5 Keys to Sacramento Kings ending their historically bad playoff drought
By Ryan Brennan
4. Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter need to be productive from long range.
The four most active long range shooters for the Kings last season were Buddy Hield, Donte DiVincenzo, Tyrese Haliburton, and Justin Holiday. They each made at least 2.0 three pointers per game, with Hield leading the team with 3.3 made per game.
None of those four players are on the roster this season. Hield and Haliburton were involved in the trade that brought Sabonis into town, Holiday was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in early July, and DiVincenzo signed with the Golden State Warriors in free agency.
If the Kings are going to end their playoff drought, they need to shoot well from long range – enter Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. The team snagged Monk (2.3 3PM per game in 2021) in free agency and Huerter (2.2 3PM per game in 2021) in the Holiday trade with Atlanta.
These two players need to shoot often and consistently – if they do, they’ll provide the support Sabonis and Fox need on the wing.
5. Set realistic expectations and take it one game at a time.
One of the keys to setting any goal, no matter how small or large, is making sure your goals are realistic. In regards to the Sacramento Kings, they shouldn’t enter the season expecting to be a No. 1 seed this season – while that’s the ultimate goal, it’s unrealistic for this team.
In a crowded Western Conference that includes the Warriors, Lakers, Blazers, Suns, Grizzlies, Mavericks, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Pelicans, and Clippers, finding a way into the playoffs isn’t going to be easy. The Kings are going to have to play good ball consistently.
If they can take it one game at a time, win the games they’re supposed to win, and take as many as they can against the powerhouses in the league, they’ll have a shot. And if they can’t find a way to make it into the top eight, then aim for the play-in tournament and make it that way.
Next. Look out for an underrated Davion Mitchell. dark
The Kings can make the playoffs this year, but it’s going to take a group effort – everyone needs to do their part game-in and game-out. With that being said, it’s a new season and anything is possible, so let’s stay optimistic and show our support!