Not a lot has gone well for the Sacramento Kings lately.
In fact, the last time the team was really great was before HD television existed and when people were still rocking flip phones.
However, this is a bit surprising when you look at the raw talent that has come to the team over the years.
In just the last few seasons, the Kings have acquired several great stars.
And they’ve been proving their worth in the NBA Summer League, even if the team still struggles in the regular season.
The Sacramento Kings now have produced back-to-back Summer League MVPs
🏆 Davion Mitchell (2021)
🏆 Keegan Murray (2022) pic.twitter.com/no7zVdSFom— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 18, 2022
The Kings now have two back-to-back Summer League MVPs.
Following the 2021 Summer League, Sacramento’s Davion Mitchell won the trophy.
And now Keegan Murray has done the same thing a year later.
So why on Earth are the Kings such a royal mess?
Welcome To The NBA
Everyone always says that performing in the Summer League is radically different from playing in the regular season and there is obvious truth to that.
The team needs more than just youth and potential to actually make a mark in the West.
Mitchell cleaned up in his Summer League debut and then followed that up with a season average of 11.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Still, the Kings finished the season as the 12th seed in the West.
So even though Murray just didn’t splendidly in the Summer League, success in the regular season isn’t guaranteed.
However, now that the Kings have Mitchell, Murray, and a slew of other up-and-comers (and some choice newcomers via trades) there is reason to believe that maybe things are slowly turning around.
At this point, any step in the right direction – no matter how small – will be celebrated by Sacramento fans.
NEXT: Keegan Murray Takes Home A Well-Deserved Award This Summer