The 2023 NBA Finals are upon us, as two teams have a chance to make history. The Denver Nuggets have the opportunity to win their first championship in franchise history, and the Miami Heat have the opportunity to become the first-ever eight-seed to win the NBA Finals. These teams are both led by their superstar players while having talented role players as well.
The Sacramento Kings are led by their star players De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis while having talented role players around them. Does that mean the Kings are on their way to the Finals? Not yet, but the Sacramento Kings, with a successful 2023 offseason, might have the tools to come out of the West.
The Sacramento Kings could use some championship experience.
Here are the top three players currently playing in the Finals that could be realistic targets for the Kings this offseason:
3. Kevin Love, Miami Heat
The 15-year veteran, Kevin Love, is appearing in his 5th NBA Finals. While he is not as much of a contributor on this Miami squad as he was in Cleveland when he made four straight Finals appearances, he still plays his role exceptionally.
Love’s minutes have decreased throughout the playoffs, as he has not touched the court since Game 5 against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Kevin Love has said it makes sense to stay on the bench as he did not fit the matchups. Love made a big difference in the first two rounds of the playoffs, especially in round one, where the Heat upset the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 34-year-old, one-time champion has shown he can still contribute to a winning team, as he has averaged 6.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, shooting 36.8% from three, while playing only 18 minutes per game.
Kevin Love would fit right in on this Kings team, especially if Trey Lyles or Harrison Barnes leave in free agency. Love is a 6’8″ forward who can get rebounds and shoot from deep, filling two needs off the bench for a young, inexperienced Sacramento squad. Love is entering unrestricted free agency, and the move to Sacramento might interest the veteran.