Lately, it feels like the past is uglier than ever for the Sacramento Kings. The days when fans ecstatically got to watch their team light the beam seem like ages ago, and many people are hunkering down for years of lackluster basketball.
The front office isn't sitting still. Although there is debate about how aggressive they will be, they will do something this summer in hopes of improving the team. But the latest rumor about the Kings has fans asking if the team's management will ever really learn.
The Kings have to fill a point guard void they created
The latest report from Michael Scotto at Hoops Hype said that Sacramento has its sights set on adding a point guard to the rotation. That's not a bad idea, because an NBA team cannot get very far without a reliable guard.
But mistakes from the team's front office over the last few years have lost the Kings two of the most promising point guards in the league. This is a front office that let both Tyrese Haliburton and De'Aaron Fox walk away. Therefore, their desire to find a new guard feels particularly painful.
It's almost hard to imagine that the Kings had both Haliburton and Fox at the same time. Now, both are gone and in better positions with their new teams. Fox has moved on to the San Antonio Spurs, playing alongside Victor Wembanyama. And Haliburton could be just four wins away from becoming a champion.
According to Scotto's report, the Kings think Tyus Jones might be right for them. And while Jones is a capable guard, will he bring the sort of firepower that was provided by Haliburton or Fox? That seems unlikely. In fact, most guards in the league pale in comparison to those two.
On one hand, it's hard not to feel bad for the Kings' front office. No matter what they do, people are going to doubt them and point out their faults, especially right now since Haliburton and his Pacers tore through the Eastern Conference. They are in a tough position, and any move they make will be met with criticism.
On the other hand, it's difficult to show empathy for a team that has routinely fumbled away players who could be franchise figures for years.
It is hard to see the departures of Haliburton and Fox as anything but total mismanagement. Because of that, Kings followers just do not trust the leadership of this team. So, yes, the Kings might acquire Jones this summer, and he could give them a boost, but that won't inject any faith into the fanbase.
The Sacramento Kings and the position of point guard will drum up some bad feelings for a long time. The team is right to pursue a guard, but this is just another stinging reminder of how they let two of the best go.