The Sacramento Kings were most recently defeated by the Chicago Bulls, dropping their overall record to 1-4. Sure, it is too early to completely panic, but Sacramento is unquestionably struggling so far in the 2025-26 campaign. The harsh reality of the situation is that the Kings' underperformance is not especially surprising. After all, the team's summer was defined by uncertainty and questionable decisions.
The offense and defense both feature serious questions
The Kings feature a number of talented offensive players. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis are all especially capable on the offensive end of the floor. However, the big three in Sacramento has not worked out. Dennis Schroder is a reliable guard, but the Kings do not have enough facilitators on the roster to make a difference.
Russell Westbrook can make plays for others, but he also is no stranger to turning the ball over. Between a lack of overall assists on the roster -- and not to mention turnovers -- the Kings' offense is not in an ideal situation. Sacramento is tied for 24th in the league in points allowed off turnovers, averaging 21.2 per outing.
Meanwhile, the defense has been abysmal at times this year. They are near the middle of the league (16th overall) with a 114.5 defensive rating, but their 58 points allowed in the paint per contest is 27th in the NBA. There have been games where it's clear the defense is getting out-played.
Kings' rebuild in the near-future?
The Kings may need to consider a rebuild sooner rather than later. Even if Sacramento were to meet their expectations and play up to their full potential, they are likely a play-in team at best in the crowded Western Conference. The roster simply is not deep enough to challenge the top contenders in the West.
If they were in the Eastern Conference, perhaps they could clinch a playoff spot, as the East is not quite as deep this season. The reality is that the Kings play in the West, though, and they would need to exceed expectations in order to make a realistic postseason run.
The team has only played five games, of course. They will not give up on the new campaign any time soon. However, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Kings are likely going to endure a challenging campaign -- something their early season performance indicates without question up to this point.