A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: Will Luke Walton Take Advantage of New Opportunity?

By John Kelly

Luke Walton is introduced as the Sacramento Kings new head coach on Monday, April 15, 2019 at the team practice facility inside the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty Images)
Luke Walton is introduced as the Sacramento Kings new head coach on Monday, April 15, 2019 at the team practice facility inside the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – JULY 1: Head Coach Luke Walton of the Sacramento Kings attends the game against the Golden State Warriors on July 1, 2019 at the 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – JULY 1: Head Coach Luke Walton of the Sacramento Kings attends the game against the Golden State Warriors on July 1, 2019 at the 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Defense Will Be A Challenge For Walton

Walton is correct when he stated what his team needs to improve on. As reported by Jason Anderson, a reporter for the Sacramento Bee, Walton stated that he will make defense a priority going forward with his new team. Last season, the Kings were one of the bottom teams in the league when it came to defensive efficiency.

"“We’ll put a huge emphasis on our defense, challenge our guys daily, start practices with defense at the front of the practice plan to prioritize how important it is to us,” -Luke Walton"

Walton is a smart coach that understands that the Kings’ defense cost them big games that could have elevated them to a playoff spot. And if he is able to improve the defense next season, it will take the purple and white to greater heights.

Last year, the Kings showcased their potential to be an efficient defensive team. If Walton can coach them to improve, it should take the Kings into the next level of their rebuild.

The good news is that Vlade Divac did a good job this summer in acquiring defensive oriented players to help the team out. Let us hope that those guys can contribute as well as help the youth improve defensively too.

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