247sport News: 3 major offseason fixes Kings must make to reach….
The Kings have the chance to take their already-talented team to the next level with these key fixes.
The Sacramento Kings roster is bracing for pivotal changes during the 2024 offseason after they failed to make the NBA Playoffs. Sacramento lost their second Play-In Tournament game to the New Orleans Pelicans, ending their postseason early. Moreover, the Kings must address several areas to reach the 2025 NBA Playoffs, highlighted by improvement offensively, defensively, and at the forward position.
Sacramento finished the 2023-24 season with a 46-36 record, which placed ninth in the Western Conference. Thus, to make the playoffs, they needed to win two straight Play-In games. The Kings looked dominant in their 118-94 first-round win over the Golden State Warriors. Yet, they could not maintain the same intensity in their closeout against New Orleans.
To understand the Kings’ true needs, it is important to highlight what they do not need. Sacramento has two bonafide stars in Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. The star duo made their first All-NBA team after the 2022-23 season when their team earned the third seed in the West. They were the first Kings in franchise history to earn the honor in the same season.
Domantas Sabonis displayed stellar regular season production in 2023-24. The 28-year-old averaged 19.4 points, a league-leading 13.7 rebounds, and a career-high 8.2 rebounds per game. Sabonis was among the few players who played all 82 regular season games. Moreover, he amassed the most triple-doubles in the NBA with 26. Sabonis’ production has him in the conversation for his second All-NBA honor.
Meanwhile, De’Aaron Fox achieved impressive success of his own. Fox amassed a career-high 26.6 points along with 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds through 74 regular season games. In addition, he totaled 2.0 steals per contest, which led the NBA.
Sacramento’s guard and center spots look great, but the small forward position is the first key offseason fix.
An upgrade at the 3 spot will do wonders for the Kings
Harrison Barnes has provided reliable service for the Kings since he joined the team via trade from the Dallas Mavericks in 2019. Barnes comes off a season with averages of 12.2 points, 0.7 steals, and 38.7 three-point accuracy. The veteran small forward is one of the best examples to look for in a 3-and-D wing, but the Kings could benefit from an upgrade.
Barnes’ 2023-24 scoring mark is his lowest since 2015-16, and while he continues to play serviceable defense, Sacramento needs more of a true defensive stopper at his position.
The Kings have three players in their lineup who are dedicated offensive threats. Fox (who led the team in scoring despite leading the league in steals), Sabonis, and Keegan Murray spearhead Sacramento’s scoring attack. Obtaining a small forward whose primary calling card is defense would balance the lineup out more and allow them to focus more on their strengths.
Candidates for a small forward upgrade
Paul George is a two-way wing who would take the Kings to the next level. While some argue his defense has taken a step back, joining the Kings would take pressure off him offensively and allow him to focus more on being a stopper.
George averaged 1.5 steals per game during the 2023-24 season, which ranked 11th in the NBA. He would often switch between guards and forwards when opposing offenses would run screen sets, and he proved to effective. His strength and versatility would be a great tool for Sacramento
