2 Things Kings fans should root for, 2 to root against to close the season

Kings fans should root against a deep playoff run from the Orlando Magic

This is directly related to Malik Monk’s upcoming free agency and decision in the summer. The Orlando Magic have plenty of young talent, potentially more money to offer than the Kings, and a nice role for a ball handler available. 

If they wanted to, they could steal Monk from the Kings unless he feels like he has some serious unfinished business in Sacramento. The money alone might be enough to persuade him to leave, but the Magic have more to offer than just that. 

By now, we all know that Monk wants to compete at the highest level. The Magic are young but well ahead of schedule. Just one season after drafting Paolo Banchero first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Magic are a playoff team. 

Despite being one of the youngest teams in the league, they are the second-best defensive team and have won some big games against the Pelicans, the Timberwolves, the Knicks, and the Nuggets lately. 

Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, Wendell Carter Jr., and Jalen Suggs are all younger than 25. If they are a playoff team now, just imagine what they can do when they get older. The Magic will be one of the top teams in the East for quite a while. 

This season, Kings fans should certainly root against a deep playoff run from them because if they win and accelerate the rebuild even more, Monk might be more inclined to go there if he gets the chance. Losing Monk would be a huge blow for the Kings, and they might not be able to replace his production.