so many head coaches, it made sense to remain doubtful. But those training camp vibes felt different, and the Kings went on to win 48 games, be the three seed in the West, and snap the playoff drought in undeniable fashion.
Entering last year there was still some residual doubt. 2022-23 was a fluky year in the West. Even here at the Kings Herald, we predicted that the Kings would likely win a similar number of games but be a lower seed. That proved sadly true, as the Kings won just two fewer games despite a loss less injury luck, and missed the playoffs by one play-in game loss. But a strange thing happened along the way. Even though the Kings missed the playoffs, the narrative shifted. The Kings had a disappointing season, but subtly altered the overall perception of them into that of a solid and good basketball team. Good, but not great.
Going into this season national pundits expect the Kings to win a similar number of games as last year, and be in the play-in range for playoff seeding. It is almost universally accepted that the Kings should be an above-.500 team with good odds to make the playoffs. We as fans can feel that’s disrespectful given the addition of DeMar DeRozan, but even the most pessimistic pundits generally aren’t bashing the Kings as much as they are lauding the strength of the Western Conference. We as fans can feel disrespected, but we’ve achieved a higher level of disrespect.
The Kings still have mountains to climb. They need to advance past the first round of the playoffs. It would be nice if they could challenge teams deep in the playoffs and enter the conversation as potential contenders. Because, no matter how much I might want to, I struggle to think of the Kings as title contenders right now. I’m still just hoping for that incremental growth, hoping for those next steps. But so much of that hesitation, that inability to buy-in and believe against logic that this is our year, it comes from those 16 years. Part of me is still waiting for it to fall apart. Because if this year falls short, the Kings will find themselves with difficult decisions on how to proceed.
Despite that lingering fear, I do believe in this team. I think they are going to be very good, like 50+ wins good. And I’m excited for the team to continue reshaping the way pundits, and lowly bloggers, think about their potential.
Not directly related, but I’m sorta hyped to see Domas as part of Netflix’s “Starting 5” series.
Same! I’m gonna have to convince my Mom to resubscribe for the month to watch.
I will never forget Puke Man painting that flawless picture on the floor for Vivek and the world to see and the constant look of hopelessness on Fox’s face before we traded for Domas. Depression is too good to describe that misery. We’ve come a long way baby.
Depending on luck, most of it related to injuries both here and elsewhere in the Western Conference, I think a realistic range for potential victories runs from 45-55. If Sacramento can get rid of even half the bad losses to bad teams, the ceiling rises considerably.
Related to that, DeRozan should be very helpful at the end of close games, and his ability to get to the line will not only increase scoring opportunities, but frankly give his teammates a chance to catch their breath if the expected pace comes to pass. He’s a savvy player, and if he uses his ability to draw fouls to stagnate an opponent’s runs (a la HB), the dynamic improves for the Kings. DDR is also going to be an excellent teacher and example for the younger guys, and that is simply invaluable.
I don’t believe that there are teams in the association with whom Sacramento cannot compete head-to-head. I mean this as no knock on HB, but DeRozan’s nature makes him more of a natural leader, and the Kings could use one. Fox has improved his leadership qualities over the years, but like Sabonis and Keegan, he’s not a natural fire-breather in that regard. DDR is going to serve that purpose, and my expectation is that we’re going to see it in the team’s composure and ability to regroup when things get ugly.
This is a good team that has the potential to be a great one. I’m not remotely an optimist, but I probably can’t look at things in an entirely objective manner, either. No team wins every game, but Sacramento will have a real chance of winning any game that it plays. No telling how it all plays out, but I like the team we have. If improvements are possible at fair value, that could raise the ceiling, too.
Let’s start the season already!
I would like to see a turn around in games against NOP and Houston- Kings got out muscled in those games + hit some free throws + don’t lose at home against terrible teams ( this seemed to occur often as the first game back from a road trip)
Fix most of that and it’s 6th in the West
A pregame hunch. IMO as long as they stay healthy they will win 52 games.
Amazing isn’t it? The sour 16 years of Sacramento Kings basketball seems like it was so long ago – but it’s been only two seasons. Two.
The Mike Brown era was off to a glorious start and the attention and accolades (2 All-NBA, 2 All-Stars, All-Rookie 1st Team, Unanimous CoY, ExoY, Pacific Division Champs, 3rd in the Western Conference) were overwhelming. A smorgasbord of goodness for this winning starved fan base. The bar was lifted and the Kings kept jumping over it until they had a second half collapse against the reigning NBA Champs and their 1st round exit.
GM McNair kept the winning squad together and I wouldn’t say it backfired – though many in this community would – but reality slapped the stars of more and better out of our eyes in 2024 (though we enjoyed many many highlights).
If we were to turn back the clock to the firing of Luke Walton, and the hiring of Mike Brown and asked this fan base if not one, but two winning seasons in a row are going to happen but you will have a Game 7 first round exit one season and not make the playoffs the other – I don’t think many would have complained.
I see last season as a disappointment, but not a failure. Bettering the previous season’s accomplishments is always the goal. Minnesota in the three previous seasons with new Head Coach Chris Finch lost in the first round in 2022 (46-36 record), went all in with the Rudy Gobert trade and lost in the first round 2023 (42-40 record) and then went to the WCF this last season.
OKC went from 40-42 in 2023 to 57-25 in 2024 with a loss in the West Conf semis. Kinda Kings like (I don’t see them winning 57 games this season).
As Greg points out – time for a perspective check. Looking at the Sacramento Kings: Where they’ve been, how they’ve been, and where they’re going.
I know I am a silly dummy, but this Kings team has been competitive the last two years and is improved this season (DeRozan > HBarnes) and for me, that is a good and wonderful thing. Yes, I want and expect more. More wins in the regular season, more wins in the playoffs. Are these Kings Championship contenders? … No, I don’t see that. Playoff contenders? … most definitely (I believe they will return to being Pacific Division Champs this season).
Future’s so bright!
Most of all, I look forward to sharing the much more ups and the disappointing downs with this community. Thanks TKH!
Could not agree more.
Not only having Derozan as a team member but also having Monk staying here is also great.
I just want 50+ wins and to make it to at least the second round.
Very reasonable.
we’ve achieved a higher level of disrespect – I feel like we’ve arrived!
Im so tired of casual fans and national media talking heads show their asses talking about the Kings. They don’t watch the team and they don’t know anything about them, but they are goddamn CERTAIN that they are a fluke.
But at the end of the day, the only way to get the idiots to shut up is to win. This team can do it. Look at this roster, this coaching staff, the culture that has been built. If you put “Lakers” across the front of the jersey we’d be talking about a Finals appearance right now.
This is a great team. Maybe they won’t win a title this year, but WCF feels extremely achievable. They’ve got ISO scorers, volume shooters, versatile defenders, All NBA talents, the reigning triple double King of the NBA, etc. Nearly all of them are entering or in their primes. This team is ready to make some noise, and the only reason everyone else hasn’t caught on yet is the 16 years of stench that still lingers. Win a couple playoff series and watch everyone change their tune.
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