Defense!
The Sacramento Kings didn’t even play great defense when they were perennial title contenders in the early 2000’s, so it should surprise exactly no one that they’ve been a mess on that end of the floor for decades.
Joerger might actually change that with a system revamp and a culture change: Memphis defenses were almost as scary as actual grizzlies that had been trained to blitz the pick and roll during most of his tenure there.
Excepting last year’s get away season, the lowest the Grizz ever finished in defensive efficiency during Joerger’s time in charge was seventh. That roster was better equipped to choke offenses out than the one he’s currently working with, but Joerger clearly knows how to motivate his players on that end of the floor.
The Grizzlies were a thorn in the side of the Western Conference elite because they could overwhelm just about anyone on defense:
They probably had no business being as successful as they were, but it never looked fluky or like they were overmatched. Unlike offense, defense can be improved greatly by effort. Boogie has proven that he can be a great defender when he wants to be. Ben McLemore and Willie Cauley-Stein are both uber-athletic and young enough to learn how to play consistently great D, especially considering that Joerger’s system favors quick rushes into passing lanes and blitzes of screens around the perimeter.
Not having Tony Allen and Marc Gasol to smother people will make a huge difference, to be sure, but the Kings have some teachable talent. If Joerger can get those guys to give a damn on that end of the court, I think we’ll see immediate improvement overall.
This team is a mish mash of mediocre veterans and unproven young guys that have coalesced around a mercurial superstar amidst ceaseless administrative chaos.
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The Sacramento Kings are probably not ready to take a big leap forward this season, but unlike with seasons past, there could be a design of what this team can become by season’s end.