Sacramento Kings: One really good summer away from NBA relevance

Apr 9, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
6 of 6
Mar 27, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) talks with forward Anthony Tolliver (43) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Grizzlies 91-90. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) talks with forward Anthony Tolliver (43) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Grizzlies 91-90. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Where To?

Am I saying that if the Sacramento Kings did all of these steps they’re going to make the playoffs next season? No. But I think it would expedite their rebuild and could see them in the postseason very soon; possibly as soon as next season. Why not?

The Kings have solid veteran leadership under contract though next summer in guys like Anthony Tolliver, Garrett Temple, and Kosta Koufos. They have young talent in Papagiannis and Malachi Richardson.

So let’s say they draft who I said they did, don’t trade anyone, retain Galloway, and let Gay and those other guys go. Suddenly, the roster looks like this:

Starting 5

  • PG – De’Aaron Fox
  • SG – Buddy Hield
  • SF – O.G. Anunoby
  • PF – Skal Labissiere
  • C – Willie Cauley-Stein

Bench

  • PG – Langston Galloway
  • SG – Garrett Temple
  • SF – Malachi Richardson
  • PF – Anthony Tolliver
  • C – Georgios Papagiannis

Not a bad group huh?

If you don’t like the predictions, then I’m sure someone like Jose Calderon, Norris Cole, or Randy Foye could be had for cheap.

Why not Sacramento?