Back in April, we all liked Sacramento. Did we expect 40 wins and a playoff berth? No, but we all like them. We liked Tyreke Evans’ 20-5-5 and his Dwyane Wade like potential, fans liked Omar Casspi and the hustle he provided, and most importantly, fans like the fact DeMarcus Cousins falling to them in the NBA draft. Somewhere along the way, we all liked respected what the Kings had potentially.
Then the word kicked in….potentially.
This season? Their first 27 games have the Kings at 5-22. Tyreke Evans is battling plantar fasciitis and everyone else is playing below the level fans expected. There’s only one real reason ( alright, maybe two….or three) why this team is struggling.
Reason #1- Youth and lack of leadership
Who on Sacramento is a leader? Samuel Dalembert? Beno Udrih? Francisco Garcia? The Kings lack a veteran leader. Someone who can pull the team in during a losing streak. Someone who can stop practice fights and someone who could be listened to. Not only is this Kings team young, but they also have alot of “weird” players on the roster. Dont’e Greene- Is he a shooting guard or a small forward? Jason Thompson- Is their a second gear in his game? Carl Landry- Are you what we all think he is (a 6-7th man)?
Reason #2- You REALLY need a point guard
I love Tyreke Evans’ game, but let’s call a spade a spade, he’s not a point guard. I believe he’s a shooting guard that can’t shoot so he needs the ball to create baskets for himself. Beno Udrih is not a great running mate next to him either. All offseason, many Kings fans said “We don’t need a lead guard, we have Tyreke”, 4 months later, Kings fans are wondering if they can do a Jameer Nelson-Jason Thompson swap. Truth is, I believe the Kings should look for a point guard in the market rather then drafting a point guard this offseason. The best point guards I believe could be on the block for Sacramento are: Chauncey Billups (If Melo is moved), Baron Davis ( If they want that salary, yet fan fair) and Devin Harris ( I just feel he’s overrated)
Reason #3- A Louder Coach….Who Commands Respect
Paul Westpaul is a alright coach. His system really helped Evans’ last season ( the system always helps bigger guards), but he’s really shouldn’t be the coach of this team. The Kings need a more aggressive coach. Someone who will tell players to hit the bench, players who will command respect. Larry Brown would be interesting as a coach but it’s unlikely because, he really just got fired. The Morning Jones ( great podcast, I suggest you listen) suggested this: What if they brought in Charles Oakley in as head coach next season? Oakley would whip this young team back into shape.
Even with that, there’s something also on the bend. With the NBA thinking contraction, the Sacramento Kings might be on the short list with teams like Toronto, Memphis, Minnesota, Charlotte and even Milwaukee. With the NBA always loving to get fans, might the Maloofs (Owners of the Kings) consider moving the team….To Vegas? The Maloofs are considered “Kings of Las Vegas” and moving the Kings to Las Vegas would create a huge buzz. The only issue that will be brought up is: Where would the Kings play? The Kings could consider playing in the Thomas and Mack Center for a season, but the arena only fits 19,000 at the most.