A Royal Pain
Fansided

The Sacramento Kings have been eliminated from the playoffs. What’s next?

By Jonathan Roberts

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 19: Harry Giles #20, Bogdan Bogdanovic #8, Harrison Barnes #40, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings face the Brooklyn Nets on March 19, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 19: Harry Giles #20, Bogdan Bogdanovic #8, Harrison Barnes #40, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings face the Brooklyn Nets on March 19, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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A storied season has come to an (un)official end, as the Sacramento Kings have finally been eliminated from playoff contention. What’s next?

If you’re reading this, the Sacramento Kings have just been eliminated from playoff contention, ending their Cinderella season after a year of surprises, and blowing past expectations.

It hurts doesn’t it? Even though we knew this moment has been coming for nearly a month (the Clippers loss at the beginning of the year sticks out), it still hurts as if it was a stunning surprise — like losing a game you shouldn’t on a buzzer-beating three (looking at you, Lakers). Still, while it hurts now, this season is very much a success, by all measures.

But what’s next for this team? What are fans supposed to do, if not cheer for a playoff berth? Same thing we always do — support this tea, until the season officially ends on April 10. Fans will also have to watch the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, as the Kings will (likely) own the Magic’s second round pick, and will own the worse pick between the Lakers and T-Wolves.

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There’s also Buddy Hield’s quest for history, as he’s closing in on breaking Damian Lillards record for most three-point field goals in a players first three season in history, but after that — the offseason.

The Sacramento Kings don’t have a 2019 first round pick, but they do have three second rounders, which will give the front office plenty to prepare for as it pertains to the 2019 NBA Draft, as they’ll likely look to trade into the first round.

Then, perhaps the most important free agency period for the Sacramento Kings in two decades, as they’ll look to make key improvements at several positions in hopes of making the playoffs next season. Center, backup point gaurd and small forward will likely be the three most pressing needs, though the team should look to make some ancillary moves to help solidify the rotation.

We’ll have to keep a close eye on Dave Joerger as well, as there were a slew of rumors connecting him to the Minnesota Timberwolves after the team dismissed Tom Thibodeau earlier this year. Those rumors have quieted down a bit since, but it’s still something to monitor going forward.

dark. Next. Playoffs or not, the 2018-19 season is a success

Perhaps the most important thing, however, is for Kings fans to enjoy the rest of the season, and remain excited for the next. This has been an incredible season, and perhaps the most fun season for the team in nearly 20 years. Playoffs or not, this season was incredible, and it’s important we remember that, even though it hurts right now.

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