The Sacramento Kings are still projected to finish in the basement of the NBA. But, some analysts are discrediting the talent level, at least offensively, on the roster.
As the Sacramento Kings continue to rebuild, the expectations surrounding this team are very low, with most projections landing Sacramento within the bottom of the NBA.
On Monday, this remained the theme, with The Athletic's Michael Pina blasting the Kings and writing "'“Light the Beam' might as well have happened 35 years ago."
Pina questioned the decision to give head coach Doug Christie another year, while scoffing at Zach LaVine being the team's "no. 1 option."
While placing the Kings among the league's worst is not completely unwarranted, Pina is overlooking the talent around LaVine that is also returning from injury.
Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis both missed most of last year, and should provide some much-needed offensive versatility to a Kings team that averaged just 111 points per game last season (No. 28 in NBA).
Rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. is another piece of the puzzle for Christie to work with, coming off one of the most productive freshman campaigns in recent memory.
Pina joked that Acuff's usage rate may exceed his shooting percentage, but he is once again overlooking the additional offensive talent on the roster.
Acuff's ability to playmake and move the ball is another benefit for the Sacramento offense, giving Sabonis a partner in two-man action.
One area that is concerning is the defensive end, however, as the projected starting five is very offensive-focused.
Pina went as far to say that the Kings' roster is "one of the worst defenses ever assembled," as he continued his written rant.
While this may be hyperbole, the team's biggest improvements will need to be on the defensive end.
Projected bench additions like Emanuel Sharp, Alex Karaban, and Ben Simmons should add some defensive intensity and versatility, but the starting lineup leaves much to be desired.
Simmons, who is one of the more-versatile players on the team due to his size and playmaking ability, is one of the most intriguing defenders.
Simmons is a two-time All-Defensive First Team member, dating back to his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Across his career, Simmons has averaged 1.5 steals per game, while displaying versatility on that end of the floor.
With his size and agility, Simmons can hold his own against bigger players, while also switching onto and keeping up with smaller guards.
Since signing Simmons, the Kings have been praised by multiple analysts and former players who believe that he can make a big impact.
2016 NBA Champion Richard Jefferson even went as far to say that he believes Simmons could be an All-Star level player if he can find his footing and is utilized correctly.
While many of Pina's defensive concerns are valid, the Kings could make some noise with increased continuity on that end.
