NBA Hall of Famer gives love to the Sacramento Kings
By Logan Struck
The Sacramento Kings were the laughingstock of the NBA for years, as they went 16 seasons without a playoff appearance. The Kings then had possibly the quickest turn-around in NBA history, finishing the 2022-23 season with a 48-34 record, 1st in the Pacific Division, and 3rd in the Western Conference.
The new and improved Sacramento Kings continue to get praise for their rise to the top of the Pacific Division, most recently from an NBA Hall of Famer and current NBA analyst.
Charles Barkley praises Mike Brown and the Sacramento Kings.
In a recent interview with FOX40, Barkley spoke highly of the Kings (via @kirstenlizmoran | Twitter):
"“Brown did a tremendous job… I’m really happy for Sacramento because they got a great fanbase and the NBA is better when Sacramento is doing well.”"
Outside of praising the franchise, Charles Barkley also spoke highly of the Kings’ stars:
"“Coach Brown did a fabulous job, De’Aaron Fox was fantastic, obviously Sabonis got a new contract. But what coach Brown is building there is fantastic. It’s great for the NBA.”"
Charles Barkley saying the Sacramento Kings’ success is great for the NBA is very high praise, especially coming from an NBA Hall of Famer and an undisputed top 50 player of all time.
Barkley knows a thing or two about Sacramento, as the retired superstar big man had a 35-9 career record against the Kings, averaging 22.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.
Charles Barkley’s TNT friend, Shaquille O’Neal, famously owned a stake in the Sacramento Kings franchise before selling in January 2022. He was forced by NBA rule to sell his stake due to pursuing business in the sports gambling world. He called it a “great partnership” and also praised the Sacramento fanbase in his departure.
The Sacramento Kings are entering the 2023-24 season on the backs of the All-NBA duo De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, who are both solidified top 25 players in the NBA. Their leader, Mike Brown, has done a tremendous job, as Charles Barkley said, and will continue to build the team to a championship contender.
The Kings have an improved supporting cast heading into next season and look to make a push at the top of the Western Conference.
