The Sacramento Kings are going to be scary good next year.
The Sacramento Kings, a team that was a laughingstock of the NBA for almost two decades, nearly knocked off the dynastic Warriors. How did a team that missed the playoffs for 16 straight seasons, the longest stretch for any of the four major sports, become the three-seed and push a historic franchise to seven games? Was this season a fluke, or can the Kings build upon this improbable season and construct a championship caliber team?
The Kings improved vastly on both ends of the court in 2023. They ranked as the top team in offensive efficiency and 25th in defensive efficiency in the NBA. This was a significant improvement from their 25th (offensive) and 29th (defensive) ranks in 2022. Finally, their SRS (Simple Rating system) went from 25th in the league to 8th.
The Kings were by far the best offensive team in the NBA last season. They scored an astonishing 120.7 points per game and had an offensive rating of 119.4, leading the lead in both categories. This was a drastic improvement from 2022, the Kings' scoring ballooned by over ten points, and their offensive rating went from 17th in the league to first.
The Kings were the second most efficient team from the field during the 2023 season, shooting at 49.7% from the field. This was particularly impressive as the Kings shot a high volume of three-pointers throughout the season. Despite this three-point shooting increase, their field goal percentage increased by four percent from three and the field.
While the Kings were terrible defensively during 2023 giving up the fifth most points in the NBA. Despite this, their defence actually improved to 25th in the league. Kings defenders were significantly better in the halfcourt this year. As well, the Kings forced an additional turnover per game in 2023.
So the question still stands how did the Kings improve so vastly? Well, the answer lies in three reasons. The brilliant coaching of Mike Brown, intelligent roster moves and vast player improvement.
Mike Brown, a long-time assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors and former head coach of the Lakers and Cavaliers, finally found his new home with the Sacramento Kings. Mike Brown won the first-ever unanimous Coach of the Year award.
Mike Brown implemented many of Golden State's offensive strategies into his new team. Making his players focus more on spacing and movement than traditional shot-making. The effects were unmistakable. The Kings grew into a great team. The Kings moved the ball well all season, leading to their shooters getting consistently open from all parts of the court.
While the Kings were initially mocked for their trade for their now-star Domantas Sabonis. It is evident that both teams benefitted immensely from the deal. Sabonis transformed into a playmaker with the Kings. While he was a good passer with the Pacers, he transformed into an elite playmaker with the Kings. The Kings go to play, the dribble handoff perfectly exemplified Sabonis' game. He utilized his excellent screening, passing and scoring ability to create the single-best offensive play of the 2023 season. Domantas Sabonis also shot 62% from the field and 37% from three. Making him a super efficient player, unlocking the Kings' offence by forcing the defence to respect his shooting.
Other great offseason additions include Keegan Murray, Kevin Hurter and Malik Monk. Keegan Murray was the King's first pick in the 2022 draft. He was a sharpshooting slasher in college. Winning Big Ten Player of the Year while playing at Iowa College. Keegan was incredible during his first season as a King. He shot an electrifying 41.6% from three while playing good defence and scoring 12.2 a game. His shooting opened the court all year for the slashing guards of the Kings.
Kevin Hurter was a trade piece acquired from Atlanta during the 2022 offseason. Kevin Hurter was traded after the Dejounte Murray trade to the Hawks. The Kings got an absolute sharpshooter who plays similarly to a young Klay Thompson. He can catch fire and take over any game at any moment. Hurter shot an incredible 40% from three on just under seven attempts a game. He also averaged a steal a game, providing some defensive help to a team with poor defenders.
The final critical addition was Malik Monk, an elite six-man that led the Kings' bench in almost every metric. He averaged 13 a game off the bench and was a tremendous change of pace piece. As Malik would attach the rim, unlike many of the shooting-dominant starters. His energy and aggression off the bench often led to defensive collapses leading to the Kings' plethora of shooters raining in three-point shots. He was vital throughout the season in creating the Kings' offence and was a passable defender at all levels.
The final reason for the King's drastic improvement was the player improvement of Davion Mitchell and DeAaron Fox. Davion Mitchell, the ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft, has developed into an all-NBA level defender. While Davion Mitchell's scoring went down from 2022 to 2023, his shooting was vastly improved. He shot 53% from the field, up from 47% the year prior, while being a passable three-point shooter. Davion's true value comes in his immaculate defence. He pesters opposing guards and did an incredible job against top-ten player Steph Curry.
We cannot mention the Kings' incredible rise without first mentioning DeAaron Fox's improvement. DeAaron Fox was a polarizing player for the first five years of his career. The talent was apparent, and his athletics were off the charts, but the results left much to be desired. In 2023, DeAaron Fox broke out. He had the most efficient and best scoring season of his career while lowering his turnover numbers. DeAaron was also the most clutch player in the league, winning the inaugural Jerry West trophy. His improvement along with the other factors listed, led to the breakout season, but how can the Kings build upon their breakout season.
Firstly, the Sacramento Kings must resign their pending free agents. Role players Trey Lyles and Terrance Davis are pending free agents. Their skills are replaceable, but their knowledge of the system makes them targets to resign and retain. The big free agent the Kings must retain is Harrison Barnes. While Barnes is their fourth option on offence, his veteran presence along with his shooting makes him difficult to replace for the Kings.
The Kings have to improve their defence to make it into the second round of the 2023 playoffs. Free agents that can be signed to help the Kings in 2023 are Jae Crowder and Naz Reid. Both players are plus defenders who can play strong roles and provide more depth to the Kings. Another player I can see them targeting in 2023 is Kyle Kuzma, in honesty, I see this as a Harrison Barnes replacement but his shooting and length would make him perfect for the Kings.
The Kings are going to be really good next year. They may be the best team in the West if they can improve their defence. Through smart hires and roster building, the Kings have flipped the switch and set themselves up for the future. They have a powerful young core, with a lot of depth. If they make a few moves in the offseason, and add some veterans to lead the team. We could see the Kings playing June basketball in 2024.
