Paul George is right about the Sacramento Kings

With the NBA season rapidly approaching, it’s officially over hype season. While pundits and fans are often guilty of overhyping the team they root for or follow, we can usually take NBA players’ opinions seriously regarding other teams around the league. That’s hopefully true for Sacramento Kings fans, at least.

NBA all-star and current Los Angeles Clipper Paul George recently had positive words regarding the Sacramento Kings. While he didn’t go above and beyond to praise the Kings’ roster, he certainly made it clear what they have the potential to be on the basketball court, via NBCSports.com.

“[Sacramento] is a young up-and-coming team that can give you a rough night.”

The exchange was centered around how tough the entire Western Conference is. PG13 is right that as a conference, the West is pretty loaded from top to bottom. Normally that would mean little to nothing for teams in the West, such as the Kings.

The interesting part is that George specifically mentioned Sacramento with no provocation to speak about them. Clearly, he has thought about what this Kings group is capable of being on any given night. His point is good, but for the Kings, the key will be doing it night in and night out with consistency.

The Sacramento Kings can give opponents fits

There’s no doubt about it, the Sacramento Kings can give any team in the NBA fits on any given night. How often they do so is the big question that needs to be answered.

Hearing an opposing player share the thought, especially one of PG13’s caliber, is certainly noteworthy. The Kings have a  long way to go before they have earned the respect of teams and people around the league, but it’s clear some opposing players see the potential in this team.

Rightfully so, as the Kings have an underrated one-two punch entering the season in the form of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis played in only 15 games for Sacramento last year after being traded from the Indiana Pacers. He managed a double-double in 12 of those 15 games.

As he and Fox gain chemistry on the court, the Kings will be utilizing an extremely talented and versatile combination. With veteran leadership in the form of Harrison Barnes and a coach with championship experience in Mike Brown, it’s easy to see why the Kings are going to move in the right direction this season.

Shot makers like Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter, who were both added this offseason, make the Kings offensive upside night in and night out much higher. Between those two, Sabonis and Fox, and wings like Barnes and the promising rookie Keegan Murray, Paul George is spot on in his assessment of the Sacramento Kings.