The season’s barely started, and yet it already feels over. The Kings are now just 3-7, and just suffered two straight drubbings at home to clearly superior teams. With a brutal stretch upcoming, the Kings might find themselves at the bottom of the West sooner rather than later, but first let’s take a look at the week that was.
There’s no hiding from this Mr. Ranadivé
Late in the 3rd quarter of last night’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a visibly upset Vivek Ranadivé left his courtside seats with GM Scott Perry. The Kings would go on to lose the game 144 to 117, the second straight blowout loss at home. Instead of chants of “Sacramento” or “Light the Beam” as was so often heard through the last few years, the boo birds were out, rightly disgusted by the product on the floor. Not that long ago, this was a team that looked to have one of the brightest futures in the league, but now it just might be one of the bleakest. This is nothing new for Kings fans, particularly under Vivek Ranadivé’s stewardship. In 12 years as an owner, the Kings have one playoff series to boast about, that now looks more like luck than anything else given what has come since. This is one of the most poorly built rosters in the NBA, with little youth or draft capital to get truly excited about.
This isn’t a hindsight is 20/20 thing either. If Vivek and/or GM Scott Perry truly thought they were building a winning product this offseason, they were delusional. Given the looks of disgust on Vivek’s face, it’s hard not to think that this isn’t what he thought he was signing up for, but if that’s the case, that’s almost worse since it implies he believed that there was a good team here. Anybody can see this is an aging roster of non-complementary pieces. There’s not enough size, not enough defense and not enough shooting. The Kings are trotting out 4 guard starting lineups with 36 year old DeMar DeRozan at Power Forward. They’re having Russell Westbrook guard opposing bigs because it’s their best option. They’re preaching defense and then not playing one of their only defensive guards until the entire crowd chants for him to come into the game late in the 3rd quarter with the game already out of reach. Doug Christie may be out of his depth, but he’s also being asked to cook a Michelin Star meal with two carrots, a dozen rotten eggs and a live hand grenade.
Long term, it’s probably a good thing that the Kings are losing these games and that they lose as many as possible this season. This team needs to be trying to hit a hard reset as soon as possible. But for Vivek Ranadivé, I would encourage him to look long and hard at this product he’s fielding and has fielded over the years. There’s plenty of blame to go around for where we are at now, but there’s only been one constant that entire time and some point, he has to take responsibility for the mess he’s created. This is your team Vivek. Own it.
Disappointing Dennis
The marquee signing of the summer for the Kings was giving 32 year old Dennis Schröder a 3 year, $44 million contract to be the new starting PG for the Kings. So far that’s been an incredibly poor investment in my estimation. Schröder is averaging 12.7 points while shooting 39.2% from the field and 28.3% from three. He is averaging a team-high 6.5 assists, but has the worst offensive rating of any of the Kings starters. Russell Westbrook is outplaying him on a minimum contract, and to make matters worse, the Kings traded Jonas Valanciunas to Denver to make cap room to sign Schröder. The Kings could have definitely used Valanciunas so far this season with their lack of size and with how banged up Sabonis has been already (he’s clearly not 100%) but instead they opted to add yet another aging guard. Yes, Schröder may be fatigued from playing all summer for Germany, but even still the Kings had probably hoped for better production than this. Instead Schröder is being force fed playing time and getting in the way of playing time for younger guys like Keon Ellis or Devin Carter.
Russ Appreciation
I’m still not a fan of the Russell Westbrook acquisition for the Kings, but I can’t say it’s because I don’t think Russell Westbrook is a good player. Russ is still showing that he has it at the age of 37, averaging 15.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 46.6% from the field and a blistering 45.1% from three. Against the Warriors with so many stars out on both sides, he was the best player on the floor, tallying his first triple-double in Sacramento with 23 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists on 9-13 from the field. He also sealed the game with a clutch strip at the end. Westbrook always plays at 100 miles per hour but he’s always trying his hardest and it’s easy to appreciate that, especially when it seems like other players simply go through the motions at times. I still think the Kings shouldn’t have gone out of their way to get him, but it’s also kind of crazy that no other NBA team thought he was worth spending a minimum contract for because he’s clearly still got plenty of gas left in the tank.
Precious Achiuwa a solid acquisition, but what took so long?
With injuries piling up and a clear need for size, the Kings signed Precious Achiuwa this week while waiving Isaac Jones. Precious has been solid in his three games so far with the Kings, even getting into the starting lineup against Minnesota. But it’s kind of crazy that it took these kind of injuries or desperation for the Kings to feel they needed to add someone like him when it was inherently obvious in the summer. Why on earth did the Kings re-sign Doug McDermott to simply ride the bench when they could have just signed Achiuwa instead. They might have been able to keep Jones in that scenario and have some actual depth and youth upfront, not to mention a training camp to adjust. Instead for the second straight year the Kings are bringing a vet in off the street (last year being Jae Crowder) to try to address a glaring problem that was there all summer.
Yes, I do think the Kings will be in on Ja
Reports came in last week that the Ja Morant situation in Memphis is being watched closely around the league with the Grizzlies struggling and Morant getting suspended by the team after reportedly getting into it with head coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Grizzlies aren’t doing much better than the Kings right now at 4-7, and Morant is having the worst season of his career, averaging 19.2 points but shooting a putrid 35.8% from the field and 14.8% from three. Morant seems incredibly likely to part ways with the Grizzlies at some point, and the always reliable Sam Amick mentioned that the Kings were among the teams monitoring his situation. Morant has two years left on his deal after this one and is just 26 years old, but he also has an extensive injury history and deteriorating efficiency, not to mention his off-court issues. But we’ve seen this story before with the Kings and thinking they can reform malcontents such as Chris Webber and Ron Artest. Could Morant revive his career in Sacramento? It’d be a gamble but one I definitely could see a desperate Kings team making. I’d also expect the Kings to be monitoring situations like Trae Young and Zion Williamson as well. Personally I think the Kings should be looking to improve through the draft before trying to rehabilitate stars, but that’s never really been this team’s MO.
Upcoming Kings Schedule:
- Tuesday, Nov. 11th vs. Denver
- Wednesday, Nov. 12th vs. Atlanta
- Friday, Nov. 14th at Minnesota
- Sunday, Nov. 16th at San Antonio
Well said.
I’m sorry you guys at TKH have to go through all this.
I’m sorry the fans have to go through all this.
I’m sorry for most players having to go through all this.
And on that bombshell…
I was pissed off at Vlade but we all know he and DC Bleed Purple. It’s the MF dismissive chap who is the arch villain. Managed to turn multiple former players into hated individuals. Fuck you Vivek Ranadive
Yeah right.
Vlade, Peja and pour Doug.
They are innocent victims, just caught up in Vivek’s web, helplessly flailing their arms while that purple blood drips to the ground.
If one of these guys had balls and integrity and really cared about the Kings, they would stand up and shout out how Vivek is killing this franchise. Instead they cozy up to him, sit courtside next to him, took/take that green and have actively participated in making this franchise go to shit.
It could be that they’re just stupid and can’t see what a freakin’ germ Vivek is. They’re actually dumb enough to think they can help navigate the team to success while Vivek is the owner. In Doug’s case at least, I think this really is what his mindset is.
Certainly, they were offered money and opportunity and they chose that path. Not blindfolded or forced.
In that same vein- and this season is looking a lot like 2014-15, the one that had Michael Malone (11-13)-Ty Corbin (7-21)-George Karl (11-19) or 29-53.
I expect DC13 to make it to 20 games and wouldn’t be surprised if not Mike Woodson, but Bobby Jackson takes the reins, because if you’re going to legacy, legacy hard.
That season also had Scott P’Errysandro (oops, Pete D’Alessandro, my bad) replaced by Vlade Divac.
I did get a kick out of Gentry sitting there next to Vivek and Perry. Ironically he was “associate” head coach under Walton. Gentry then became interim after Walton was fired. He now has some job as special advisor or some shit.
At this rate Woodson will be interim coach by Christmas, only to be replace by B-Jax this summer. Woodson will become special advisor and Gentry will become GM a week before the draft. Perry will give Anjali away at her wedding to Doug McDermott. Vivek will be the officiant, and will somehow fuck that up by declaring it a wedding 3.0
I can see all of this happening, but I think Douggie would need to kill off an ex girlfriend first. Just to show his commitment to Anjali. Get Lamb to take the fall for it.
did someone mention Dougie?
LOL
I suspect that this is wishful thinking. But if anyone could be so stupid, my money would be on Vlade.
No class, no balls.
My desperation trade prediction is Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, Malik Monk and at least one unprotected first round pick for Ja Morant. Ja will be injured, pissed off and will create a bunch of off court drama, and the Kings still won’t be a play-in team.
Hahaha, I can just imagine a starting lineup of Ja, Dennis, Lavine, DDR, and Sabonis with Westbrook as 6th man. They might score 130 every night, but will give up 150.
I’d much rather take a chance on Zion then Ja.
I’d rather take a chance on a top 5 pick than Zion, Ja or Trae.
The Kings have had two Top 5 picks. One is De’Aaron Fox. I can’t recall the other…
so, the question is… would it even matter? who’s coaching this top pick? Who are their teammates?
Apologies; I am hard bitten by the Apathy Bug today. To paraphrase the great philosopher F. Gump – Hopeless is as hopeless does.
I’ll light some Jim Beam and feel better.
This. 40 Proof, and reading me 100%
Still better than Zion, Ja or Trae.
But you are correct. It probably wouldn’t even matter.
Unfortunately, I agree. I keep trying to see light at the end of the tunnel. But the tunnel keeps being built longer and longer by Vivek. I fear no moves or picks will matter until the ultimate problem is taken care of.
Vivek-gtfo.
that is the only way anything positive. It’s gonna happen again with the kings.
Technically 3 top 5 picks *keegan waving cracking a smile.*
Thanks for calling out the little chap. There can never be enough stories calling out his incompetence or his daughter’s decadence.
One comment on “with little youth or draft capital to get truly excited about.”
There is youth and draft capital that we could be excited about but, ultimately, they are in the hands of Vivek who is likely to squander it.
De’Aaron Fox sure looked good the other night. And happy, as were his teammates and Spurs fans.
Davion Mitchell and Red Velvet also seem to be doing ok.
They got out of Basketball Hell, of course they are happy.
Neemias Queta even having a career year with 8.6 pts 8.0 rebs and 1.5 blks at 23.8 min per game.
Sure would of been a nice back-up big behind Domas. Just like that Jonas guy in Denver.
At least we know we won the Tyrese/Domas trade. Rese has been zero help to the Pacers this season!!!
Now this right here gave me a good laugh that I needed LOL.
Yup, and Tyrese totally folded in the Finals. Domas has never folded in the Finals.
One might say he was their achilles heel in the finals
This is where we are a mere two seasons after winning the Pacific division…cursed franchise. Oblivious, narcissistic and nepotistic owner. If you look up “depression” in the dictionary you see a Kings logo.
Good stuff, Akis.
I really hope this tailspin turns into a full blown fireball cratered on the ground. Burn the whole thing down. I want to see Vivek with egg all over his face too embarrassed to show up and sit courtside for this shit show. I really really really hope that at some point national media picks up on this mess and turns the spotlight onto Kings ownership.
As to Ja, hell no. I don’t want that smoke. That dude is rapidly becoming the DMC of point guards. His game has fallen off of a cliff and his contract is BAD. If anyone thinks LaVine’s deal is bad, at least he is producing and is a superb shooter. Ja isn’t doing anything good at the point and his contract goes a year longer. Memphis is going to struggle to find suitors for Ja, and they may even have to pay to move him. He’s approaching John Wall and Bradley Beal level of bad contract.
If the Kings were going to get paid in terms of draft capital to take on Ja, they should do it. Especially if it also moves Lavine or Demar. Can’t trade Keegan luckily because he just signed a new deal.
It says a lot about Perry (not any of it good) that he had to follow Vivek to keep his nose firmly wedged between Vivek’s butt cheeks.
This is so good. You all should read it: The Kings are an Abomination.
Haha.
I LOL’d at this bit:
Good read. Thanks.
It’s pretty amazing that Vivek is as bad at this as he is. And after 12 years he’s still just as bad.
Good stuff Akis, would be nice to see local journalists write similar pieces.
Most local ‘journalists’ are fans who went into social media.
It’s sad, really.
It’s embarrassing.
My niche pet peeve is that the majority of the Kings beat writers consistently ask questions that start with “How big is it to (…)” which all get answered with variations of “It’s really big (…)”.
Sacramento is a big small town, and Vivek is king.
Can’t fix stupid.
My favorite takes on twitter are “Need to play the young guys and let them develop”.
Surely the folks who can’t build a roster know about development.
What I don’t understand is, depending on the agenda, why hasn’t there been a leak to local media suggesting which course the team is taking. If its a soft tank maybe you could say that. If you think this team just needs some time to figure it out say that
That the coach 10 games in is seemingly accusing his players of quitting for being selfish. Why he doesn’t just bench someone to or change a rotation is beyond me
When do we see Mike Woodson as head coach
But good lord what is happening now is god awful
Sadly, I don’t see any team trading for DeMar or Lavine before the deadline.
When the deadline comes, some contending teams might consider adding a mercenary and might think either of those guys is worth the price.
Likely, teams don’t bite, but if they do, it won’t be before February.
This means we are stuck with this selfish one-on-one stuff for most of the season.
I think there will be some buyers this year, especially in the wide open East. If I were Perry I’d be keeping tabs on Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, and Orlando.
It’s hard to imagine teams trading for DeRozan. He’s pretty one-dimensional at this point, and you have to think the rest of the league is as aware of his flaws as we are, for how long he’s been around.
A team that struggles at time offensively that needs a secondary bucket getter and can cover for him defensively, is who may come knocking. Those teams I listed above could potentially be those callers.
What seems like a better team this year and moving forward? The one we have now, with the draft capital and cap space, coached by DC, led by Scott Perry, or the one that had Fox, Huerter, Keegan, (happy) Malik, Sabonis, Davion, Barnes, Keon, a few more draft picks, and maybe some of the pickups they did later like JV, La Ravia,and throw in Westbrook. Hell, we had Terrence Davis, Trey Lyles, Metu, and even Queta who is getting playing time on Boston now from that team, and all of them are better than the end of the current bench. Mike Brown is still the better coach, keeps Fox happy enough to re-sign, and Doug is still coaching down the bench, keeping track of timeouts and giving high-fives at timeouts.
And hitting those smelling salts!
We are 15/30 in the NBA team payrolls. That’s way too much for such a poor product.
https://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/teams/
I work in finance for a local lender, we have a suite at G1C….I’ve asked about 10 different clients in my portfolio if they’d like to attend a game over the next month or so and most just laughed and asked why they would waste a night watching this team while nearly everyone wanted to know if there were any tickets left for TSO.
I’m disappointed in any long time fans of this team that expected anything different. I was shocked at the complete inaction by the new front office, but chalked it up to letting the tank roll in the interest of a total rebuild starting next year. Lavine and Derozan could have only been brought here to facilitate the tank. This team has an excruciating offense to watch, and maybe the worst defense in King’s history. And that is REALLY saying something.
Great teams have some combination of extraordinary playmaking, ball movement, rebounding, assists, rim protection, three point defense…. This team has zero of these! This is my least favorite squad of all time. Right now the only player I’m at all interested in watching is Russell Westbrook, one of my least favorite superstars of all time. Not because he’s a bad dude, but because he’s seemingly the lord of empty stats. But here we are, excited to see empty stats. Any stats in the rebounding or assist columns feels like a revelation! No one else can pass or rebound on this team!? It’s an abomination! We need to get rid of EVERYBODY and start completely over. Said this exact thing last year, and here we are.
The apathy has even spread to this site’s superfans. Random early-season game threads on TKH used to get several hundred comments in past seasons, even in the DMC days. This season, they’re lucky to get 50. It’s a damn shame. And it is 100% Vivek Ranadive’s doing.
Anything other than a fire sale at the trade deadline is GM malpractice. There will be teams that need guys like Lavine and DeRozan to hopefully put them over the hump and they will overpay to get them. Sabonis should be made available too. This team needs youth. Draft picks and players under 25 only at this point.
I’m confused. What is the purpose of this article. You want to make sure Vivek is paying attention when 90% of the time this site does nothing but gripe that he pays too much attention.
I would like to better understand do you want him watching closer or less closely? One might’ve thought him paying less attention would be exactly what many on this site call for.
So I ask what is your ultimate goal? Are you hoping to get Doug fired? (This is the most likely outcome based on prior experience when we suspect Vivek has gotten personally involved). He just hired the GM so it’s unlikely he’s going anywhere.
The goal of this article seems at odds with what many on the site say they actually want.
Honestly nothing will change until as a fanbase the ire is unanimous and is poured on him every game. The product and franchise are an absolute league exception. Especially now that Leonsis wised up and Jordan sold the Hornets. We are beyond an embarrassment and frankly it’s made me completely detached. Over years I subconsciously have just stopped investing any time or thoughts for the Kings. I think it’s because I couldn’t invest energy in something that lacked any semblance of self awareness. I can take losing, mistakes, generally really awful basketball but the void of any self reflection or sound purpose in any of that just hit a tipping point.
Maybe that feeling has me bias but I honestly think the fans and golden 1 need an uncompromising antagonizing relationship with the franchise and team. Until there is a level of unanimous anger on our part that’s undeniable, Vivek and the franchise won’t change. Sports do work like that. Court of public opinion, incessent boo’s, game strikes can all muster a conversation that then spills over into a change. I frankly loved Zach Lowe’s rant on the team prior to the season. The topic of the Kings being humiliating, and Vivek being the new Dolan has to be active on both a local and national scale.
This city is basketball obsessed but I think we could afford to all be a bit meaner in how we protect that fact. Otherwise I fear the malaise of mediocrity will make us appear forgettable. And if that happens relocation will end up a discussion again.
Golden Guards not getting it done, team is allergic to forwards and pretty much anyone that can both shoot and defend (except Keon). What a boring team and franchise, too bad because this city would go absolutely crazy for a winner. Sell out every game, buzz in the city, electric during playoff games. It’s been too long, have to learn from your mistakes.
I thought I read in a bunch of places today that Sacramento is now looking to do a full rebuild? To trade away all the piece of shit that the idiot owner brought in.
I like the idea of a rebuild, but this is so Vivek. He’s a fucking idiot. He’s an egomaniac. So I don’t trust anything.
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