Mat Issa

Mat Issa

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Mat Issa is the Site Expert for A Royal Pain. Mat is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He went to Michigan State University for seven years, earning his Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor. Now, he covers the NBA at large for Forbes, The Analyst, Basketball Insiders, and, of course, FanSided. His work has also been featured on ESPN, The Sporting News, and SB Nation, among other places. Yes, he spells his name with one "t."

Mar 27, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Online poll tricks Kings fans into saying something they don't mean

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) and Malik Monk (0) react against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

2 Loopholes the Kings can call upon to keep valuable role player around long-term

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia (33) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jake LaRavia trade will age horribly if he departs the Kings this summer

Apr 13, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) warms up before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

The Kings desperately need to take advantage of this salary tool

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cap expert advises Kings not to retain Trey Lyles this summer

Mar 6, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive smiles after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Kings are becoming the definition of insanity under Vivek Ranadive

Mar 17, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) warms up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Gigantic Kings problem that nobody is talking about

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings interim head coach Doug Christie during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Kings' process for hiring Doug Christie put on blast

Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) scores against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Buddy Hield takes indirect shot at Kings after playoff exit

May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Major media outlet dunks on Kings for disastrous Tyrese Haliburton trade

Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings interim head coach Doug Christie yells during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Kings could bring back another legend to join Doug Christie's staff

Mar 7, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

DeMar DeRozan trade puts limit on how long the Kings can rebuild

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) and forward Keegan Murray (13) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kings backed into corner that will require harsh decision about Keegan Murray

Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (right) blocks a shot by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (center) as forward DeMar DeRozan (left) defends during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Kings future in the West seems bleak with Giannis and Flagg's potential arrivals

Mar 17, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) warms up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Kings may be forced to consider unthinkable Malik Monk action to shake up roster

Mar 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles the ball while Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Kings need to follow Pacers example to figure out their Keon Ellis problem