OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark
14-22. Previous: 27th. Sacramento Kings. 27. team. 84.
Sacramento Kings:
Week 11: 1-1
Won vs: Lakers 123-120
Lost to: Blazers 119-123
Week 12 opponents: Rockets, @Hawks
Offense: (113.5) 9th
Defense: (119.1) 30th
Net: (Minus -5.6) 26th
One of the most shocking bits of news this past week was the paid-for subscription The Athletic article that the Kings entered this season with expectations it would be a ‘gap year’.
That’s in direct contrast to what the Kings were touting about playoff expectations at season start. Sam Amick and Jason Jones offer enticing updates ranging from Luke Walton’s job being safe to a list of numerous players that could be on the block at the deadline.
Among them are the obvious players like Nemanja Bjelica and Cory Joseph but the revelation is Marvin Bagley III is no longer considered an untouchable. Amick and Jones also note Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes could be in the mix.
Hield being available for the right package isn’t that surprising given how stellar rookie Tyrese Haliburton has performed. Barnes is a bit more shocking since he’s sort of the glue for this squad and if the Kings intend on reentering the playoff fray anytime soon his presence feels necessary.
Suffice to say, the Kings now appear to be a team who could affect several other club’s roster depth for the postseason. That is if they are willing to cough up draft picks and/or young assets who fit beside De’Aaron Fox and Haliburton and would fit the system Monte McNair envisions moving into the future.
Notably, the 30th ranked defense of the Kings finds them seeded beneath the next few clubs who have fewer wins but perform better on that side of the hardwood.