A Royal Pain
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Opinion: The Sacramento Kings Wasted a Grand Opportunity

By Rafe Wong

Mar 27, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Seth Curry (30) reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 133-111. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY
Mar 27, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Seth Curry (30) reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 133-111. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY /
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It was supposed to be different this year. It was supposed to end this year. But no, the mediocrity continues to infest the Sacramento Kings franchise like a virus.

This offseason the Kings front office overhauled their roster and by doing so enhanced their talent on paper. With a roster with enough ability plus a head coach that is currently 5th all-time in wins in NBA history what can get in the way of the Kings finally making the playoffs? Themselves.

Unfortunately, but probably predictable, the Kings expectations to start the season become gradually lower as time progressed.

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A team that looked like they could have squeaked a playoff berth in a supposed strong Western Conference are looking at themselves eliminated from postseason contention as they ended the season with a 33-49 record.

The good news is that their record improved from previous seasons, but on the other hand, the expectation this year were a lot higher.

Remember how great and dominant the Western Conference has been in the last couple of years? Well, that changed this time around.

Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl speaks with guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl speaks with guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Normally it would take 45 wins just to be able to compete in the West, but right now the current 8th seed holder is the Houston Rockets with a 41-41 record. A winning percentage that was doable for the Kings.

So when the Kings entered this season they had a roster that upgraded from a talent standpoint, they were now lead by one of the most winningest coaches in NBA history, and the Western Conference as a collective group struggled on a record basis.

If you told a Kings fan that these scenarios would happen and the Kings did not make the playoffs, it would be heartbreaking to hear.

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Although the Kings record has improved compared to their previous seasons, this might be the most excruciating season the Kings and their fans have endured.

With the expectations being high and a playoff ticket served to them on a golden platter, the Kings just couldn’t resist disappointing their fans once again.

With the Kings officially eliminated from the playoffs, it now has been 10 straight seasons where the purple and white have failed to play after the regular season has ended.

Hopefully, this is the end of the Kings journey through the dark tunnel they have been in for the last couple of years and the light is close by as they enter their new Golden 1 Center next season.

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