Sacramento Kings: Contenders or Pretenders?

Sacramento Kings: Contenders or Pretenders?

I can't believe that the Kings are good again. From being bad since the Chris Webber era to being a fringe playoff team. Mike Brown deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for changing the direction of the Kings. From being a bottom-tier team to now being a competent team in the West. Domantas Sabonis and DeAaron Fox have been one hell of a guard-big duo. But the question arises: are the Kings real contenders? Last year, it was cool to see Sacramento make the playoffs for the first time in 16 seasons. Now, the expectations have changed. The Kings should be able to make the second round and even the Western Conference Finals. There are many talented players on the Kings, but some terrible signs have been appearing.

Sacramento stinks at closing games. They have close games where they commit stupid turnovers and fouls. This helps the other team win. It showed in the playoffs when they played the Warriors in the playoffs and blew a 3-2 lead. When Sacramento had the upper hand, they blew it. They are very talented on offense. As they rank thirteenth on offense. But the Kings have a problem with defense. Sacramento is the worst 3-point defending team in the league. Offense is something that they are strong at, as they have a talented big in Sabonis.

Domantas Sabonis has been one of the best players in the NBA. He is a triple double machine who is a talented passer, a good rebounder, and a guy who can get a basket. Domantas not making the All-Star team is a joke. The way Sabonis opens the floor with the handoff passes with Fox is incredible. He is an excellent regular-season guy, as Domantas is an All-NBA-caliber player. Sabonis is averaging 20 points per game, 13 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. The fact he did not make the All-Star game with these stats shows how talented the league has been this season. But Sabonis has had his struggles in the playoffs.

Sabonis had a huge drop in the play-offs last year. He averaged 16 points per game and 11 rebounds per game. That was a huge drop from his regular-season stats. Domantas was able to lead the Kings to the best offensive rating last year with 19 points per game and 12 rebounds per game. It is a worrying issue, as Domantas is close to his prime. He needs to figure it out so Sacramento can make a deep run in the playoffs. There is no doubt that Sabonis has been able to change the direction of the franchise. It was much needed. But if they want to make a run for the conference finals, they need Sabonis to play out of his mind in the postseason. Along with Sabonis, he has a talented co-star in DeAaron Fox.

Since 2017, DeAaron Fox has played on an ass team since his career started. From the incompetency of Vlade Divac and Luke Walton to now finally having a squad that can win games, At one point, it seemed like nobody wanted to give Fox his flowers. He was a victim of being on such a trash team. Now, media and fans are putting respect on his name. He is one of the best point guards in the league. This season, he is averaging 27 points per game, 5.6 assists per game, and 47 percent shooting. He is one of the quickest players in the NBA, as he can get to the rim in a blink of an eye. He and Sabonis are special with hand-off passes. Despite the numbers Fox has put up, it stinks that he was not selected to make the All-Star team. Not only is DeAaron a beast in the regular season, but Fox is a beast in the playoffs.

While Sabonis struggled in the playoffs, DeAaron Fox was able to thrive. He was able to translate his regular-season performance into the post-season. Dropping 27 points per game, 7.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. This was one hell of a debut for the young point guard. But it wasn't enough for the Kings, as they blew a 3-2 lead against the Warriors in that series. Fox and Sabonis have been the perfect duo, and they have the perfect six man along with them.

 Malik Monk was teammates with Fox back in college, and now they're teammates in the league. He has been one hell of a player off the bench this season, as Vegas odds have him top three to win the sixth man of the year award. Malik is averaging 11 points per game, with 35 percent behind the three-point line. A guy who can attack the rim with force. Monk can handle the ball and spot-up shoot. He brings a lot to the energy on the court. With his deal expiring, the question arises: will he return? Monk will be in high demand this off-season. Malik can make any team better. Along with the six man, another player who has been important is Keegan Murray.

 The second-year player, Keegan Murray, has had an up-and-down season on offense. Murray has made jumps on defense as he is one of the best isolation defenders in the league. Keegan is a talented off-ball scorer. He does not need the ball to prosper. The perfect guy to put next to Sabonis and Fox. The ultimate teammate and the best defender on the Kings. He is only 23 years old and could end up becoming a borderline All-Star or even making the team. This is why the Kings have never put him on the trade market. Sacramento knows the value of young forwards. The Kings have great depth on their team.

The Sacramento Kings have a lot of talented players at their disposal. JaVale McGee, who can run to the rim and is good at being a rim protector, Alex Len is another big guy who is good at protecting the rim. Harrison Barnes is a veteran small forward. He has always been reliable. Barnes and JaVale bring the championship culture that the team has needed for years. Kevin Huerter is a talented three-point shooter who is shooting 38 percent behind the arc. Trey Lyles has been a good off-the-bench player throughout his career. This team has many offensive weapons. Some can be good trade assets in the off-season to bring in players who can help them make a finals run. The Kings front office has been great the past two- seasons, but still, we all wonder if they are legit.

Credit goes to Mike Brown and Monte McNair. They have done an awesome job at changing this organization. This team has been one of the most fun teams in the league. A very talented coach that came from the Warriors. Sabonis and Fox have been one of the best and underrated duos in the NBA. The roster is well built around the duo. Though, in the regular season the Kings have been able to win games. Question comes is are they contenders? With their bad defense on the three point line a long with not being able to finish games. It is worrying if you are a Kings fan. The West has a lot of talent. And these offensive and defensive woes are not a good sign. This post season, we will have to see if the Kings got what it takes to make a deep run or are they a fun regular season team.

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