NBA Analyst Bashes Sacramento Kings 'Hopeless' Future

[Sacramento Kings On SI]

The Sacramento Kings are coming off another underwhelming season, finishing 40-42 and missing the playoffs for the 18th time in the last 19 years. When the Kings finally broke their playoff drought in the 2022-23 season, many felt like the franchise was heading in the right direction, and while they are certainly in a better spot than they were before their historic campaign, there is still a lack of sense. Much hope around the franchise has been lost over the past two years, but with brand new front office personnel and a new coaching staff, is the future bright for Sacramento? Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes still has minimal hope for the Kings, ranking them 14th out of 14 lottery teams in terms of their futures.

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[Tetsujin]

Bleacher Report and absolutely mindless clickbait drivel: a two decade long meaningless love story

 

[iowamcnabb]

I don’t know who Logan is, but almost all of his “articles” are doom and gloom.

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

I don’t know who Logan is, but almost all of his “articles” are doom and gloom.

Ummm...A quick read of the article should be able to tell you that Logan is not the "NBA Analyst" in discussion here...
With that being said...

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

Normally, I'd but some degree of weight in the opinion of someone who has written north of 2k articles in his journalism career, but...
Grant Hughes can kick himself some rocks.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Ummm...A quick read of the article should be able to tell you that Logan is not the "NBA Analyst" in discussion here...
With that being said...

I love reading an article about somebody else's article. Just really solid Pulitzer-worthy journalism.

 

[iowamcnabb]

Ummm...A quick read of the article should be able to tell you that Logan is not the "NBA Analyst" in discussion here...
With that being said...

I know that, but everything he posts is negative whether it’s his own point of view or passing along someone else’s doom and gloom take.

 

[NewArena]

Sabonis missed like 20 games and unfortunately we don’t have the luxury of playing in the East where Haliburton can play like crap for 30-40 games before getting back on track. Kings wouldn’t have survived that and would be bashed anyway

 

[pdxKingsFan]

To whatever extent I feel hopeless more and more it is being stuck in the Pacific Division with modern NBA scheduling. It's kind of why I'm breaking down and siding with the players for less games in the event that and can come with a balanced schedule and a travel schedule that isn't as nasty.

Obviously we can't have a do-over on the 2023 offseason but we killed what seemed like a promising future in the 14 months that followed. So the only question is now is can Perry do better than Monte, especially when it comes to proper valuation of draft picks when making trades. Hopefully Vivek is watching OKC and understanding that we need more not less picks.

If Spurs 2025 pick was even on the table in the Fox talks and we blew it hopefully Vivek had nothing to do with that one either.

 

[SacTownKid]

To whatever extent I feel hopeless more and more it is being stuck in the Pacific Division with modern NBA scheduling. It's kind of why I'm breaking down and siding with the players for less games in the event that and can come with a balanced schedule and a travel schedule that isn't as nasty.

Obviously we can't have a do-over on the 2023 offseason but we killed what seemed like a promising future in the 14 months that followed. So the only question is now is can Perry do better than Monte, especially when it comes to proper valuation of draft picks when making trades. Hopefully Vivek is watching OKC and understanding that we need more not less picks.

If Spurs 2025 pick was even on the table in the Fox talks and we blew it hopefully Vivek had nothing to do with that one either.

Yeah, again, simply put, the Lakers, Mavs, and other teams got better or at least changed. It's amazing how even when they blunder they seem to make it out OK huh? haha. By that first deadline the style the Kings were emulating of shooting first, second, fourth, and last was already coming to an end. The Warriors and Kings rapidly declining was pretty clear. And the Warriors throwing youth away like yesterdays trash for the last number of years is one thing, because they have the record to back it up, but if Vivek is still trying to emulate the Warriors he needs to look at how they actually BUILT their team before wasting top picks they never should have had in the first place. They built through the draft. They also didn't throw middling veteran walls in front of them either, they got to shine. Once they had the assets via actually developing them they then made their moves.

The Kings have been perpetually stuck in lateral movement and giving up on young talent a season or two in. No more. If this last deadline flurry of moves works it works. No more tinkering right now if Perry has any intentions of ever getting another GM gig again. If they need a PG because of PG skills? That shouldn't cost an arm or a leg. That's purely skill. I just read Carsen Edwards is looking to make it back to the league, there's a great why not option with some upside. If Perry plays this wrong he could literally be bringing some Knicks style GM'ing and by that we're talking Isiah Thomas' Knicks.

 

[MizzouKing]

I think Hughes point that other more established teams are in the process of peaking is valid, and it's true that we have big contracts for older guys. I just disagree that the only option is to chuck it all and rebuild for another few years. I'd like to see some restrained chucking (so long, DDR) and bringing in young talent to compliment our vets, but I'm happier with a slower rebuild to help us establish our DC culture and making some noise along the way.

 

[SacTownKid]

I think Hughes point that other more established teams are in the process of peaking is valid, and it's true that we have big contracts for older guys. I just disagree that the only option is to chuck it all and rebuild for another few years. I'd like to see some restrained chucking (so long, DDR) and bringing in young talent to compliment our vets, but I'm happier with a slower rebuild to help us establish our DC culture and making some noise along the way.

Well, the reality is that's probably how it would have to go. No way can the Kings just start ground up immediately anyway, it's too much salary. If by next deadline the Kings are looking great, either go farther in or yeah, keep developing the rotation via young guys and value signgins, if not, no more long term commitments other than youth and maybe cashing in on your vets over time. Teams are almost always in between and a rebuild for the Kings would be no different. The youth development is key though, good teams do that regardless of their current competitive state. Teams stay competitive doing that and end up getting competitive doing it. It works on all fronts.

 

[gunks]

We're in such a good position for a "quick" rebuild.

Keegan, Keon, and Carter all look like perfect complimentary pieces, with Keegan especially still flashing 20ppg elite defense two-way player potential. Dip into the high lotto a few times with tank commander Lavine (who will then be a conveniently massive expiring contract which will help fill out the roster with FA vets) and we could be back in the mix by 2028.

Or we can stick to the 10th in the West treadmill until Vivek ages out of meddling in 2035 and hope Anjali takes a more hands off approach (both figuratively and literally *cough* Lamb *cough*).

 

[sactowndog]

We're in such a good position for a "quick" rebuild.

Keegan, Keon, and Carter all look like perfect complimentary pieces, with Keegan especially still flashing 20ppg elite defense two-way player potential. Dip into the high lotto a few times with tank commander Lavine (who will then be a conveniently massive expiring contract which will help fill out the roster with FA vets) and we could be back in the mix by 2028.

Or we can stick to the 10th in the West treadmill until Vivek ages out of meddling in 2035 and hope Anjali takes a more hands off approach (both figuratively and literally *cough* Lamb *cough*).

We need an early lotto spot or two to draft that larger 2 way wing. Unless you are a free agent destination those guys are really hard to obtain via trade. We traded Fox and still didn’t get one.

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

We're in such a good position for a "quick" rebuild.

...if we're a preferred destination in the league for premier free agents.
Which, obviously, we are not.

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

We need an early lotto spot or two to draft that larger 2 way wing. Unless you are a free agent destination those guys are really hard to obtain via trade. We traded Fox and still didn’t get one.

And, as has been the case more often than not, I should've gone down a comment before posting, LOL!!!

 

[TaxMan]

These types of things always come down to what the expectation is for a successful season. If the expectation is that we could in theory build a successful team next year that competes for a playoff spot, I can buy that. However, if the definition is whether this team could ever be in serious contention, then no it is absolutely hopeless at the moment.

With that said, the Indiana Pacers are are absolutely evidence that a smartly run team can tread water for a long time in that "no-man's" land of being just good enough to sniff the playoffs but not good enough to get a top pick in the draft, and then turn into a contender (at least in the east). However, it takes an awful lot of good luck to get that to happen (some may say opportunistic good luck.)

 

[SacTownKid]

These types of things always come down to what the expectation is for a successful season. If the expectation is that we could in theory build a successful team next year that competes for a playoff spot, I can buy that. However, if the definition is whether this team could ever be in serious contention, then no it is absolutely hopeless at the moment.

With that said, the Indiana Pacers are are absolutely evidence that a smartly run team can tread water for a long time in that "no-man's" land of being just good enough to sniff the playoffs but not good enough to get a top pick in the draft, and then turn into a contender (at least in the east). However, it takes an awful lot of good luck to get that to happen (some may say opportunistic good luck.)

And it takes building in phases because that way you know what you're building. The Kings are always trying to skip the line. The Pacers jumped on the deal to take them a step above with Siakam after they kind of knew what they would look like. The Pacers might not be a dominant team, just really banking on chemistry, a weaker upper rung temporarily, and team ball right now but they might not even be done building, we'll see. They didn't just dump all their young guys either so they are set up for those guys to eventually step in and fill voids that are left.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

And it takes building in phases because that way you know what you're building. The Kings are always trying to skip the line. The Pacers jumped on the deal to take them a step above with Siakam after they kind of knew what they would look like. The Pacers might not be a dominant team, just really banking on chemistry, a weaker upper rung temporarily, and team ball right now but they might not even be done building, we'll see. They didn't just dump all their young guys either so they are set up for those guys to eventually step in and fill voids that are left.

They Pacers have the kind of roster and team chemistry that most Sacramento fans would love. Everyone is bought into a team game and several guys on any given night, can lead the stat sheet.

 

[Joshyjosh31]

We're in such a good position for a "quick" rebuild.

Keegan, Keon, and Carter all look like perfect complimentary pieces, with Keegan especially still flashing 20ppg elite defense two-way player potential. Dip into the high lotto a few times with tank commander Lavine (who will then be a conveniently massive expiring contract which will help fill out the roster with FA vets) and we could be back in the mix by 2028.

Or we can stick to the 10th in the West treadmill until Vivek ages out of meddling in 2035 and hope Anjali takes a more hands off approach (both figuratively and literally *cough* Lamb *cough*).

Literally! Fox trade would’ve gave us the way out instead we trade for Lavine and chase the play in and we’ll do the same next year despite 10-11 teams being better

Hopefully Sabonis does us a solid and demands a trade and we trade him for a lottery pick from Brooklyn or Toronto while tanking next year for a strong draft

 

[kingsboi]

These types of things always come down to what the expectation is for a successful season. If the expectation is that we could in theory build a successful team next year that competes for a playoff spot, I can buy that. However, if the definition is whether this team could ever be in serious contention, then no it is absolutely hopeless at the moment.

With that said, the Indiana Pacers are are absolutely evidence that a smartly run team can tread water for a long time in that "no-man's" land of being just good enough to sniff the playoffs but not good enough to get a top pick in the draft, and then turn into a contender (at least in the east). However, it takes an awful lot of good luck to get that to happen (some may say opportunistic good luck.)

Pacers run reminds me of the 2023 Heat run, I know different set of circumstances but the East doesn't have a dynasty so its up for grabs most seasons

 

[sactowndog]

These types of things always come down to what the expectation is for a successful season. If the expectation is that we could in theory build a successful team next year that competes for a playoff spot, I can buy that. However, if the definition is whether this team could ever be in serious contention, then no it is absolutely hopeless at the moment.

With that said, the Indiana Pacers are are absolutely evidence that a smartly run team can tread water for a long time in that "no-man's" land of being just good enough to sniff the playoffs but not good enough to get a top pick in the draft, and then turn into a contender (at least in the east). However, it takes an awful lot of good luck to get that to happen (some may say opportunistic good luck.)

Yes. They traded for Nesmith which could have been us. Found a team willing to give up an all star guard while retaining their primary shot blocker and 3 point shooter in Myles Turner.

For better or worse we had a direct hand in multiple of their starters.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

These types of things always come down to what the expectation is for a successful season. If the expectation is that we could in theory build a successful team next year that competes for a playoff spot, I can buy that. However, if the definition is whether this team could ever be in serious contention, then no it is absolutely hopeless at the moment.

With that said, the Indiana Pacers are are absolutely evidence that a smartly run team can tread water for a long time in that "no-man's" land of being just good enough to sniff the playoffs but not good enough to get a top pick in the draft, and then turn into a contender (at least in the east). However, it takes an awful lot of good luck to get that to happen (some may say opportunistic good luck.)

Having some Bball iQ and maneuvering your roster in a smart way is the key. Luck helps, but being consistently intelligent with your moves over a period of years is a must.

The odds are very slim when the owner doesn't have a clue, while trying to be the smartest guy in the front office room and impeding those who have some sort of a clue.

Bad luck is not the reason for this disaster organization. It's stupidity

 

[kingsboi]

Having some Bball iQ and maneuvering your roster in a smart way is the key. Luck helps, but being consistently intelligent with your moves over a period of years is a must.

The odds are very slim when the owner doesn't have a clue, while trying to be the smartest guy in the front office room and impeding those who have some sort of a clue.

Bad luck is not the reason for this disaster organization. It's stupidity

I'd have to add impatience and arrogance as two other reasons

 

[Mike]

Literally! Fox trade would’ve gave us the way out instead we trade for Lavine and chase the play in and we’ll do the same next year despite 10-11 teams being better

Hopefully Sabonis does us a solid and demands a trade and we trade him for a lottery pick from Brooklyn or Toronto while tanking next year for a strong draft

Part of the problem is what return you get for the veteran players. We got three first round picks in the trade; however, the Hornets pick was top-14 protected and their pick landed 4th and we only get two second round picks in return. We got the Spurs first round pick in 2027, but if their trajectory improves it’s going to fall outside the lottery. The T-Wolves pick in 2031 could be valuable if their team implodes if Edwarda leaves, but otherwise will fall outside the lottery if they remain a contender.

If we trade Sabonis it will be to a play off team or a team with play off aspirations. Same goes for trading any other veteran like Lavine or Demar. In that scenario we have to hope that team misses the play offs. If we are really lucky their pick moves up and its value increases. That said, the most likely scenario is we end up with a mid to late first round pick or it becomes second rounders if it holds certain protections.

I understand the logic of trying to rebuild and move veterans for picks, but we don’t seem to get lucky like certain other teams (e.g. Boston with Brooklyn’s picks). We tend to see those picks become second rounders or become mid to late first round picks. That’s before considering we tend to luck out in some drafts when we do have high picks and they are weaker classes or we make poor decisions. So in a sense I can understand the logic of acquiring veterans and being competitive when our ownership hasn’t proven it can rebuild through the draft.