11 Players the Kings never should have gambled on

The Sacramento Kings and their fans have suffered through some dark times. Their 16-year playoff drought starting in 2007 featured a ton of missed opportunities. From failed draft picks to regrettable free agent signings to disastrous trades, their front office swung and missed plenty and left supports yearning for their early 2000s run.

Every NBA team makes mistakes, but the Kings have struggled to limit the damage. They are finally back on the right track under head coach Mike Brown and general manager Monte McNair. Sacramento hopes to become a serious title contender but still needs to improve its roster.

The Kings must learn from their mistakes. They regretted taking chances on these players for various reasons, and each serves as an important lesson for their current regime.

11. Vince Carter

Sacramento signed Carter to a one-year deal worth $8 million in the 2017 offseason. His Vansity days were long gone, but the Kings needed a veteran leader for their young talent. Four of their top six in minutes played were 25 years old or younger and seven of their top ten.

Carter turned 41 midway through the season and did not produce a ton on the court. He averaged 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.7 minutes per game. The eight-time All-Star was limited to 58 games, and the Kings won just 27 contests. Carter left in free agency after just one year and spent his final two NBA seasons with the Hawks.

The Sacramento Kings likely could have spent the $8 million better. It is difficult to convince talent to join them in free agency, but Vince Carter was well past his prime. The Kings were not contenders and should have tried to spend on younger talent with more on-court production to offer.