For a team that claims to have a new focus on defense, the Sacramento Kings waited a long time to put Keon Ellis in the OKC game. By the time he got on the court, he'd been on the bench for three full quarters, and it was too late. It raises a lot of questions about the Kings' defensive strategy.
The Kings have had a lot of problems in their franchise for a long time. Their most longstanding issue is the structure of their roster, which is weighted heavily towards a shoot-first offense. It's lacking in rebounding, playmaking, and defense. There's a lot of work to do.
Scoring is basketball obviously isn't a bad thing. It's kind of a key part of winning games. Teams also need to hold their opponents back on defense. And it's hard to win games without rebounds or someone running plays. Still, defense is where the Kings continue to struggle the most.
It's important to give credit where credit is due. The Kings' defense has improved this year, largely due to head coach Doug Christie's focus on it. Plus, the franchise has brought in Dennis Schroder and Precious Achiuwa, who are both notoriously good defenders. It's a good place to start.
Keon Ellis was missing in action, and not by his choice
The Kings already have a couple of respectable defenders on their team. Unfortunately, one of them is Keegan Murray, who is still out injured with no firm timetable for his return. Keon Ellis is a solid defender, as well, but he remained on the bench for quite literally 75% of the loss against OKC.
Sacramento went into that game with Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray injured, as well as Daeqwon Plowden, Isaiah Stevens, and Dylan Cardwell assigned to the G League. OKC had even more players out, including Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Aaron Wiggins.
There was no reason for Ellis to sit out so much of the game. Even if he's had a tough time scoring this season, Keon still provides an important defensive presence that the Kings needed so badly against OKC. He only played in the fourth quarter, and by that point it was too late for him to find a rhythm.
Realistically, Ellis entering the game earlier probably wouldn't have changed the outcome. OKC, the defending champions, likely would have still dominated. Leaving Keon out for so long does make fans question the new defensive focus of the Kings, though, and how it's going to play out.