Sacramento Kings Predicted Finish, Key Acquisitions & Fantasy Stars

As we near the conclusion of our team-by-team NBA previews, our attention turns to the Sacramento Kings as they attempt to break a 17-year playoff drought under newly appointed head coach Mike Brown. Last season, they went 30-52 to finish 12th in the Western Conference. In these previews, we will take a look at the key acquisitions, fantasy stars and predicted finish.

Key Acquisitions

After trading for two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis at last year’s deadline, the Kings made it clear that they are aiming to compete now and end their painstaking postseason drought. This offseason, they re-tooled the roster further through free agency, the draft, and trades.

With the fourth pick in the draft, they selected Iowa’s Keegan Murray. In 35 games as a sophomore, Murray averaged 23.5 ppg and 8.7 rpg on .638 TS%. He made a major leap as an all-around player across his freshman and sophomore seasons at Iowa and projects as a versatile defender and capable shooter with a varied scoring skillset.

They also added guard Malik Monk on a two-year, $19 million deal after he put up a career-high 13.8 ppg in 76 games last season with the Lakers. A gifted three-level scorer and playmaker, Monk offers Sacramento an exciting backcourt option off the bench with the ability to put up points in a hurry. The 24-year-old is yet to establish himself as an effective NBA defender but his skill as an offensive player earnt him this new contract.

They also sent Maurice Harkless, Justin Holiday, and a future first to Atlanta for guard Kevin Huerter who averaged 12.1 ppg on .570 TS% in 74 games with the Hawks last season. A knockdown three-point shooter and improved passer, Huerter is expected to start alongside De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt and provide spacing and a secondary ball-handling option.

Fantasy Stars

Sabonis projects to be Sacramento’s fantasy star as he enters the season as the 10th ranked power forward and seventh ranked centre. In the 15 games he played with the Kings after being traded at the deadline last season, he averaged 18.9 ppg, 12.3 rpg, and 5.8 apg. The 26-year-old is among the league’s premier rebounders and big-man passers whilst showcasing an ability to carry offences for long stretches through his diverse scoring repertoire and ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

Projected Finish

Our expectation is that Sacramento push for one of the final play-in vacancies but may need to rely on some luck given the teams they will need to surpass. There is, however, a lot to like about their improved roster particularly if the likes of Fox, Monk, Murray and/or second-year guard Davion Mitchell can outperform expectations. Their defence last season was among the league’s poorest which will need to be rectified immediately if they are to make a leap up the standings.

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