{"id":80793,"date":"2024-06-08T14:15:46","date_gmt":"2024-06-08T18:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=80793"},"modified":"2024-06-08T14:15:46","modified_gmt":"2024-06-08T18:15:46","slug":"2024-nba-off-season-preview-whats-next-for-the-kings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/08\/2024-nba-off-season-preview-whats-next-for-the-kings\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 NBA Off-Season Preview: What’s Next For The Kings?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After missing out on the playoffs the Kings have some serious decisions to make this off-season. The duo of Domantas Sabonis<\/a> and De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a>\u00a0gives the Kings two stars to build around. However, they are still a few pieces away from contention and will need significant upgrades in the off-season. Let\u2019s dive into the Kings’ current position and some possible roster upgrades.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2024 NBA Off-Season Preview: What’s Next For The Kings?<\/h2>\n

Season Recap\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Coming off a magical 2022-23 season in which the Kings ended their 17-year-long playoff drought and finished third in the Western Conference. The Kings elected to run it back with virtually the same roster in the off-season. Unfortunately, this season saw the Kings take a step back. Not necessarily in the win column winning 46 games compared to 48. However, the Kings would miss out on the playoffs finishing ninth and losing to the Pelicans in the final Play-In game. The Kings suffered late injuries<\/a> to Malik Monk<\/a> and Kevin Huerter<\/a>. Nevertheless, the season did have positives. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sabonis had a historic double-double streak<\/a> and Fox made strides as a three-pointer shooter. Sabonis averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and<\/span> 8.2 assists on .594\/.379\/.704 shooting splits. Fox averaged 26.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, on .465\/.369\/.7<\/span>38 shooting splits. The duo is a long-term fit and their styles complement each other nicely. Neither player made an All-Star team however, Sabonis was named to the All-NBA third team. Furthermore, Keegan Murray<\/a> showed tons of promise in his second year and Monk remained one of the league’s best sixth men. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Kings’<\/span> top-ranked<\/a> offense from the year before dropped to 13th<\/a> this season while their defense improved from 24th<\/a> to 14th<\/a>. Ultimately this season showed Kings as currently constructed are a piece or two away from contending in an increasingly competitive West. Upgrading the Harrison Barnes<\/a> forward spot for a more dynamic two-way wing should be a top priority. Adding a two-guard next to Fox is also a possibility. Given these factors, the Kings face one of the most pivotal off-seasons in the league.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Projected Cap Space and Draft Picks<\/span><\/h3>\n

Over The Cap<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Kings are projected<\/a> 30 million dollars over the cap but aren\u2019t within the first apron tax penalty. This gives the Kings a mid-level expectation contract to use in free agency. Sacramento could use this to target some defensive-minded players and round out their rotation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

13th, and 45th overall picks\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Primary Targets\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n