Is Doug Christie’s Vision Finally Taking Shape?

The last few games have been, without a doubt, the most entertaining and passionately played of the year. The Kings are 1-2 in this stretch—a modest improvement on their season-long .241 winning percentage (7-22), now sitting at .333 over these three games. That’s tied for 15th in the West and the third-worst record in the league. So, what’s changed?

Injuries Force Doug’s Hand

Head Coach Doug Christie’s hand has been forced by injuries to the team’s two highest-paid players: Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. Sabonis, who had already missed the last 4-5 weeks, is now confirmed to be out for another 4-5 weeks. LaVine is sidelined with an ankle injury for at least another week. To make matters worse or better, depending on who you ask, backup center, hook maestro Drew Eubanks is also out for three weeks with a thumb injury. That’s two starters and your backup center gone—a situation that has major implications for rotations, minutes allocation, and overall strategy. 

Good News! When those three players were active, the Kings were 2-8. So, really, how much worse could it get?

Credit Where It’s Due: Doug’s Adjustments

While injuries have dictated some of the changes, Doug deserves some credit for making tough decisions. Criticism of his reliance on veterans—despite their inability to win games or embody Scott Perry’s six pillars (competitive, tough, team-oriented, accountable, disciplined, and professional)—has been loud and justified. But over the last three games, Doug has started having the hard conversations and making the necessary adjustments.

For example, he benched Malik Monk to give Keon Ellis meaningful minutes in Friday’s game against Portland. Ellis responded by tying his career high in steals, scoring double digits off the bench, and posting a +7 plus-minus. Malik has logged two DNPs during this stretch, with only a brief appearance against the Rockets.

If I had one additional tweak to suggest, it would be this: give Russell Westbrook the DNPs instead. While Westbrook still contributes admirably with rebounding and playmaking, his shot selection is abysmal, and he’s a turnover machine—14th worst in the league. Malik Monk, on the other hand, still has value to this team and the city. He’s also a player with potential trade value if the Kings decide to cut salary and lean further into a youth movement.

The Rise of the Youngsters

With the top two centers out, Max Raynaud has stepped up, as well-documented by Blake. But the real spark has come from two-way rookie big Dylan Cardwell. Cardwell impressed early in Summer League and preseason with his athleticism, rim protection, and hustle. Over the last three games, he’s averaged over six rebounds and three blocks in under 20 minutes per game. His energy is infectious—who doesn’t love seeing him raise his hands and scream after a big stop?

We’re also starting to see signs of life from Nique Clifford. While his shot isn’t falling yet, his defense and playmaking are. Even Deni Avdija commented on how tough Clifford’s defense was after the second consecutive loss to the Trail Blazers. Speaking of which, the Kings deserved to split those two games. They never gave up and really should have won the first one in OT.

Veterans Leading by Example

It’s not just the youngsters stepping up. Something has clicked with DeMar DeRozan and Dennis Schroeder, especially DeMar. Known as a willing passer throughout his illustrious 17-year career (4.0 assists per game), DeMar has been hustling on defense like never before in his Sacramento tenure. In the first game against Portland, he grabbed five steals. Over the last three games, he’s averaged three steals, 4.3 assists, and a noticeable commitment to making the extra pass and hustling back on defense.

Demar is getting to do what he loves most, iso and he’s often the only guy doing it with lineups featuring Keegan Murray, Max Ranaud, Dennis Schroeder, and Nique Clifford. These lineups kind of make sense! Most importantly they’re playing with heart!

Passion, Heart, and… Losses?

Who can’t help but smile watching Dylan Cardwell’s energy or seeing the team fight until the final buzzer? Sure, the Kings are still losing, but there’s something different about these losses. They’re competitive, gritty, and full of heart. And for fans like me, who are fully on board with the tank this year, this is the best-case scenario.

The Kings can be competitive and bad simultaneously, securing a top-four pick in what many are calling a generational draft. By season’s end, the hope is to have something closer to an identity, a sense of which 2-4 players will form the foundation for the future, and a clean runway for that top pick to join a team with a blank canvas next season.