The Sacramento faithful fought tough and stood their ground against the poachers from Seattle. Now a potentially bigger challenge awaits: restoring the franchise’s fortunes. With a new owner, a new coach, a vacant GM spot, and a potentially shaken up roster, this may not even be the same team by this time next year, regardless of the city they play in.
Season Summary
The Kings had a miserable season, finishing with an underwhelming 28 wins. However, they did rank high in several offensive categories, including 10th in points per game, 4th in points in the paint as well as fastbreak points per game, and a respectable 12th in three-point FG%. The real struggle they faced was on defense. They were dead last in opponent PPG, and it wasn’t even close. They finished the season allowing 105.1 PPG, which was 2.4 points worse than 28th-ranked Houston and Charlotte (tied). In order for the Kings to fare better next season, their defensive play must be a priority. Another issue that plagued them during the season was immaturity. Ironically, only one player caused the headaches: DeMarcus Cousins. He’s got the attitude of Kendrick Perkins, but talent comparable to just about any top Center in the league not named Dwight Howard.
Player Summary
Speaking of DeMarcus Cousins, he’s regarded by most as the Kings’ best player at this point. Another in that conversation is Tyreke Evans. Back-t0-back years of top 5 picks have rendered two All-Star caliber players for the Kings, yet not much improvement has been shown for the franchise. In fact, the Kings have had a 4th or 5th pick for 3 of the top 4 years and all three may not be on the roster after this season. The Kings can keep Evans this year, but there’s a chance they may not. Cousins has been the centerpiece of several trade rumors, and Thomas Robinson (#5 pick, 2012) was traded to Houston earlier this season.
There is hope on the roster currently though as sophomore PG Isaiah Thomas (60th pick in 2011 draft) has shown promise in his second season. He may not be the future of the Kings at point, but he’s proven to be a decent scorer and has given the franchise a bit of excitement and value. He may be the most underpaid player given his production, and while the numbers aren’t stellar, he’s well worth the cost associated with keeping him for upcoming season. Jason Thompson hasn’t been spectacular during his career, but he’s shown some skills to compliment his excellent size (6’11”, 250 lbs). If Cousins leaves, then Thompson’s numbers could inflate a bit, but he’s not even close to being a primary post scorer/defender. College legend Jimmer Fredette struggled at his specialty, three-point shooting, as a rookie but greatly improved (up from 36% to 42%) as a second-year player. He may be a very good specialist off the bench in the future, similar to Kyle Korver.
Some good role players and/or possible starters for the future are Patrick Patterson (traded from Houston) and Marcus Thorton. They both averaged over 10 PPG while playing behind guys in the rotation. With a full season of starts, Thorton could become a key scorer if Evans leaves the team soon. Patterson is a talented shooter who finished 2nd on the team behind Fredette in percentage behind the arc, but who has done little in the way of rebounding. For most of the players on the team, scoring doesn’t seem to be the issue. Defense is the problem. Period.
Team Needs
Star PG/SG, future SF (to replace John Salmons), Defensive Upgrades
Draft Plan
The Kings will pick 7th and 36th this year in the draft, so they’ll have two chances to make a difference. This year’s 1st round pick would have been traded to the Cavaliers, but that trade is deferred since the Kings pick is within the top 13. A few guys I like for them at the 7th pick are Michael Carter-Williams, Victor Oladipo, and Shabazz Muhammad. Honestly, I doubt Oladipo will still be available, but MCW and Muhammad very well may be. With Carter-Williams, you get a Point Guard with uncanny size for the position and a proven distribution record (finished 3rd in the NCAA in assists last season). With Muhammad, you get a true scoring wing who has the size to play defense, but not necessarily the skills yet. This can be taught, especially with defensive specialist and first year Head Coach Mike Malone being hired recently. He lead the Warriors to become the 6th-most efficient defensive team this past season and may be a home run of a hire for a Kings team that is unrecognizable on the defensive end.
For their second round pick, look for the Kings to get a backup post player or another wing to pair shooting and defense. NBADraft.net has Jeff Withey falling to the Kings in their latest mock draft. This could be a great defensive pick for them, especially for a team that may lose their best player in DeMarcus Cousins. Another interesting pick could be Archie Goodwin out of Kentucky who has elite athleticism and good size for a SG.
Free Agency Plan
Priority number 1 should be to match any offers for G Tyreke Evans. If they can, they’ll keep their best scorer and a young player with a lot of potential. The Kings only have two players who are currently without a contract for next season, Aaron Brooks and Cole Aldrich, so most of their team is technically still intact. If the team does stay together, then the only big holes in the starting lineup would be SF and PG, although as stated above, Thomas has played well at PG. A veteran PG that can come in and lead this team might be better for them currently though. It’s possible that they could bring in a SG, such as Monta Ellis who is a big fan of Malone, and move Evans to the point full-time. If they don’t sign Ellis, then a point like Will Bynum, DJ Augustin, or Jarrett Jack could really improve the backcourt in the short-term.
Outlook
The future of Sacramento basketball looks bright. Maybe that’s just the sun though. With a new owner, new management, and new coaches, the only old thing is how the fans feel about losing. Time and patience may be wearing thin for this club, but they are headed in the right direction. If DeMarcus Cousins stays and becomes the All-Star that I think he will, the Kings can begin competing in the fierce Western Conference. With a lack of supreme talent outside of Evans and Cousins, it will be tough for the next year or two at least, but coach Mike Malone is poised to be a hero in the capital city of California should he transform this team into the defensive giant he would like to see them become. I would like to see the Kings’ path veer into the positive from now on, but that responsibility falls upon the leaders of the new look Kings of Sactown.
By Jon Elliott
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