The Sacramento Kings haven’t made the NBA playoffs since the 2005-06 season, which is the longest playoff drought in the league.
Coming into this season, not many expected them to break that dry spell.
But more than a quarter into the schedule, they hold a solid 13-9 record and sit in fourth place in the Western Conference.
They have done so with an explosive offense, as they rank fourth in offensive rating, as well as second in scoring at 119.6 points per game.
After the Kings defeated the Chicago Bulls 110-101 on Sunday, guard Malik Monk said that they’re a legitimate playoff contender.
"We're legit, man. We're legit." 😤 pic.twitter.com/LNY9g0A2da
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) December 5, 2022
Is Monk right, or is the Kings’ success right now nothing more than fool’s gold?
Sacramento Has Gotten It Done By Committee, But Does It Have A True Star?
It is generally accepted that to reach the NBA playoffs, most teams need at least one All-Star caliber player.
The Kings have six players averaging double-figures in scoring, but one man stands out: De’Aaron Fox.
The sixth-year point guard is having a banner season, averaging 23.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from 3-point range.
His shooting efficiency has been the biggest improvement for him, as he has never been a consistently good 3-point shooter.
Given how much talent there is at the guard position in the NBA, Fox may not make the All-Star team, but he seems to be playing at that level.
Will Their Success Continue?
The Kings have a lack of wins over legitimate contenders this season, which casts some doubt on their early success.
In addition, teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors are poised to move up in the standings, which could cause Sacramento to fall into the play-in tournament.
It’s one thing to be playing well in November and December, but it’s a much different thing to maintain that level of play into March and April.
