Sacramento Kings Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAWESTERN CONFERENCEPacific DivisionSacramento Kings

Oct 19

Our Sacramento Kings preview 2021 observes that the last time this team won the title, they were known as the Rochester Royals, and in the semis, they defeated the Minneapolis Lakers. That was 1951, when the Kings beat the Knicks in seven games to win their second and last league title. Since then, they have been to the playoffs 26 times, never making it to the NBA Finals. Also, over the course of three decades the Kings moved from Rochester to Cincinnati to Kansas City and, finally to Sacramento. That final move occurred in 1985. As the Sacramento Kings, this franchise has been to the playoffs 10 times. However It’s been 15 years since they have played in a postseason game. Each of the last two seasons, the Kings have recorded 31-41 records, finishing 12th in the West both times.

Kings Frontcourt

At this point, Marvin Bagley III has not grown into his role as power forward. Along with dealing with various injuries and being erratic on the court, his defensive chops have not been up to par. Last season in 43 games, Bagley showed some promise, hitting 50.4 percent of his field goals while averaging 14.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG. Maurice Harkless, who backs up both forward positions, is a solid shooter, good defender, and sound, stabilizing force.

At center last season, Richaun Holmes offered 14.2 PPG, 8.3 APG, and 1.6 BPG. Last season, the diligent Holmes showed a lot of improvement, which resulted in a new fully guaranteed, four-year $47 million deal. Center Tristan Thompson, a solid vet, comes from the Celtics with 11 years of invaluable NBA experience. Our Sacramento Kings preview 2021 finds that small forward Harrison Barnes (16.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.5 APG) is a highly professional and efficient work-a-day player. There’s not a lot of flash, but he gets a whole lot done.

Sacramento Kings Preview – Backcourt

De’Aaron Fox is one of those point guards who’s not limited to the point. The speedy Fox can quickly get to any spot on the court to make a shot, grab a rebound, or set up a play. Last season, as a shooter in the paint, which he frequented, he hit 76 percent of his attempts. Fox led the team with 25.2 PPG and 7.2 APG. The 47.7 percent field goal shooter also averaged 1.5 SPG. Talented Tyrese Haliburton, who starts at shooting guard, subs in for Fox. Also backing up the point is rookie Davion Mitchell, a premium two-way player.

Last year as a rookie, Haliburton shot .472/.409/.857 while averaging 13.0 PPG and 5.3 APG. Haliburton, who was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Team and came in third in voting for Rookie of the Year, can make big-time plays and shots. Also, look for Buddy Hield to see plenty of playing time, as Haliburton and Fox switch out at point. In 2020-2021, Hield averaged 16.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG. The five-year NBA veteran connected on 40.6 percent of his field goals and 39.1 percent of his threes.