Matt George here, the host of the daily Locked On Kings podcast, with your daily Locked On Kings newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Kings and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Sacramento Kings’ Struggles: Searching for Consistency and Identity
The Sacramento Kings’ recent 130-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder was more than just a defeat on the scoreboard; it highlighted a deeper issue—the loss of the team’s identity. Since the end of the 2022-2023 season, the Kings have struggled to find their once NBA-best offense, and their playoff hopes are becoming increasingly uncertain.
Offensive Woes and Defensive Struggles
The Kings’ offensive prowess, once their defining strength, has been missing in action. During the 2022-2023 season, they boasted the best offense in NBA history. However, this season, the Kings have failed to replicate that success. Their inability to sustain offensive momentum through entire games is alarming. Recent performances, including a dismal 7% shooting from three-point range in the second half against the Thunder, underscore this issue.
Defensively, the Kings are equally troubled. Their perimeter defense has been porous, allowing opponents to shoot lights out from beyond the arc. The team’s strategy of focusing on protecting the paint has left them vulnerable to three-point barrages, a recurring problem that has yet to be addressed effectively.
Roster Changes and Accountability
The decision to start Keon Ellis over Kevin Huerter was a notable change, but it didn’t solve the defensive issues. Ellis, while a better individual defender, couldn’t prevent the Thunder from scoring 63 points in the first half. Huerter, on the other hand, has been unfairly scapegoated by some fans. While he hasn’t been at his best, blaming him solely for the team’s struggles is misguided. The Kings’ problems are systemic, affecting the entire roster.
General manager Monte McNair and head coach Mike Brown have both emphasized the need for improvement. McNair has repeatedly highlighted the importance of offensive efficiency, while Brown has stressed defensive enhancements. Yet, the current roster seems incapable of achieving both simultaneously. The Kings need to find a balance and rediscover their offensive identity to have any chance of turning their season around.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Sacramento Kings’ challenges, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
- Analysis of the Kings’ recent seven-game stretch and its implications
- Discussion on potential roster changes and trade possibilities
- Insights into the Kings’ upcoming schedule and key matchups
- Fan reactions and expectations for the rest of the season
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
Analysis The Sacramento Kings’ three-point shooting stats reveal a notable improvement, contributing significantly to their performance this season. This change in strategy underscores their evolving offensive tactics. (The Kings Herald)
Roster The Kings made a surprising lineup change against the Thunder, shaking up their starting five in a strategic move to enhance their game plan. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis As the Kings enter a challenging phase, their recent fall in the standings necessitates a reevaluation of their strategies to navigate the tough upcoming matches. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
Time to be Concerned About the Sacramento Kings Matt George breaks down the Sacramento Kings loss to the Brooklyn Nets and a new concerning trend of slow starts and losses.
The Sacramento Kings Offense Doesn’t “Go Cold”, It Freezes Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, where the Kings offense managed just 29 total points in the first half.
The Best is Yet to Come for the Sacramento Kings - with Kings TV Analyst Kayte Christensen Matt George is joined by Sacramento Kings television analyst Kayte Christensen to break down the first 15 games of the season, how the Kings have handled their recent injury issues, and how this team will continue to get better.
