Sacramento’s historic defensive struggles face a new test as a stagnant roster and undersized rookies threaten to plunge the high-octane franchise into further record-breaking inefficiency.
The Sacramento Kings made the wrong kind of history, finishing with the third-worst defensive rating in NBA history, and could be in a worse position after this offseason.
Sacramento ended with a 121.5 defensive rating, finishing just below the Utah Jazz (122.3) and Washington Wizards (122.7). They allowed opponents to average the fourth-most points, scoring 121 per contest.
The Kings pride themselves as a top offensive team. Zach LaVine is an efficient three-level scorer, and Domantas Sabonis is a physical big man who leverages his stable core to bully defenders in the paint.
They can carry the offensive responsibilities, but defensively, they aren't great. LaVine lacks the lateral quickness to contain speedy guards. Sabonis' limited athleticism contributes to his struggles as a rim protector, as he averages 0.5 blocks for his career.
Sabonis and LaVine already give Sacramento plenty to worry about defensively. Then the Kings used the No. 7 pick on Darius Acuff Jr., whose defense could be a problem.
Acuff likely will be a perennial starter as the franchise cornerstone. That is compounding an already existing issue.
The 6-foot-3 guard is undersized. Teams will involve him in actions that force him to either chase a shooter or switch him onto a bigger guard for a mismatch.
Sacramento saw him struggle in the summer league. Players can rise over him in the paint for a mid-range jumper or blow past him at the perimeter for a paint touch.
That will be a common occurrence throughout the regular season for the team, not just Acuff.
Entering 2026, the Kings were 8-25. Only once did they hold an opponent under 100 points. The Kings held the Portland Trail Blazers to 98 points on Dec. 20, and they lost.
Sacramento can score enough to compete. Its defense is what will keep it from doing so consistently.
Even Dylan Cardwell couldn't help Sacramento. Cardwell, who was a stunning find for the organization, became one of the best rim protectors. He averaged 1.5 blocks throughout 44 games.
The Kings had a quiet offseason, only drafting three rookies and re-signing a few players. They are essentially running back the same team that performed terribly on defense.
Finishing with the worst defensive rating in NBA history next season could be in the cards. Sacramento's best players are too talented offensively to switch them out for a defensive player.
Defense will continue to be a thorn in their side until Perry rebuilds the roster with an emphasis on balancing the two sides.
