NBA Power Rankings: The Pacific Division

Apr 2, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center

(15) drives in against Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill (27) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4. Sacramento Kings

2013-14 record: 28-54

Key Loss: Isaiah Thomas

Key Additions: Darren Collison, Nik Stauskas

With this roster and the roster the Kings had last season, I don’t know how they weren’t better. I guess that’s not totally true because I watched them play several times last season, and it was pretty obvious why they weren’t better. On paper, though, this roster is decent.

With Rudy Gay, DeMarcus Cousins, and Isaiah Thomas hoisting most of the shots on offense last season, there wasn’t much room for anyone else to flourish, not that anyone would if given the opportunity though. I’m still curious why the Kings let Thomas walk and signed Collison, an obvious down-grade instead.

If anything, Thomas was a trade chip. Collison isn’t worth anyone’s time in a trade. The Kings are gearing up for a big move. There’s been reports and rumors of trying to make a deal for Josh Smith or Rajon Rondo. Maybe that would be a good move if the Kings could get those players, but I don’t see a fit.

The Kings should spend this season developing their young talent alongside Cousins, and try to ditch Rudy Gay’s contract somewhere along the line. The West is too deep right now for the Kings to make a major push, but they’re not far way from turning this situation around. I’d say a couple more years, if the Kings can keep Cousins.