The Sacramento Kings are not prepared to rebuild, and their star player believes that they can compete after a busy offseason.
The Sacramento Kings are not expected to go on a deep playoff run next season. However, unlike most fledgling teams, the Kings don’t have the young talent to justify a tank and quick rebuild.
With veterans Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, the team seems destined to be in the middle of the pack.
The Kings made interim head coach Doug Christie their full-time skipper this summer and brought in Scott Perry to serve as the new general manager. While the roster remains largely the same as the one that won 40 games last season, the players seem more bought in than ever before.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesSabonis praises Kings’ offseason moves
Aside from signing point guard Dennis Schroder, the Kings’ biggest moves were the hiring of Christie and Perry. Adding an executive and a coach doesn’t always translate to newfound success, although the Kings have long needed a change of culture.
Sabonis seems to think that the pair can inject life into the team.
“Doug is working hard on the new system, how he wants to play us, and he’s gonna translate it through the training camp,” Sabonis outlined. “So far, all summer, we’ve been getting little bits and pieces of that new offense. So hopefully when training camp comes, you know, it’s smooth and we’re ready to go.”
The Kings did go 27-24 under Christie last season after firing Mike Brown, so there is reason to believe that they can improve after a full offseason.
The Kings have long been one of the worst teams in the NBA, so turning the ship around is no easy task, although Perry has the full faith of his best player.
“I think Scott’s done a great job so far, and he’s trying to turn things around just like everyone else,” Sabonis added. I think we think alike, and we both want to get this thing running in the right direction, and his values are aligned with mine.”
Kings look to instill new culture
Between Sabonis, LaVine, Monk, and DeRozan, the Kings have no shortage of scoring, although their defense might leave a lot to be desired.
Last season, the Kings ranked 23rd in defensive rating and did not add a plus defender this summer, aside from rookie Nique Clifford, who might take some time to find his footing.
While the Kings likely have a long way to go before they are considered a true postseason threat, the team is looking to establish itself as one of the “grittier” ones in the NBA.
“Scott’s coming in here and trying to change things around in the right direction,” Sabonis finished.
“I feel like what the fans want, what the fans believe in, and to come out, play hard, run, be a gritty team. So far, we’re making the right moves.”
While youngsters like Clifford and Devin Carter are yet to prove themselves, the Kings have the veteran talent to not be counted out, even if they remain overlooked.