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 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

Jan 27, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) reacts during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Lesson Kings must learn from De'Aaron Fox situation to finally build contender

Nov 18, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Ex-Kings general manager may be moving on to more desirable gig

Nov 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Signing this player in free agency would be a home run for the Sacramento Kings

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (center left) drives against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Long-ignored Kings problem must be fixed to avoid repeating awful stretch

Mar 1, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) handles the ball against Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The Rockets need to tread with caution to avoid the same fate as the Kings