Welcome back to Chainmail! It’s been awhile since we’ve had one of these, as the appetite to discuss meaningless wins and losses in another meaningless season seemed, well, meaningless, but we’re back one more time to take on some questions before the year ends!
We’re taking queries around Davion Mitchell’s recent play, Richaun Holmes’ future with the franchise, Damian Jones cementing himself as the current backup center, the draft, Alvin Gentry’s inevitable firing, the upcoming coaching search, free agency, cap questions, food opinions, relationship advice, or whatever else you’ve got!
Now, get to asking so we can get to answering!
When do Westbrook and AD get here to chase the 8th spot next season?
An acquaintance of mine, who happens to be a Laker fan, texted me today, which read: “Yo, I hear the Lakers may try and trade Westbrook and THT for Fox and Sabonis this summer! What are your thoughts?”
Why are Lakers fans such entitled knuckleheads that are detached from reality?
If they weren’t entitled knuckleheads, why would they be Lakers fans?
Does that make Lakers fans the Q of the NBA?
With this front office?! That seems doable.
Why can’t I quit the Sacramento Kings?
Q: Given the reports of Frank Vogel and the Lakers parting ways at the end of the season, how would you feel if the Kings hired him as their new coach?
id be down. Just sayin. There might be better options but I’d be happy with Frank. He’s a proven coach that until last year was very highly touted
I surely am not unfond of Vogel, I’ll tell ya what.
I’d feel like our leadership isn’t even trying, that’s how I’d feel. Jesus…
Who is the god of ping pong balls and what ritual sacrifices do they enjoy?
Now this is a good question. Please ensure its answered!
I vote that Jerry goes. Maybe all of his good fortune will shine upon the kings once again.
Based on the the past couple of weeks (taking competition and roster composition into consideration), what do you consider as appropriate rotation slots for the following players:
Davion Mitchell
Donte DiVincenzo
Trey Lyles
Damian Jones
Bonus question: Given that Fox and Hali were rarely as effective with each other as they were independent of each other, how do you see the fit between Fox and Davi unfolding?
Along the same lines, was Vlade Divac’s infamous comment about “not taking the ball out of Fox’s hands” actually an insult to Fox and not a compliment?
It was an insult to Fox. Also, every single Kings fan.
So…. we’re trading Mitchell…?
The two of them need to figure out how to make it work. Period.
it’s not one or the other. Figure it the fuck out.
a good coach could help with this in a very big way. I think so anyways.
Good question Rob, despite all the other issues facing this team this question is the one that keeps popping up for me
My top 4 Kangz questions:
WHY?
HOW?
WHEN?
WHO?
If the Jazz called and said they want a trade centered around Donovan and Fox, would you do this?
Fox, Holmes, and our 2022 FRP (top 4 protected) for Donovan and O’Neale?
Absolutely yes. No hesitation. Accept before they change their minds.
In a nanosecond.
No. Mitchell is a Diva and he would want out of here as fast as possible.
I am really surprised Adam and Carl. I have Mitchell on the same tier as Fox.
Which one has been an All Star and the best player on several 50 win teams ? It is not Fox .
I feel Mitchell is better than Fox. He’s a proven winner. Kings also get out of Holmes deal and get a very good two-way role player on O’Neal, who would start on the wing with Barnes.
I guess I just like Mitchell squared back court with Barnes, O’Neal, Sabonis lineup better than a Fox, Mitchell, Barnes, random wing, Sabonis lineup.
I would put Utah’s Mitchell in Booker or Beal range, give or take. Fox would come in around SGA or DeJounte Murray range for me, again, give or take. Put another way, I think that Mitchell is a top 20 talent, and Fox is a top 40 talent.
I think you may be really underrating the season Murray is having. That said, I think Fox needs to take a bit of a leap to reach SGA’s level. He hasn’t really achieved the level of any of those guys yet.
Rate the PGs and see where you put Fox in relation to Murray and SGA. I have him below but in that range. Maybe Lonzo and LaMelo are a better choice. Maybe Garland.
How are we defining PG? Primary facilitator/ballhandler? Or smallest ballhandler? For example, is Doncic a PG for the purposes of this exercise?
I don’t want to get into the weeds here. I have Mitchell as a top 20 player, Fox as a top 40. Your mileage may vary.
Sounds about right to me.
I’m not sure I even have Fox in the top 40. Every team sans Houston, Detroit, NY, and Orlando has a player I’d trade Fox straight up for, some have two or even three.
I could be talked into top 50. Utah’s Mitchell I’d put in top 30 for sure.
I’d trade Fox straight up for Cade in a nanosecond. I’d probably trade him for Jalen Green as well but I’d have to think about it more.
Cade, Mobley, and Barnes are no doubt yeses from the last class.
Not if you listen to any of the Napear’s 4 burner accounts…lol
Those “guys” were flaming Barnes out of the discussion, pre-draft, and he looks like he’s going to be really freakin’ good.
He’s already pretty freakin’ good. If we consider this season his baseline, he’d already be the second best player on the Kings roster.
Certainly below Murray, SGA, LaMelo, and Garland. Lonzo is probably right around the right range. Maybe Maxey, Brogdon, etc. I mean, I think this is mostly semantic. We’re likely talking about a difference of about 5 slots. My point was more that you may be underrating the season guys like Murray and Garland have had.
So do I.
How about Mitchell, Mitchell, Barnes, Portis and Sabonis. Pick up Tyrus Jones as backup point. Then you have Jones, Donte, Davis, Lyles or Metu and Jones.
I’d like to change the above post a little. To save money and put O’Neale in the small forward spot why not start Donte at the point. He has played there before. Then your backups would be Donte, Davis, O’Neale, Lyles or Metu and Jones or Queta.
That second unit has absolutely zero playmaking.
I don’t think Fox is ever going to shoot the ball well or play defense consistently. Donovan is better at both. I also think Donovan and Davion are at least a potentially workable back court. I don’t think Fox and Mitchell is going work. The good news is I’m wrong way more than right.
I’m not sure you’re going to get any support for that position outside of Kings fans.
Kangz, KANGZ, or KAAAAAA– *wet fart noise* — AAAAAAA — *puke sounds* — AAAANGZ ?
Puke Man was the best part of the season, yes?
AKA:
Purge Ibaka
Spew Alcindor
Bobby Hurley
Puke Walton
Purge Ibaka is gold.
May I also suggest:
Kareem Abdul Jabarf
Allen Heaverson
Puka Donsick
And last but not least!
Marvin Gagley
Ralph Sampson
Upchuck Hayes
I love that Spew Alcindor changed his name to Kareem Abdul Jabarf.
Puke man and all the dudes with the “Trade Vivek” signs on the telecast after the Hali trade.
I will forever refer to this 2021-22 season as the “Puke Seaon.” For three reason: Puke Walton being retained, the puke game, and the way I felt watching the vast majority of games all year long! 🤮
Summed up the whole season before we were even mid-way through…
Looking at the games from February 9th to March 20th (From Domas’ 1st game to his last in a Kings uni), it appears there are a number of trends. There aren’t as many positives as you would like.
A big positive is that the Kings ranked 5th in DRB% during this time as a team. I cannot remember the last time this happened (maybe the 90s?), and my question is do you think this could be duplicated over the course of an entire season?
I feel like Sabonis and DDV are a big reason for that. Just image if the Kings could get a legit stretch 4 who crashes the boards like a Jabari Smith Jr. or Keegan Murray.
I don’t know that Jabari Smith or Keegan Murray excite me as much as they will excite others around here. I have a hard time getting excited for rookies in this day and age.
Then how are you a Kings fan?
I took this as a joke, understand that Sims.
But if Im being honest, it’s duration (30 years), and the fact they traded away Cousins when they did. Otherwise I would not be a fan anymore either.
And1: And I’m ready to walk away if there’s more Vivek Ranadive shenanigans. Unlike those who find amusement in this being a clown show, I do not. Frankly, they are daring me to walk this off season.
Do you engage in any superstititious behavior in order to make the ping pong balls bounce in the Kings’ favor?
Aside from drinking beer and saying, “One time?”
What kind of head coach does this organization/team need?
The kind with Jazz Hands, obviously.
If the Kings fail to make the postseason next season, what is your estimate of when the drought ends?
Because I feel if it gets to 17, then it gets to at least 21 or so because that will mean this latest project (Fox/Ox) has likely failed.
The playoff drought will be able to legally drink? There is a certain symmetry to that.
Meanwhile if the Lakers’ drought gets to 2 then the city of LA will collapse on itself.
Fingers crossed!
In the Athletic article today, Anthony Slater (paywall) hinted at a “buzz” around the team that they think Fox and Mitchell can start together next season. Is that a good plan going forward, and if so, how vital will it be for the Kings to find an additional 3rd legit PG for much needed depth?
I have a thought on this. It’s not a bad idea if… the kings sign or trade for a BIG TIME forward. The trade doesn’t have to include Barnes but if that’s what it takes then fine.
imagine if Barnes and the Ox are put together with a forward who is an all star!! Then starting Davion seems like a solid move.
This is going to fall right on its face. If the Kings are thinking that, they’re not going to bother adding talent at two guard. Someone call me out next year if I’m wrong.
I’ve got a feeling in my gut that they are gonna roll with Fox and Mitchell and make DDV and that Bogi type guard off the bench along with TD as the microwave scorer.
I’m not a fan of it, but I think it’s what they are going to do.
Just a feeling. Fox won’t be a King next year.
How about Tyrus Jones? He is a free agent this year.
Almost did a spit take on that one.
First off, I’m an optimist. Ok, now that that is cleared up, bear with me.
Next year, I have 6 teams who should get over 45 wins: Suns, Grizzlebears, Clips, Mavs, Thuggets, and warriors. I have 4 teams who should be worse than the Kings: OKC, Portland, Rockets, and Your Los Angeles Lakers!
That leaves 5 teams for 4 play-in spots: Kangz, Pelicans, Spurs, Wolves, and Jazz. Yes, one team always underperforms and Utah is my pick for next year.
My question is, assuming a solid wing in the draft like Griffin, Murray, or Mathurin, what else do the Kings have to do to move up to say 40 wins?
Luck.
Portland will have Lillard and about 3 starters back with him next year, OKC has enough assets and picks to land a couple of stars this summer. The Lakers will be the Lakers and get a bunch of vet-minimum guys to round out their roster. Houston might be the only team I’d put money on that right now looks to be worse than the Kings on paper next year, but they may land the #1 pick and Green makes a jump next year….so, yeah….luck is what the Kings need. A whole lot of luck.
I think they’re in the high 30s (37-39 wins) if things go reasonably well. I also don’t think that’s good enough, and they should be adding talent like their jobs depend on it, and not sit around declaring victory this offseason.
I think you may be deluded. Respectfully. The Wolves will be a 50 win team with a seasoned Beast Edwards, The Pels will have Zion, McCollum, Valenciunas, and Ingram. Better than any lineup the Kings roll out. Portland has cap
space. Will be returning with Dame(out to kick ass), a real killer Simons, and one piece away from being a real threat in the West.
The Jazz and Lakers are a mystery.
The Kings will be lucky to nab a playin.
If you had a choice at PF who would you want Bobby Portis or Julius Randle? Portis is a FA while Randle would cost you money as his salary is close to 20mil. Randle scores more and they both rebound well. Portis shoots almost 40% from 3 and Randle around 31%. Both are 27, Also think how they might fit in with Sabonis. Give me your ideas.
Portis has those crazy eyes. ALWAYS go with the crazy eyes.
Portis would be a perfect fit with Sabonis at about a third the cost ( just money ) !
Is a DDV a legit option as the starting SG?
At this point no. I really like Donte and what he brings to the kings but if somebody wants to be traded then no. If not it is a possibility. The Heat has rumored that Duncan Robinson could be on the trade block. Guy is somewhat improving on defense but boy can he shoot the three. A SG at 6’7″ wouldn’t be bad.
Robinson signed a 90 million contract and currently is a backup to Max Strus . Riley wants to unload that contract .
You are right. That won’t do.
Just a reminder from last nights game write-up. It’s now Golden None and Sacramento Shamed ? 🤣
Assume DiVincenzo has no contract.
As a player, what is his actual dollar value to the Kings next season?
In other words, is he a $6 million a year player? $8 million? $10?
I don’t know the dollar value but Monty I think really wants him to be a King.
Monty should focus on coaching the Suns, instead of interfering with the Kings’ roster.
Is Vivek’s incompetence going to eventually force the league to do something, and if so, what might that something be?
Outside of a firing squad I have no idea.
sounds like a great idea to me.
You do realize the Thunder and Rockets will not be poor much longer. They own 26 1st round picks between 2022-26. 18 for the Thunder. 8 for the Rockets.
How does everybody feel about all of our current announcers?
Not having watched a Kangz game in several years, I don’t mind them.
Lucky you ! Very hard to watch as I give up most nites .
Eh… It’s time to start afresh. Mitch Richmond, Joel Meyers, Brian Anderson, Jamal Crawford, Nabil Karim, Chris Haynes, and Greg Anthony.
They all should be up for consideration. Replacing anyone and everyone in the booth or outside of it currently. Including Barnes, and Kayte. I have just about heard enough from both to last a lifetime.
What difference does it make? Whoever sits in that chair will still have to deal with the expectation of blowing smoke up this fanbase’s ass on behalf of the forever chaos agent. That’s the only purpose of a telecast, after all.
True, but none would be required to talk non stop during every game .
I disagree. Gotta distract from the real purpose. That’s why she blathers on IMO. You gotta fill the airspace somehow.
Good point on the blathering but still prefer a lot less of it .
I’ll start with Mark Jones – I’m over the colloquialisms, the forced over-hyping, and the propping up of players from other teams. Just. Call. The. Plays. Wouldn’t be mad if next year is his last.
Kyle Draper – He’s a little too happy, a little too energetic on big plays. It’s ok to an extent but dial it down a notch or two. I like him, tho.
Kayte – color analyst should provide splashes of color. Not whole segments, elaborating through multiple sequences of the game. She needs to shorten her anecdotes and get to a damn point, Jerry does a GREAT job at this and was such a contrast to the long-winded Mrs. Hunter when he subbed in for a couple of games last week. Also, on her replay sequences she uses the word “but” to transition from one to the next. Like every time. My hope is she improves signifcantly or they let her go, I’m kinda over it. The long-winded, lengthy explaining shit, I really am tired of her voice right now.
Yay Morgan Reagan. Get her a real studio partner. KT is painful and Matt Barnes is garbage. Most importantly she gets the game, gets the fans frustrations, and manages her role well as a host. I hope they find her a better partner for next season, maybe Kozimor…
Shouldn’t Deuce and Mo be calling the games? Deuce on PBP, Mo on commentary? They’re awesome together, always have been, and could hold those spots for like 30 years.
Neither of them hold a candle to Grant, Garry or Jerry. But that isn’t their fault. I’d be happy with it, personally.
Will they bring Davion back to the summer league as a second year player to defend the title?
Regular league is dead! Long live Summer League!
I hope so.. Not only because i hope we get a new coach, but I hate watching a big run with guards that are trying to get their own. All of this because we are getting Chet or Jabari!
Only way to end the losing streak. Kings ticket holders need pay for the arena. Just like the Billy Goat tavern curse for the Cubs I expect Kings to miss the playoffs for 71 years. Being cheap is karma.
If you could choose, hypothetically, between the 1st pick in this year’s draft OR the 4th pick in this year’s draft plus a 1st rounder next year that is projected to be somewhere between 10 and 17, which would you choose? (If you choose the #1 pick, you must identify your pick)
Terry Stotts, Mike Brown, Frank Vogel, Mike D’Antoni, Kenny Atkinson, Steve Clifford, Sam Cassell, Doug Christie, Alvin Gentry, David Fizdale, Darvin Ham, and even Mark Jackson – that’s a dirty dozen names off the top of my head that will be involved in the latest chapter of a Kings “exhaustive search” to head the helm of next seasons’ bench. I don’t know if any of these candidates or others yet to be available or considered (i.e. Quinn Snyder) after the Lakers decide who they want and other openings.
Question A: Do any of these choices have any resonance with GM McNair and this organization other than Christie (Matina) and former Warrior coaches Brown, Atkinson, Jackson (Vivek)?
Question B: Will this next hire also sign a 4 (or more) year contract only to get bumped? Who goes first – current GM McNair or the next new Head Coach? Oddsmakers favor which one?
It was fun watching the KH consensus go from “We have enough talent to make the playoffs” in the beginning of the season to “We don’t have enough talent on this team to make the playoffs” towards the end of the year. Who’s ready to start drinking some pre-season Kool-Aid for next year?
Uh…You got receipts on that claim. I think many around here said they were not a team built for the playoffs. In fact many of us complained that they basically rolled out the same team that won 31 games two years in a row.
FWIW, HERE is the season schedule reveal and thread. Lots of predictions of low 30s win totals, including this idiot stick:
I always think I’m too cynical about the Kings, and then I overshoot the win total every year. Predicted 33. Heh.
Looks like you got me partner. However there may be proof of consensus overbidding per usual. I suppose my main point I wanted to make was that Y’all love Kool Aid come October.
I suppose there will always be folks with purple colored glasses. I was one once, but 16 long years of shitting the bed has left me with a sour face. The glass has been half empty for some years now.
Until the Kings prove me wrong, I’ll take the under on them for the foreseeable future.
Sounds like your main point is to distance yourself from this collective, which you are an active participant of.
“Y’all.”
Ok…
As a generally more optimistic fan in these parts, I’m wondering which TKH you were reading because most of what I read was the opposite.
Another fine example of the need for the return of the downvote option.
Agreed.
After all these years, how do you all continue to keep writing articles for a team so inept and rutterless? Surely there are better, more productive things you can do with your time…
Did I miss anything?
It was more a question of what keeps motivating them to write. I will be more clear next time so that there is no confusion on your part in the future
Rutterless…lol
They certainly aren’t without ruts.
Is it time to thank the Kings and let them go?
I’m going to Golden One tonight to see a comedy show. Is that redundant?
Me to Adam Silver when he’s about to announce any lottery pick above #7:
“KEEP MY TEAM’S NAME OUT OF YO FUCKING MOUTH”
Lupita’s barely visible smirk is gold.
Everything that she does with her face is gold.
LMAO, this is gold Kosta.
Is soup a meal or not?
Is Oatmeal a soup?
You are raisin a good point here.
Is gestapto a cereal…killer?
Who cares? It’s delicious!
Is it though?
This is a stabbable offense.
If you can stab soup, is it soup?
I stab soup with spoons fool! Jokes on you!
I pegged you more as a fork stabber
Is it from Mendy’s?
“PUT IT IN THE BOOKS AND SEND THEM TO THE LOTTERY!”
With no organizational changes above head coach/GM level coming any time soon, do you see any way the Kings (barring major playoff expansion) can make the playoffs again?
Could you see a scenario (say 20 years without making the playoffs) where the NBA might step in to try and facilitate a change in ownership? Not publicly of course, but behind the scenes.
26 of the 30 nba teams were successful this year (basically). You have the 20 teams that made the play-in and at least gave their fanbases playoffs or one interesting game at the end. And the 6 teams that had the bottom records and top 6 lottery odds put themselves in a good position to land an al-star caliber player in the draft. The draft odds are basically in brackets of 3 if you look at them 1-3 being best, 3-6 being second best odds. After that 7-9 is not that great and beyond that is little chance of getting a good pick. So the Kings are one of only 4 teams that completely failed in their inability to tank or even be one of the 20 best teams in the league. Fox and Ox are super soft and fringe All-Stars that don’t play defense and can’t compete with all the other teams loaded with real stars. This franchise continues to go absolutely nowhere year after year and can’t even tank, which I would be super excited about as a fan. Do you guys really think a team with Fox and D-Bone can take us to playoffs or play-in?
Everyone sets their own bars. Here is how I would set mine:
There will be 8-9 teams that win 50 games or more. That is a very successful regular season, in my opinion.
Another 7-8 teams will make the playoffs, and that is at least moderately successful.
The play-in is a sham, so no points awarded for being in the play-in and not advancing to the playoffs.
14 teams will not make the playoffs. Of those 14 teams, a couple will land the prized 1 or 2 pick in this draft. There will be 12 teams that neither land a top pick or a playoff spot. Those are, with a few exceptions, lost season teams, though you can grant an exception to OKC, Hou and Por for their acquisition of draft assets, whether or not they land a top 1-2 pick.
Basically, the Kings will be among 9-11 lost season teams – Ind, NY, Was, LAL, Sac, the four teams that lose the play-in, and perhaps one or two more depending on how the ping pong balls drop (Orl and Det if a couple of teams vault them in the lottery).
We should sign both Cody and Caleb Martin to 3-year, $7.5 million dollar deals and sure up our 2 and 3 backup spots for cheap.
If you were made GM, what are the 5 moves you would make to turn this team (franchise) around?
Great question. It should have been raised before the trade deadline but here we are. The possibilities are unknown so it’s difficult to say anything definitively. It also depends on where the draft balls fall. In the unlikelihood (7% chance) we get the first pick I’m drafting Jabari Smith and everything changes. I’d be happy to start next year off with Fox, DD, Barnes, Smith, Sabonis and Koloko. Add in Lyles for $2.6mil.
One. Remove the veterans for whatever draft capital and cap space you can acquire. The players include Holmes, Barnes, Len, Harkless and Holiday.
two. With our first pick I would draft the best player available regardless of their perceived position. Perhaps use the above to improve our draft position. I would target Keegan Murray and perhaps Duren if Murray is not available but would leave that up to the draft experts.
three. Hopefully we picked up some draft capital from step one and with that I would draft a player like Koloko from Arizona with our second pick.
four. Try to trade Fox for someone that fills a need, a young prospect and draft picks. I like the trade that was proposed with Boston which was Fox for Smart, Pritchard 2022 first and 2024 first.. I would not dump Fox unless the return is substantial. I would make this trade even if we got Jabari Smith. Mitchell and Smart playing together would give us a nasty defensive backcourt.
five. I would wait until the high profile players like Harden are signed and look for some carnage from the team needing to drop salary and hopefully land a quality player out of that. The same way we got Barnes from Dallas.
six. I would bring Lyles back at $2.6 million. I would resign Jones and DD if you can get them on team friendly deals. I would not go beyond two years for them.
seven. I would recognize that to build a sustainable winning team it is going to take multiple years and would not try to rush it like we did with the Sabonis deal.
eight. I would try to sign Sabonis to a long term max deal and trade him if he doesn’t accept it.
Hopefully we could start next season with a roster similar to this.
Mitchell, Pritchard
Smart, DD, TD
Murray, Nesmith
Sabonis, Lyles,
Jones, Koloko, Queta
The 2022-2023 should unfortunately be a rebuilding/development year. I hopefully have some cap space plus a 2023 first and two 2024 first round picks. I’d look to trade for a serviceable bad contract in exchange for draft capital.
Who are the top 8 players currently on the roster that you would like to see on the team next year? Feel free to exclude players you think we need to trade, don’t fit with our perpetual rebuilding plan, or are just not worth the cost.
There has never been a rebuilding plan.
I’d just like to point out the importance of proper roster construction…a team with LBJ and AD couldn’t even make the play-in almost exclusively due to poor roster construction and your annual AD injury of course (which everyone in the LA FO should’ve seen coming).
I think injuries had something to do with it. You might recall it wasn’t too long ago when they won a championship.
I read LA FO as LMFAO and I think that is entirely appropriate for them this season.
Should we draft for talent or draft a player that will not take the ball away from Fox?
Would you trade Mitchell and a draft pick (this year or next) + salary filler for Paul George?
Your salary filler would have to include either Barnes, Fox or Sabonis. You would also need to send Holmes, Mitchell, and someone like Len, Metu or Davis.
Yep.
What is the ceiling of a team with Sabonis, Fox and Barnes as its three best players?
Get a KAT
Assuming the chips fall with the current NBA standings and we get the 7th pick, what is a realistic trade for the Kings to move up to the number 1 pick? In my quick research, I saw that it’s happened twice in the last ten years and seven times overall.
C Dave’s list of coaches he has been told will be on the coaching candidates list this summer: Kenny Atkinson, Mike Brown, Steve Clifford. Thoughts?
Perhaps Bagley just needed to find a change in scenery. I hope he finds it in Detroit. Do the Kings need a change of scenery and should that be back in Kansas City?
A reason for pessimism. if you’re not already there. Kings have had a huge availability advantage this season. Before weighting by the value of the player lost (so, counting a game that Giannis sits the same as a game that, say, Alex Len misses) only 4 teams have had fewer games lost due to injury, H&S protocols, etc. than the Kings. But when you do weight by player value (e.g., VORP), Kings are least impacted of all 30 teams this season.
https://twitter.com/ManGamesLostNBA/status/1512573068023115781
Even if Sacramento has the best medical/training staff in history, that is unlikely to repeat next season.
Badge Legend