The Sacramento Kings’ season has not gone according to plan. Injuries, inconsistency, and a string of difficult losses have defined much of the year. But as NBC Sports California analyst Kayte Christensen shared on The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, there is still real value being built behind the scenes—especially for the team’s younger players.
With several key contributors sidelined, Sacramento has been forced to lean heavily on less experienced talent. While that has led to uneven results, Christensen emphasized that these circumstances are providing invaluable opportunities for development.
“I think for everybody it’s probably a little bit different,” she said. “But without a doubt, when your season is already decided, it provides different mental hurdles.”
(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Those hurdles, however, are part of the growth process. For young players, this stretch represents more than just added minutes—it’s a full introduction to the realities of NBA life.
From managing fatigue to maintaining performance through adversity, the lessons extend far beyond the box score.
“So many things,” Christensen said when asked what young players are gaining from this final stretch. “Obviously, the ability to showcase is the most obvious one, but it’s kind of an introduction to what being a professional is all about.”
That education includes everything from recovery habits to handling the grind of an 82-game schedule.
Christensen pointed to veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook as examples, noting that routines built early in their careers can extend longevity.
She recalled DeRozan sharing how veteran advice—like icing after every game—became foundational to his success later in his career.
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Beyond the physical demands, there’s also a mental adjustment.
Rookies Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Nique Clifford are not only learning systems and schemes but also navigating the subtle dynamics of a professional locker room.
From film session etiquette to understanding team hierarchy, these small moments shape long-term development.
At the same time, Sacramento’s veterans continue to play a critical role in mentoring the next wave. Whether it’s in-game conversations or guidance during timeouts, players like DeRozan and Westbrook are helping translate experience into real-time learning.
“It’s learning and processing in real time,” Christensen said.
While the standings may not reflect it, the Sacramento Kings are building something meaningful through adversity. For a young core navigating its first full NBA season, these final games are less about results—and more about laying the foundation for what comes next.
Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will return home for a two-game homestand that begins Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Sacramento is 0-2 against the Pelicans this season, including a 133-123 loss at Golden 1 Center on March 5th, in which Precious Achiuwa scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Friday, April 3rd vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, April 5th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 6:00 PM PT
Tuesday, April 7th @ Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, April 10th vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, April 12th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 5:30 PM PT
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