I’ve spent the last several years as a die-hard LeBron James fan, and by association a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, ever since I got a fist-bump from LBJ at a game. In the the wake of the LeBron Circus, however, I’m in the market for a new favorite team—and I’m chronicling my search. Maybe I’ll announce my decision on ESPN.
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There’s a good chance the Sacramento Kings are going to be awesome this year.
There are still plenty of questions, and they’re still coming off a 25-win season (and that was after a 17-win season). But let’s be clear: Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins are going to be AHHHHHHHHH SUPER AWESOME WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
Ahem. Sorry.
‘Reke is coming off a monster rookie season, handily winning NBA Rookie of the Year and just generally being much more than expected in his all-around game. Fair or not, he’s drawn an inordinate amount of comparison to a young Michael Jordan—not at all hurt by Evans joining Jordan, Oscar Robertson, and LeBron James as the only players to average 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists as a rookie.
What’s more, only Evans, LeBron, and Kobe Bryant averaged those numbers last season. One more, then I’m done: Tyreke is only the 7th player in the last five years to put up that line.
Tyreke isn't Kobe, but the numbers aren't too far off. Click to see it bigger.
Now enter DeMarcus Cousins. At Kentucky he was 6’11”, 270 pounds of brute force, bodying up on both ends of the floor and showing impressive improvement in his offensive game as the season progressed. Now’s he manhandling the NBA Summer League, showing off that he also has a jumper and some pretty impressive passing skills for a big man—let alone one who’s 19 years old.
Barring any sort of injury or rookie season flame-out, the Kings should be spectacular to watch this season with Evans and Cousins running the show. Both have shown refined ability to run the pick and roll, and that’s good—because they’ll be running it about 7,000 times per game this season. Think of them as a hardcore, gun-slinging, non-short-shorts version of Stockton and Malone.
While Tyreke and DeMarcus are expected to be the show, the rest of the team is young and (for the most part) talented as well. If they can keep the core together, the Kings could be contending for a while.
Omri Casspi played the fourth-most minutes on the team last season while just a rookie, after elbowing his way into the starting lineup in December. He became a quick fan favorite for his intensity on the court, and despite struggling late last season he looks to be a bright spot this year. He shoots the long ball, he’s eager to defend—here’s a 22-year-old guy who’s halfway to becoming a rockstar in the league.
Also worth mentioning is Carl Landry, who joined the team in the deal that sent Kevin Martin to Houston (which, while it’s frightening to ship off most of your offense, opened up a lot of shots for the Kings’ young core). Landry had only started one game in two seasons in Houston, but started in all 28 remaining games for Sacramento and showed some serious offensive chops (including two 30-point games). While only 6’9” he has a refined post game, and as only a three-year veteran he could also be a long-time fixture on this team.
The Kings have been relatively quiet during this offseason (no free agent signings! None!), but their one move is expected to make them better: they moved Andres Nocioni and big man Spencer Hawes to Philadelphia in exchange for defensive-minded center Samuel Dalembert. Moving Nocioni was a no-brainer, as he was unhappy in Sacramento and his tendency to force offensive put him at odds with the new-look Kings. Dalembert gives Sac-Town some serious shot-blocking and rebounding in the middle, and next to Cousins gives the Kings a formidable front line.
Ultimately, the Kings have got it going on. They have to assume the position of frontrunner to become my new favorite team because of this whole ‘Reke-DeMarcus business. It would mean dealing with purple being their primary color, but that can probably slide as long as there’s no teal involved as well.
If I’ve missed any reasons why the Kings are going to be great to watch, throw them in the comments. Meanwhile, I’m going to go back to watching DeMarcus Cousins devour the Summer League.
I’m a die hard Kings fan and it’s nice to see that we are getting respect around the league from other fans such as yourself. I was even pissed when LeBron left because I thought he should stay in Cleveland and try to get a ring without joining a super team… Tyreke and DeMarcus will be a great duo for years to come and you’re right on saying that they will be fun to watch. I’m not too sure how many Sac games you will be able to watch if you live near the Cleveland area, but if you are able to see them and keep up with the team then I highly suggest picking this team over any other. They are the next Oklahoma City Thunder type team.
I haven’t followed the Kings since they used to play the Lakers in the Playoffs back in the early 2000′s. I’ll have to check them out this year.
What about looking a bit further north to the Portland Trailblazers? They have a talented roster. If Greg Oden is able to stay healthy for a full season, they should be pretty good.
Since you like an underdog, you might also consider the Clippers. They’ve been overshadowed by the Lakers since forever. They have some talent. I think they need a new owner though.
And, one last possibility would be the Thunder. They were the only team other than the Celtics to give the Lakers a scare. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are awesome and fun to watch.
GO KINGS!
the next KOBE and SHAQ!