3 Disastrous Kings ripple effects of potentially missing the playoffs

1. The Kings might fall too far behind

The Western Conference is already strong enough without some of the young teams getting even better, but that is pretty much inevitable at this point. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have arrived and won’t go anywhere anytime soon. Minnesota has a great young core in Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid that is still far from its prime, surrounded by capable veterans. 

The Grizzlies will be back stronger and better next season, and the Pelicans are gathering important playoff experience. Houston and San Antonio are hungry and want to compete as soon as possible. 

There is so much young talent in the West and also some in the East. The Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, and Cleveland Cavaliers are all still building and getting better as well. If the Kings don’t make the playoffs, possibly lose Monk, and can’t make any big moves in the summer, they might very well fall too far behind. 

Some of those teams are much younger than the Kings but well ahead of schedule and taking off. Meanwhile, Sacramento has failed to improve its roster over two trade deadlines and an offseason and is struggling now. 

If they cannot make any significant moves this summer, it might haunt them for years to come. Catching up with the other top teams in the West won’t be easy, especially once the younger teams gain confidence and faith in their ability to compete with the likes of the Denver Nuggets.