The Kings Herald Show returns with a playoff series to review and an offseason to preview. Listen to Jerry Reynolds, Will Griffith, and Tony Xypteras break down the Game 7 loss to the Golden State Warriors, Mike Brown’s adjustments, Sacramento’s struggles, where the organization goes from here, and everything else Kings on the podcast this week.
Thanks for listening, and thanks for supporting the Kings Herald this season. What a run.
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In addition to our bi-weekly podcast with Jerry Reynolds, we also record a Patreon exclusive Q+A once a month where Patrons at any level can Ask Jerry Anything.
You can submit questions for Jerry on Patreon, or write your questions in the comments below this post! Or you can just yell questions to Tony or Will on Twitter.
Only a little drunk, Jerreeeeeee……..
Thanks for the wonderful podcasts in this wonderful season guys!
For the first time in 17 years, I can say with a lot of confidence and enthusiasm:
On another topic (this could be a Patreon question): a Chris Biderman article in the Sac Bee contains interviews with Draymond Green where he expresses his respect for De’Aaron Fox and the Kings as a rising team. A commenter online raises the question whether Draymond would consider moving to the Kings. I know there were lots of expressions of dislike for Draymond after he stomped Domas, but wouldn’t he fill a lot of needs: rim-protector, someone big and tough, great defender? Wouldn’t Sacramentans grow to love him if he were on our team? (Think Dennis Rodman coming to the Jordan/Pippin Bulls.)
Here’s the link to Biderman’s article for those who have access to the Bee: https://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article274905021.html.
no. Jerk + poor fit.
No on Draymond. I recognize his abilities. However, this is a likable team and I’d hate for that to change.
Draymond is a douchebag.
Fuck Draymond Green
While I appreciate the likeability of this team, ultimately we need a piece to get us over the top, not saying Draymond is the answer but ultimately we need a little bit of nasty on our team and there’s worst options then Draymond, I’d replace him for Barnes in a heartbeat.
I don’t think his skillset would mesh on this team. He’s a system player for the Warriors and basically plays the same role that Sabonis does for the Kings on the offensive side of the floor. Sabonis needs shooters around him and Draymond is not that guy.
Defensively he’s not really a rim protector or an elite rebounder, but more of a good on ball defender. Would he help on that end of the floor? Sure, but is that what the Kings really need at this point? I’m hoping Monte is looking more for a 3 and D wing in the mold of Mikal Bridges. Go get an OG Anunoby type.
Good points. What about Draymond as Sabonis’ back-up?
In an ideal world where Draymond could check his ego and attitude at the door and accept a limited role of 15 minutes per game? Sure, but that ain’t happening. There are far better and cheaper options for backup center. Just sign Mason Plumlee this summer for that role at a cheaper price.
“That ain’t happening.” I wouldn’t be too sure. There is a six-year relationship with Mike Brown as his coach + expressed respect for Fox and the Kings team as a group.
Just my opinion:
Draymond is going to LAL if anywhere else. His relationship with Lebron and Klutch sports makes this most likely.
Skill sets and personality fits are two different areas. The one resounding and uniform soundbite coming out on these post season/exit interviews is how much these guys like each other and want to stay together. That special chemistry should not be underestimated and, IMO, should not be disrupted by talent differences. If In-his-prime Boogie Cousins were available would you want him on this squad?
This is a good point, and those Bulls teams were good, but to my mind, the players, especially Jordan, were not particularly likable. Do we have to chose between a team of likable players and a championship team?
in my mind – you worry about that when you get there.
Today – these Kings are playoff contenders not championship contenders.
How about Day-Day for that rug the players step on before going into game, in order to clean dust off shoes?
LOL NOPE.
Of course I’d consider it. Rodman absolutely mauled one of the two Bulls stars (I think it was Pippin as a rookie). I looked for it again on the net and I think it was taken down. Pippen got over it.
OT: DO NOT WANT
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1653430519315714049
Did he want 40 million? 😋
If Vlade was still the GM, I’d be scared he would be signed.
It probably should have been us facing the Fakers and beating them today.…………
Just so close to win round 1 and get into 2nd round.
Still feels pretty sad….and mad about the performance of the team in such a critical game 7…espeically Barnes, all his interviews, he mentioned the importance of attention to details, but he completely disappeared, and inability to step up as a veteran in game 7 is a real frustation.
Game 4- Barnes misses shot.
I was kind of surprised that Jerry characterized Fox’s play in the series as kind of meh, given the injury to his finger. I thought that Fox’s defense was generally pretty good, and I don’t think Sacramento wins even one game without his other contributions.
It’s safe to say that the injury probably affected Fox more the deeper into the series it went, which is understandable, and I agree with the assessment that it had a larger impact on his ballhandling than his shooting. Still, he missed more shots than is typical, particularly in the midrange, and I’d wager that had he not been hampered, the Kings win in no more than six.
It was a heroic effort, and I’m thrilled that Fox is going to be around for a while.
Seemed to me he was just stating Stats that on offense only Monk had a winning PPS number . Of course the Kings win nothing without Fox and as mentioned a true superstar in the making . Fox was heroic, as was Sabonis but overall stats for series not outstanding .
It was definitely a rough one for several guys who were incredibly reliable over the course of the season. If Barnes, Sabonis and Huerter put up anything close to their averages, we’re hosting those bastard Lakers tonight.
Difficult to imagine a team-wide implosion like that happening again, but I’d have had a tough time imagining it at all two weeks ago.
Great season for Kings, Kings Herald and this podcast ! All very enjoyable .
My happy place is Jerry reading Sacramento electronics supply ads.
Yeah – that is the absolute best.
“Go to dubya duby dubya …”
Classic.
Interesting comments about team needs, and the possibility of signing Naz Reid. TWolves can offer him the full mid-level exception but can’t promise an opportunity to start.
In the draft, hmm, a 4/5 who can defend, protect the rim, rebound and shoot from outside? That’s difficult to find. Possibly Trayce if he ever tried to shoot threes (70% FT shooter). How about a 3/4 who can do all those things? I’ve got another Senegalese 2nd round sleeper in Ousmane N’Diaye. Will’s gonna love him.
Well, I really like Neemias Queta, and hope he can be part of the rotation next year. He can’t shoot the three, but he does the rest, and knows our system.
We’re not likely to get a better big in the second half of the draft.
Watching his Stockton tape, he still appears to be painfully slow. Like, slower than Alex Len slow.
I tend to agree that the Kings may not find a ready-made 4/5 in the draft, but I don’t think that Queta is the answer.
Queta does not seem to be switchable and is not a great rebounder. Guys like James Nnaji and Adem Bona are probably already better for his role.
I hoped for Nemias but now not sure.
Derrick Lively, Clowney, Njai, Filiposki (If he is still in draft), Hendricks (but he will not drop), but not GG Jackson or Trayce.
Kings need- rim protection/rebounding + length on wing + back up PG.
Fill, in part, one of these needs in the draft, one in FA
Naz Reid would be great.
my second-round sleeper- Zach Edey. Can’t run but is tall as all get out.
Lively’s shot blocking looks pretty good. He’s a draft crush of Adam Spinella. Not sure about fit because he’s mostly in the dunkers spot and does not shoot.
Edey is interesting. He can move like Hibbert did, and can shoot. The processing speed and reaction time is where I need more convincing.
I have liked Colby Jones recently. Sort of a Malcolm Brogdon type of player that can do a bit of everything on the court at 6″6 ish…replace TD and help in some of the smaller lineups at the 3.
not bad. some people compare him to Josh Hart.
better all-around than TD and longer.
Bigs: Leonard Miller- more of a 4, Lively- a 5 with limitations, Clowney- a 4 with some bounce but thin,
Wings- Rupert, Lewis (all offense), Sensabaugh, Hawkins- but I suspect all these are gone.
Internationa- Cissoko, Njai, Rupert,
No- T. Smith or Sasser.
Kings needs- rim protection/rebounder + wing length + third PG
Will not get all in draft and perhaps none in draft.
Eubanks, Poertl, Plumlee and Naz Reid as FA’s
and Sasha for free (actually do have to pay him but he is found money)
Cissoko is another interesting prospect who might be available at #24.
What do you think about Jalen Slawson? Why is he not ranked higher?
I like what Jerry also said about many guy’s should be available to trade.
We now see what we have and Barnes, Heurter ain’t cutting it and I don’t mind if they have to trade Davion (well some).
With Sabonis, you can’t have guys who can’t shoot out there, especially in the playoffs.
I wonder if McNair, coming from Houston, will look at all ways to get better and that most guys on the roster are moveavle (even Keegan) if need be.
I’m not ready to pass judgment on a 24 year old based on a 7 game playoff sample size (Huerter).
If they can address other issues with a Huerter trade, fine. But if Sabonis needs shooters around him, I’m not sure how trading one of the eleven guys in the league that shot better than 40% from the arc while making 2.5 or more per game helps matters.
Problem is that Huerter has played 30 playoff games and started 22. He was definitely good in some playoff games a couple years ago, and as you said, he’s still young. That being said, his performance in this series started looking like the yips to me. I don’t think you move him just to move him and the Kings season overall was excellent, but Huerter (and Barnes) and some other areas sure looked like weak spots in the playoffs.
I think if we see the same 1 through 6 or 1 through 7 lineup next season, it’s a lost opportunity, so I hope the FO is aggressive in improving the team.
He had a slump during the season. He’s streaky. So is Monk.
Still, Monk seems to be a force multiplier for Fox. Between their incredible athleticism and love for playing together, there have been times where defenses should just go sit down, because your best efforts are being made to look foolish.
As you said, if trading Huerter improves the team overall, of course you think about it, but we’d be talking about him as part of a package to get a top-thirty guy. A terrible series, but I don’t think it accurately reflects his ability to contribute going forward.
The team won forty-eight games, and it doesn’t feel like an emergency situation because of the series. In all things, I appreciate McNair’s willingness to strike when it’s right for his team, and to stand pat when it isn’t. I don’t know what the roster will look like in October, but I’ll bet there will be more talent.
But the best of Monk came out under pressure. He played at his highest level for the most part. And never at his lowest.
Heurter played practically at his lowest level the whole series. Barnes did too.
I think some players get worse in playoffs, under pressure (game exposed) and some better/more focused.
Davion played at a high level for him. Keegan did too.
Keegan did eventually. Was he on the trade block after game three? Davion had good & bad moments. Was he off and on the block?
Macro > Micro.
I agree with your perspective here Rob.
I get nervous when decisions are being made in response to the last opponent. It seems very shortsighted.
I am not one that thinks the past predicts the future.
Unless it is Point God getting injured in the playoffs.
Exactly. It’s time to improve, not remain stagnant. What they have is building. Need more pieces. And need players to improve in some areas etc.
I was really saying I don’t mind if Heurter is traded. And he has had a bit of a track record in playoff games.
I didn’t mean trade just to trade. I meant I’d have him and Barnes, and maybe Davion available to trade for an upgrade.
Heurter does not bring much on the defensive end, so if he’s not going to hit 3s he’s essentially useless.
Just think/see others who play D and hit 3s out there.
And he didn’t shoot 40% in the playoffs, not even close. That’s the point. Not what these guys do in the regular season but how they perform in the playoffs.
To that end, no one on the roster is untradeable. It all depends on the return. My point is that Huerter’s performance in the playoffs does not move the needle for me, nor does it particularly concern me.
You people kill me. We just had our best season in 16 years and lost in game 7 to the defending World Champions and you want to blow it all up. Just relax and let Mike Brown do what he does best. Huerter and Barnes were huge parts of the puzzle that got us to where we were. Yes, they underperformed in the playoffs. So did Keegan the first 3 games. Do you want to cut him too? What about Sabonis? He was pretty atrocious the entire series. So much so that when he was in foul trouble and after he eventually fouled out the team went on a run and blew the Dubs out in game 6. I suppose you think we should get rid of him too?
I can only assume you are a bandwagon Kings fan and have not been a fan since 1985 when they moved to Sacramento. When they played in little Arco and had the likes of Mark Olberding and LaSalle Thompson manning the lane. Take a step back from the ledge and just be a happy for once in your life.
I do think that Reid would be a pretty good get, but we’ve been infatuated before by guys who play like all-stars against the Kings. Admittedly, the number of them is distressingly large, but Naz would be an easy fit next to Sabonis, with Keegan moving to small forward. I’m not familiar enough with his body of work, but even as a rotation guy from the bench, he could easily get 25-30 minutes a night, or more, depending on matchups. Has anyone around here watched him enough to say whether he’s got unrealized potential, or if he’s about as good as he’s going to get? He’s only twenty-three.
Like Jerry said, inquiries will undoubtedly be made by McNair. And I do think that players looking for new vistas will take into account our fantastic coach, and the way the Kings play. It’s a blast to watch, so you know it’s got to be so much fun to play.
Reid was very good as a starter for Towns or Gobert during injuries and looked terrific against Kings . Think Jerry is right , and with huge money tied up with Towns , Gobert may be getable .
Excuse the poor grammar, but I would love me some Naz Reid!
With his ability to hit the three and rebound, I could see him starting at power forward if HB is moving on.
I haven’t been this excited for our first round draft pick in a long time. It feels like it’s no longer “Will we draft a superstar, all star, or starter?” that comes with the accompanied risk and bust potential. Now, it’s “which rotational player will mesh with the foundation we have?”. As thrilling as 16 years of the lottery was, I’m more than happy to see who falls to us in the 20s that complements Fox, Sabonis, and Murray. What a difference a year makes. I know we’re at 24 this year, but even Walker Kessler fell to 22 last year. A few years ago Jordan Poole was picked at 28. Monte is 3/3 so far so I’m stoked to see who we get. If we keep the pick…
Yup, I think we can finally say there is little need to draft BPA but instead go for fit or skillset. This draft is apparently deep so finding a key rotational player at #24 is very doable. There might even be some solid upperclassmen who can contribute right away.
Plus, we have needs in multiple areas. A better backup big, length at the three and the four, another shooting guard (Davis is a FA, I think).
The organization’s perception of where Ellis and Edwards (and maybe even Dozier) are as players may factor in to a minor amount as well.
I think that Vezenkov winds up coming over this season, and that may factor in too, especially when it comes to whether or not the Kings keep their 2nd round picks (my guess is that both picks go unless they love someone on the board at 38.
I feel there is a good chance that Veznekov is starting next year for the Kings, Monte adds some ancillary help in free agency like Thybulle and Plumlee while retaining Lyles. Barnes may not return, but the #24 hopefully ends up being a rotational piece.
Fox, Davion, Ellis
Huerter, Monk, Thybulle
Murray, #24, Edwards,
Veznekov, Lyles
Sabonis, Plumlee
good start
I like Ellis but do not believe he is third PG. I would not draft a PG in either round. #24 is too low and second round PG’s don’t turn out.
I like the addition of Thybulle- not sure of Plumlee. Ellis, Thybulle and Edwards are all defenders. That’s fine.
I like Vezenkov but while a solid rebounder, he is not elite.
The #24 is interesting- some long 2 guards there and a few bigs. That pick decides the future of TD and may influence the future of HB. Lewis has potential but his fit is 2 guard and the Kings need length at the 3. Leonard Miller?
Take the BPA and then sort it out. BPA will be a backup center or a long wing. A lively 4/5 is important but not sure about the draft- Clowney?
Bilal Coulibaly is my current draft crush. I think he’ll be there at #24, but wont be there at at #38. I think he could be that 2/3 combo 3 and D player with length. Kings could take him not go after Thybulle. Spend that free agent money elsewhere.
nice. I think it was you who mentioned him a couple months ago with the comment “Bilal Coulibaly please”. He looks like a 1st rounder.
Yeah, he just has the modern wing feel to me, very much a Mikal Bridges type.
Kessler Edwards > Matisse Thybulle IMO. Edwards isn’t at that level – yet – but he is signed and a known product that meshes with the team. I expect him to get better and better. He just impressed me this year with what little we saw of him on the court.
I’d rather see the $ go for either a strong SF or a rebounding/defensive PF/C. I can dream of a Jeremi Grant or OG Annunoby or even, despite his questionable defense, but a very strong rebounder – Nikola Vucevic.
What happened to the Buck Williams, Horace Grant, Charles Oakley, Paul Silas, Dennis Rodman power forwards? Everyone’s concentrating on being a 3 & D.
I want a Re & D player (rebounding and defense), but I don’t think they exist much anymore.
The Kings just got destroyed by one in Kevon Looney.
I can see why he is your crush- looks like a Raptor pick.
at 24- there may be a choice between Bilal, Sidy Cissoko and Rayan Rupert- the international 3. or Clowney and Lively- the tall guys
or Jones, Lewis, Whitehead or Sensabaugh- the US wings.
all have some specific upside.
Leonard Miller might be there too- a Canadian, I think.
these are all role guys. and all have the required length.
If TD is replaced by one of these, will Sasha make up the offense lost?
I was watching Vezenkov highlights earlier, and I’m genuinely wondering if he is a 3 or 4? In the NBA. It looks like athleticism suggests 4 but (lack of) size suggests 3.
He’s 6’9″, 225, so I think he’d be all right as a stretch four, but my only reservation is whether you can get him to give any part of a shit about defense. If Brown can get decent effort from him on that end, he looks like a very nice, affordable addition.
Nice. Surprised to hear he’s 6’9, he looked smaller in the highlights.
To be fair, he was wearing those slimming (and visual crime against nature) stripes.
yes a 4 athlete and a 3 size
Vezenkov could be really good in the Kings offense.
I’d keep #38.
I would, too. I think that there will be players / prospects at 38 worth drafting, and it is an inexpensive way to fill out the bottom of the roster (or a two-way).
The cap is going to be interesting moving forward as Sabonis is eligible for an extension this offseason (but most likely gets the bigger pay day next offseason), Murray will eventually get the rookie scale, Huerter makes a decent amount, and Monk will most likely be a King for a while.
Use the 2nds for those cheaper guys that have some upside instead of vets like Len, Holmes, etc.
There are a lot of mechanics at play here. If they re-sign Barnes they also have an MLE that they can use to exceed the cap, and they can use the BAE on Vez. But if they don’t re-sign Barnes I believe they lose the MLE, though they gain the cap space.
They had similar issues last year and sold the pick, then turning around and signing Ellis immediately after the draft. My guess is that if someone offers them cash for they sell it, knowing that they can sign a FA five picks later. And unless they see someone at 38 that is compelling, they will sell that pick as well and maintain end-of-the-roster flexibility.
This. You might have an opportunity at this point to sign an older, still productive vet who actually *wants* to play for this team, which hasn’t been true for going on a couple decades.
I’m an Arizona homer every year, but Tubelis should be there at 38 and I would love him on our team. Upperclassmen (Monte likey) and with a similar skillset and size to Domas. They’re also both Lithuanian so I feel like that could keep Domas happy.
OMG! Point of recognition:
We are just now talking about the NBA draft and it’s MAY!
Haha. The draft is NEXT MONTH and we DO NOT CARE about the lottery!!!
I always think that too. Last year, traded the 34 pick (Jaden Hardy- who played for Mavs) for two future lower second round picks.
One of the higher rated guys may drop like Hardy did or Zach Edey- the human tall fire hydrant. You cannot coach 7/4.
there are guys at 38 with one skill perhaps worth looking at- the “size skill”- Edey. You can’t coach 7/4 but that’s a tall fire hydrant.
If Sasha comes over, Kings have 3 picks- that’s 4 additions plus absolutely need other holes filled through FA
Monte always trades second round picks for more second round picks
Wonder if the BPA vs Fit debates will be more or less intense this year…
Yeah, now we really can just draft for fit to add to the roster since we already have a core to go off of. No more hoping “we better draft a superstar or all star.” I love being in the position we are in.
Same. It’s so refreshing. Don’t have to try and keep drafting saviors.
On the other hand – I have so much confidence in this coaching staff after seeing how they handle Keegan and to some extent Kessler Edwards – that I hope to see a draft choice that they develop into a star (a la San Antonio Spurs)s
I share the same confidence. And I am also very excited for a Kessler-Mike Brown offseason. Think he can definitely handle backup SF duties, if not more.
My only question is wether Kris Murray will still be available, and how much it will cost to trade up if he isn’t.
If nothing else, it would give Keegan 12 fouls per game.
Nah, Kris smiles way too often to pull that off.
very tough in the NBA to “trade up”. NFL occurs all the time but not in the NBA as often.
I don’t care how difficult it is. I’m not interested in excuses. I want the Murray bros and I want them now (now as in on draft day).
oh great! And how are we supposed to tell when they switch jerseys?
Again: one smiles a lot.
Waiting for the BSWest report but my Google sources tell me he won’t be available. Small part of it might be trading off of his twin’s rookie year success, in addition to the great year that he had.
very tough in NBA to “trade up” Different than NFL
Thanks for yet another good show.
This one was particularly important in helping with my recovery from the end of that series.
I’m tempted to go back and chart the course of the Kings of the late nineties and early 2000s to see how closely our current team resembles their progress. We’ve got the big man who can pass, the clutch point guard, the small forward who can rain threes. We’ve also got a first-round playoff exit.
Really curious to see what happens next.
I kind of feel a better team to compare to is the Warriors of a decade ago, who just made their first playoffs of the Curry era after going from 23 wins to 47. Curry was 25, just like Fox is now, and Klay was 22 and just starting to show he was legit, much like Murry who is also 22. They were two years from winning it all. Could the Kings be on the same trajectory after going from 30 wins to 48?
It really is the correct team to compare to. Very similar.
Silly Trivia:
This season, Sacramento tied the 2004-05 Adelman Kings for 5th most wins in a season with 51 total season wins. That team won 50 in the regular season, but had only one playoff win. And are 4th in overall playoff wins with 3 (10, 7, 7, 3 – see below)
2001-02 71 (61 + 10)
2002-03 66 (59 + 7)
2003-04 62 (55 + 7)
2000-01 57 (55 +2)
2004-05 51 (50 + 1)
2022-23 51 (48 + 3)
First non-Adelman winning season in Sac. history.
Only 7 more to tie Rick . No problem LOL
“I wonder if some of them are drunk when they comment.”
I plead the 5th…which I also drank.
I think the Kings should re-visit Xavier Tillman in free agency and this time hang on to him.
I hear Woodard is available.
Badge Legend