Are the Sacramento Kings Contenders?

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Last season the Sacramento Kings were the most surprising team in the entire league. Before last season began the Kings have been known to be one of the worst franchises in the NBA, having missed the playoffs for 16 straight seasons. Last summer the Kings made moves that would later show a huge turning point for the franchise. 



Starting with the head coach. Last season the Kings fired Head Coach Luke Walton after 2 seasons (the Kings had a record of 92-134 with Walton as their Head Coach). They then hired Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown. The Kings did not stop there as they had to make some improvements to the roster. First, the NBA Draft, with the number 4 overall pick the Kings took Forward Keegan Murray from Iowa State. Later, in free agency, they signed Guard Malik Monk to a 2-year, $19.4 Million dollar deal. Next, the Kings traded for Guard/3-pt specialist Kevin Huerter. It is amazing how the Kings were able to gain such a high-quality player while not having to give up so much. The Kings traded Justin Holiday, Moe Harkless, and a First-Round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Huerter. The Kings made some other small moves to finalize their roster such as signing Guard Matt Dellavedova, KZ Okpala and Chima Moneke to minimum deals. Of course, no fans of the NBA would expect what the Sacramento Kings were about to do. 





The Kings started the 2022-23 season with 4 straight losses (0-4), and everybody thought this was just the same old Kings tradition, losing. After 4 straight losses to begin the season, the Kings would get their first win of the season against the Miami Heat and from there the Kings did not look back. The Kings would become one the best offensive team of the season with the highest offensive rating, 119.4 rating. On March 29th history was made. With a huge win, 120-80, over the Portland TrailBlazers, the Sacramento Kings had officially clinched a playoff spot for the first time in 16 seasons. They would finish the season with a 48-34 record. One thing that stands out to be me was that the Kings were the best team on the road in the Western Conference, with an away record of 25-16.  


                           (Via. Sacramento Kings Twitter) 



On April 3rd, the Sacramento Kings had officially clinched the 3rd seed in the Western Conference, plus winning the Pacific Division. On April 9th, the Golden State Warriors clinched the 6th seed in the Western Conference which means the playoff match-up was officially set between the two Northern Californian cities. To sum up the match-up, the Kings put up a great fight against the Warriors but would fall into the hands of the defending champs after 7 games. 







        After such an incredible season by the Kings it was time to work on building off of that success. To begin with, the Sacramento Kings re-signed their starting Forward Harrison Barnes to a 3-year, $54 Million dollar deal, re-sign Forward Trey Lyles to a 2-year, $16 Million dollar deal, and re-signed Center Alex Len to a 1-year, $3.1 Million dollar deal. As well as signing All-Star Forward/Center Domantas Sabonis to a 4-year, $181 million dollar contract extension. The extension starts in the 2024-25 season and ends in 2028. Plus, the Kings picked up the club option on Forward Kessler Edwards. While it looks like the Kings are running it back, they did make some small but solid additions. To start, the Kings traded for Guard/Forward Chris Duarte from the Indiana Pacers, the Pacers received two Second-Round picks in return. Duarte has shown he can be a solid piece to an up-and-coming team. The Kings signed Free Agent Center Nerlens Noel to a partially guaranteed 1-year, $3.1 Million dollar deal. Noel brings a big defensive presence and shot blocking. The Kings have solid depth at the Center position heading into next season. Then signed Free Agent Forward Sasha Vezenkov to a 3-year, $19.9 Million dollar deal, with the last year being a club option. Vezenkov has an opportunity to make Mike Brown’s rotation in either Forward position and can make an impact right away. 



                    (Sacramento Kings GM Monte McNair) 


            In conclusion, the Sacramento Kings may not look so flashy compared to most teams in the Western Conference, but they are still looking very competitive. You can expect them to continue their winning ways from last season. 




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