The Sacramento Kings began their franchise overhaul midway through the 2021-2022 bringing in big-man Domantas Sabonis to pair alongside Point Guard De’Aaron Fox. Now that the Kings have potentially their 2 franchise players with a potential franchise Center, and a potential franchise Point Guard. Fox being only 24 years of age, and Sabonis being 26 both of their best days are likely still to come. Now it’s about getting the right pieces to play alongside them.
The Kings did not resign Slasher / Secondary Ball Handler Donte DiVincenzo. And they also lost to solid wing defenders in Maurice Harkless, and Justin Holiday in a trade to Atlanta that brought in Sharp Shooter Kevin Huerter. As DiVincenzo is also a capable defender it is easy to say that the Kings lost A LOT of defense this offseason. It would have been nice to see them leave 1 of those 3 players on the team to help with defending the other teams best player. I do understand that these 3 players are really not a good fit offensively alongside Sabonis and Fox, however Sabonis, and Fox neither are superior defenders, and Sabonis can even at times be a liability on the defensive end.
The Kings also brought in 3 key acquisitions this offseason. Keegan Murray, Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk all 3 are able to provide spacing on the floor for the Kings as Fox and Sabonis are not that good of outside shooters. Therefore these 3 additions are good fits to the Kings roster.
Many Kings fans were initially upset and still may be that they didn’t get Jaden Ivey with the 4th pick in the draft, but let me tell you Keegan Murray is no scrub as you can see by his summer league play. I was able to see him play at Iowa before knowing he was an NBA Lotter Prospect, but after watching the game I already knew. When I looked him up he was already projected top 10 and only climbed the ranks after.
As for Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter both can provide spacing, and outside shooting on the floor, and can also create their own shot when asked to. Don’t expect to see these players on the court at the same time too much, because defense is not a strength of these 2 players.
However 2 solid defensive players remain on the roster in Harrison Barnes, and Davion Mitchell, and Keegan Murray could potentially be a good defender.
My offseason 2022 grade for the Sacramento Kings is a B+, and I would expect to see them finish between the 7-10 seed and playing in the 2023 play in tournament.
