The NBA announced the All-NBA teams for the 2023-24 season today and Domantas Sabonis was named to the All-NBA Third Team for the second consecutive season. Sabonis received one 1st place vote, 16 2nd place votes and 51 3rd place votes to make the team. De’Aaron Fox was the only other Sacramento King to receive votes (one 2nd place vote and six 3rd place votes). Full voting and the rest of the teams can be found here.
A year after the Kings won many accolades, this is the first and only season reward for the Kings this year but it could not have gone to a more deserving player. Sabonis averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds (best in the league) and 8.2 assists per game (6th in the league). He finished as the league leader in both triple-doubles (26) and double-doubles (77) and set the post-merger NBA record for consecutive double-doubles at 61. He also played each and every game of the season and Play-In Tournament, a rare feat these days.
After not being voted an All-Star and Malik Monk not winning 6th man of the Year, I was fully prepared to see Domantas Sabonis snubbed from the All-NBA team as well, so I’m glad to see the voters at least got this right. Sabonis put up a historic season and it deserves to be recognized. With this selection, Sabonis joins Chris Webber (5), Mitch Richmond (5) and DeMarcus Cousins (2) as the only Kings players in the Sacramento-era to be named to multiple All-NBA teams. Given that this was just Domas’ second full year with the team, the best is hopefully yet to come.
Congratulations Domas!
Well deserved and hard earned. I am a proud fan to have such a wonderful player on this Sacramento Kings team.
Grats Domas!
Well deserved. His numbers are truly impressive…like all time Sac King season great. Monte just needs to get the big fella some help this summer.
OT: This is wild.
https://x.com/basketbllnews/status/1793449501279322496
Geezus. I still remember when Steph Curry’s rookie extension he signed was 4 years at $44 million.
69.2 million a year. That’s Otani territory.
When he doesn’t complain to the refs all the time, he is kinda fun to watch, seems to enjoy the game. Pretty tough too!
When he doesn’t complain to the refs all the time and isn’t flopping his fat a$$ on our players, injuring them in the process, ruining our playoff and sixth man award chances, he is kinda fun to watch…
Fixed.
Well, he is a generational talent but seems like Monopoly money in pro sports today . Bagley much cheaper 🤬
sheesh – he’d be ~50% of the salary cap by himself! add another ~$39m for Kyrie and that leaves $34m for the rest of the team…not sure that’s the best way to build a dynasty but what do i know – i root for the Kings.
The dude is 5 time All-NBA in his first 6 seasons. He’s worth every penny.
Bravo, sir. Well deserved.
Flip Domas and Anthony Davis, and it’d look right.
Congrats, Domas!
yeah. that part is bull shit
Happy for Domas to get some recognition for his hard work.
AND talent!
Domas has been great in the regular season. But, unless he develops a mid range and playoff winning game he’s not getting the Kings anywhere.
But, I wonder how much better he’d be in post season with an O built for him in the 1/2 court when DHO doesn’t work.
OT—MB extension?
“Mike Brown backed up year one with a 46-36 record in year two, but the Kings fell short of the playoffs, falling in the second of two play-in tournament games. The failure to repeat the success of the previous year hasn’t sat well with ownership, according to sources. This shouldn’t be a complicated matter, but like everything else in Sacramento, it is. 21 hours ago – via Kings Beat”
Increased injuries, poor play by Huerter and Barnes, the West got stronger and the roster didn’t improve. Some of that is not on Brown. Maybe Huerter and Barnes weren’t used as well as possible.
Brown had some questionable rotations, which was mostly on him (although his options were limited due to the roster). Ownership can be as frustrated as they want, but until they decide to pony up the cash to improve the roster, the team will not improve.
Also, ownership probably needs to look at the long term outcome and not immediate gratification. They are getting tons of cash because the Kings are relevant again. Just trust the process and work at continuing to build a sustainably successful team each year.
Yeah, I have a slightly different view on that.
I was quite disappointed in Brown this season.
Despite having back the core players of last year’s team, I saw very little evolution in the offensive game, and especially very little counters to the increased emphasis of opponents on disrupting the DHO.
I hate his insistence on shooting an absurd amnount of 3’s, and when it’s not working, he just wants more spray 3’s. Look at the play-offs Mike. The midrange game is very much alive.
On that matter, Fox going away from his strengths and hoisting up that many 3’s really hurt his efficiency.
I feel he stuck way too long with his favorites (Huerter, Barnes, Duarte and McGee) when things were clearly not working. And I think he never gave Sasha enough of a leash and spurts to adjust and find any rythm. (That’s a small gripe, but it all adds up.)
On defense, I have to give him some credit. Especially regarding the improvement of Keegan. However, defensive improvement only really came when Huerter (and Monk) got injured and Brown was forced to finally call on Keon. And it happened in the last third of the season, also known as silly season. So I don’t know how much credit he should get here.
The team had some annoying tendencies like digging holes early, not being prepared for games against bottom feeders and losing big leads. Tendencies are a coaching issue.
I think overall, he wasn’t impressive at all with his game planning in general, ingame adjustments, with ATO’s and with foul challenges. I think he was very inflexible and sort of rode on the waves of last year’s success.
And despite the fact that we had more injuries this season, we were again one of the healthiest teams in the league. On the one hand, that is a plus. On the other hand, we failed to capitalize on it and you have to wonder how long the injury luck will hold.
Another thing to consider is that he now lost his main assistant coach who was highly touted. It will be interesting to see how he manages without him.
So when I look at all that, i think this year was u8nderwhelming for Brown. of course there are other factors, but even then I look at a guy who had one very good year and one so-so (or if you being generous okay) year.
Is that 2 year track record worth giving a premature extension at apparently a hefty price for? Pick up his option and tell him that if he has a good year this year, he’ll get his bag.
Am I too harsh? What did Brown do this season that impressed you folks?
The option is mutual and Brown is declining it. This is a lame duck year.
Okay thanks, didn’t know that.
I never got the lame duck argument for coaches.
I think the lame duck issue is a valid isssue when it comes to GM’s. You don’t want a GM on the last year of his deal and without approval being in a poosition to draft, sign and trade players that will have an impact several years down the road.
A coach? He has to coach. If the players have no trust in him, he’s a lame duck anyway. If the players believe in him, they will likely play their ass off to ensure he gets an new deal.
I think it’s a bit off an oddball situation where you are hitting the nail on the head… while still having a strong case to continue with Brown. Say we fire Brown. Are we going to get a replacement that’s better than him, on top of needing to reestablish culture, or is it simply rearraigning deck chairs?
Honestly, my feeling is that it needs to be Monte’s chair getting hot. It’s the roster construction that in my opinion has the most wins or loses attached to it. Brown’s coaching isn’t perfect, but I also don’t feel like it’s the limiting factor a la Walton. If Monte flubs and needs to go, clean house with Brown as well and let the new guy get a fresh staff, but otherwise I feel it’s far easier to address roster construction first and then revisit the Brown situation.
Good points.
But if the roster is that important, and it is, then why does Brown gets so much credit for last year but the onus is mainly on Monte for this year?
Not a limiting factor, but the question is whether he is capable of taking a team to the next level. I don’t know. that’s why i want to see what he does next season.
If you’re not willing to take risks, then you get a situation where you try to convince yourself that continuity is very important…
The culture thing is a concern, I agree. But if the culture is about improving, championship aspirations and accountability, then how can Brown look at this season and demand an extension and a significant pay rise?
And here’s the rub; if you let Monte now sign Brown to a multi-year extension for a hefty amount and you decide that Monte has to go (or get a role as special advisor), you’ll be once again in the Kangzy situation of a new GM stuck with a coach not of his choosing.
I thought McNair and Brown had the same length of years on their deals, so if things did not go well they would both be gone at the same time? Maybe I am off on the years, I can’t remember.
Yes, I think so too, but if we now give Brown an extension and fire Monte after next season, it’s an issue.
That would be an issue for sure.
Great points and feel Brown should be retained but declining option is on him . He wants more money and longer contract than have a better season . Otherwise what is his leverage ?
Fair assessments. I too was frustrated with his rotations throughout the season and lack of in-game adjustments. He has room to grow as a coach, I just hope he learns from the previous season and comes in to this season more willing to adapt.
Exactly. Browns issue has always been he doesn’t adjust or adapt. Just keep yelling same things. This is part of why players tune out his message.
I don’t know that he can. You’d think he’d have learned this lesson.
Probably, the only way through is Monte getting him players that fit his system. Brown adjusting is unlikely.
I don’t think Brown has ever won it all? This is why.
Not too harsh. I agree. In addition, it seemed like players were tunning him out at one point.
And Brown did exactly zero to correct O in 1/2 court that needed correction very obviously after last years playoffs. Teams stopped DHO and Brown did nothing.
All Brown did was preach D. And there seemed to be a disconnect between Monte and Brown. Monte saying O needed get back for winning and Brown said D Brown runs and O not suited to most of his players.
It’s all very disconcerting since the little douchebag owner lurks. I’m sure he’s on Monte side in this. And he’s also the reason the Kings have passed on greatness to keep Fox.
This is not great. And I think we are seeing why Brown gets fired often. Stubborn in his ways and has not adjusted. Same can be said for Vivek.
If you compare health to last year, we are less healthy and our opponents are healthier.
Here you go, 4th toughest schedule this year
https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2024.html#advanced-team::8
Easiest schedule last year
https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2023.html#advanced-team::8
We were still 25th in total games lost to injuries, and our top 4 players in MPG lost only 11 games in total.
2023 NBA Injured Tracker: Team (spotrac.com)
Yeah, this roster is not good enough and not deep enough to take advantage of being the 5th healthy roster. They really needed to be the 1st healthy roster.
Was going to post this in a different thread—glad you did. Some folks are saying the Kings regressed this year, and in terms of wins and standings placement they did. But because their schedule was so much more difficult their adjusted net rating was actually better.
those are valid criticisms.
in terms of improving the half-court offense, which player or type of player at PF do you think would help most? Do you think a cerebral player who can pass the rock like Kyle Anderson could start at PF and improve it?
I used to love Slo-Mo but i think he’s past his prime. Same for Kelly Olynyk. I’d love to get either Brooke Lopez or Bobby portis, if we could afford them.
Actualkly, the almost perfect fit would be Deni Avdiya, IMO. He has everything we need, with the exception of rim protection. But he’s a decent rebounder and a good, switchable defender and glue guy. Hard to see Monte pay for what it will take to pry him loose from Washinhgton. He has one of the better contracts in the league.
yeah, more size up front. a big who bangs around with the big centers in the west who can also spot up. I think Jerry Reynolds’ suggestion of Valanciunas might be the way to go if the others are unavailable. I assume he and Sabonis already have a rapport. gotta role the dice on someone.
Slo-mo came to mind because of the half-court issues. some of it is coaching, but some of it is the players. I think the team needs more playmakers. Since you like Deni, I’ll mention again: Baylor Scheierman. see John Wasserman’s write-up today.
however, the team has to give Brown an early extension. I explain why in a more recent thread.
If Vivek cans Brown after 94 wins in the last two seasons, why would any reputable coach want to come here afterwards? Why would McNair or any GM want to be in a front office that is going to spiral back into disarray the moment some stability and success is achieved?
Hell – why would I as a fan ever expect better things to be possible with this franchise if ownership is going to blow it all up if they don’t go from perennial basement dweller to NBA champion in 3 seasons?
This team is rinsing the stench off itself from 16 years of mediocrity. Brown and McNair were reigning COTY and EOTY just a month ago. The team can compete with any team on any given night (except the Pelicans and Celtics). There is legitimacy to the personnel, to the roster, and to the culture that is being established. Guys are being held accountable on the defensive end. Players have bought into their roles. Young guys like Keegan, Keon, and Colby are showing growth. Why in the hell would you mess with this right now? Brown is the best coach that we’ve had since Malone, and during his tenure Vivek has paid more money to Luke Walton to sit on the couch at home.
Cut the nonsense and just PAY THAT MAN!!!
I don’t see “the failure to improve did not sit well with ownership” translating to “Vivek cans Brown after two seasons”.
Wanting to see what he does in his 3rd year is not so unreasonable, IMO.
Why commit to long years when he declined the option ? He has one year and could have had 2 . A slippage this season would not sit well if after signing a 5 year 50 million dollar deal and some coach like Spolestra becomes available . Always someone !
He is not being paid market value at under 5mil/year – even Walton got paid more per year and he was the worst head coach I’ve ever seen. It’s the right choice for him to decline the option, you can’t expect him to work for less than he’s worth.
And I shouldn’t need to say this, but Spoelstra, Kerr, Pop, Brad Stevens, etc. is not walking through that door. This has been a poverty franchise and thinking we could do better than Brown with our next head coach is a fantasy, especially after showing every coach in the NBA that we won’t respect their achievements after delivering the franchise’s two best back-to-back seasons in nearly 2 decades.
The question is not whether Brown can take this team to a title. I have my doubts about that, too – and not all those doubts are about Brown himself but the trajectory of this roster as a whole. The question is where is this team without Brown?
He’s shown he and his staff can develop young talent, that he can get players to buy-in on the defensive end, and get them to buy-in to their role. The culture he is developing is one of accountability and commitment. He has demonstrated success with two winning seasons in two years. Progress is not linear but the overall trend of this team has been overwhelmingly positive with him.
If you let this guy go, you are starting back at square one, and history suggests that it will be the beginning of another carousel of garbage head coaches and another decade of cellar-dwelling. Do not throw away a good thing and do not disrespect the man that has brought it to you. Pay him.
The main question should be whether Brown can lead an improved, contending roster to a title. Because that is the proclaimed aim, as it should be. I have my doubts.
That is an interesting question, and then the question is also who do you compare him to. If you take Walton as you baseline, he looks great. But could Joerger or Gentry, with a good GM who supported and worked in lockstep with them, achieve similar results? I suspect they might.
I think there is a small group of bad coaches, a small group of very good coaches, and large group of coaches who can do well, if they have a decent roster and FO environment. So if we lose Brown it does not necessarily mean the end of the world, IMO.
In that regard, you know who also got paid? Monty Williams…
Somehow Monty Williams got paid huge cash, and had a record of 367-336 before taking over the lowly Pistons. He must have the best agent in the world.
To me this reads as an argument for extending Brown. I, for one, am not trying to replicate any of Mat Ishbia’s ownership decisions. Monty was a good coach that led the Suns to more success than they’ve seen since he’s left, and he can hardly be blamed for the college team he’s coaching now.
I don’t disagree that there are good coaches of equal talent to Brown. But if we already have a coach of that caliber…why not just keep him? Why start over in building a culture, scheme, vision, and report with the players? And if you reach your hand into that grab bag again, there’s a much better chance you pull out a worse coach than a better one.
Maybe two years of good basketball has caused some of us to forget, but here’s a reminder of where we are coming from. 3 years ago 12 of the top 15 players in terms of mpg were Louis King, Glenn Robinson III, Hassan Whiteside, Nemanja Bjelica, Corey Joseph, Terence Davis, Mo Harkless, Damian Jones, Delon Wright, MB3, Richaun Holmes, and Buddy Hield. Zoom out a bit from the present moment and you see this team is on an enormous upward swing for the first time in a long time.
It takes time to accumulate assets when you’re starting with damn near nothing. Getting those assets requires good player development which requires a winning culture and stable organization. How many young guys during the playoff drought may have had entirely different careers as productive NBA players had they not been drafted into Sacramento’s basketball hell? Bringing in talent is half of the job, the other half is how you employ it.
Maybe after the first year of Keegan’s second contract, when Fox/Sabonis/Keegan have had the time to fully realize their potential together, and when Monte has had more time to build the supporting cast with veteran players who know one another and don’t need a coach to show them how to play together, then we can talk about letting MB go. But right now, things are extremely fragile. Mike Brown is not perfect, but he is playing a vital role in the growth of this team at this moment. I think restarting at zero at this point would be a critical error that could set the Kings back a decade.
How would you feel if the team wins 38 games and Brown just got a 5 year 50 million extension ? He has one season and could have had two . All his choice which means he is betting on himself and team .
How will you feel if the team wins 50 and Brown takes a contract elsewhere? These negotiations go both ways.
Brown may have all the leverage or none after this season . It’s also true he will get the contract he wants or be out of a job . Remember Nurse, Budenholzer, Stotts . Ham western finals last season fired this season . I think he is a fine coach but do not see a long term sure thing . I hope he is who you think he is .
How did an article honoring Sabonis turn into an endless discussion of Brown’s contract and value?
We were just looking for a way to diss Domas, why?
Than explain Nurse, Budenholzer being proven champions and being available last season .
Hear, hear.
Well said. I completely agree with every point you made.
Very deserved and truly enjoy the productivity, effort and unselfishness he brings every game and every minute . Makes paying huge amounts for games close to tolerable .
A side story to Domas getting All-NBA, is that Fox did not. From what I understand, he is now not eligible for a super-max extension. Didn’t he not sign an extension over the past year in case he became eligible for the super-max?
Personally, I think it may be good for the Kings if Fox did not qualify.
Is who not eligible for the super-max? Fox?
Correct. One of the criteria is you have to be an All-NBA player the season prior to signing one. He couldn’t sign a super-max extension last year because you have to have 7 seasons completed.
I know he signed his 1st extension in November 2020. That kicked in 21-22 season.
He just completed his 7th season, so I don’t if he needs to wait until next season to sign the extension or not…
He is extension eligible right now and has 2 seasons left on his deal. He’d need to get All-NBA next season to qualify for a super-max, but if he doesn’t have an extension in place before the final year of his deal, the Kings run the risk of having him walk for nothing.
It would be. And speaking of salary, did you see how much less Brunson took to help his team win?
Brunson has passed Fox now too and I wish more players would do this.
I mean, once you have more $ than you could ever spend why not take less and help get a chip? Isn’t that why they are playing hoops? To win?
Brunson hasn’t signed his extension yet, but is rumor to be willing to do so. I’ll believe it when I see it. He’d be able to make $100M more if he waits until next summer and signs a 5 year new deal.
Correct on value gained and if he plays and gets injured like I Thomas did his value would be zip . Currently in the process of wrist surgery . Bird in the Hand 🤷🏼♂️
Solid point,
A deserved all nba team, and mvp candidate over at nba.com mvp ladder
clearly the teams best player
now get the man some help
Fox inconsistent/inefficient, not performing at all in the clutch like the year before
Barnes/Huerter have to be kidding me
Keegan needs to be actually consistent and solid on O.
Everyone let him down besides monk
Fox is the best player on this team .
In my opinion, the two hardest positons to fill on an NBA roster are PG and C. The Kings have that problem locked. The concerns naturally are the other three spots, of which one is locked in by what’s his face, you know, the guy who randomly hits 12 threes against the Jazz to let remind know that Ainge was wrong. So . . . what? Add more talent? I agree. All of this makes sense. Just go that, if it is possible. We have a capable GM and we have a capable coach.
So, assuming all of that . . . what is there to worry about?
If there are intelligent deals to be made, they’ll be made. If not, there will be centuries or faux-GMs whine-squealing about the never-possible deals that should have been made.
And that’s okay. That King’s style, Everyone is more of an expert than the experts.
Which in the case of Vlade might actually have actually been the case.
But I am on the firm belief that this franchise now has strong coaching and management, and for any Kings fan, that has to be a step forward.
Full disclosure; *Was not nearly sober in this assessment*
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