Matt George believes there’s a realistic path for the Sacramento Kings become competitive again next season — especially if they secure a top draft pick in June that features prospects like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer.
On The Matt & Kayla Show, George pushed back against the idea that Sacramento must automatically enter the 2026-27 season with this year’s squad’s plan, which seems to be ‘lose as many games as possible.’
“My point is, start next season with the expectation we are going to try to win basketball games,” George said. “We’re not tanking from the jump. We’re not trying to lose from the jump. We’re trying to win basketball games.”
Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks and forward AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars chase down a loose ball in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse on January 31, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Could a top pick help the Sacramento Kings compete again next season?
Rather than remaining at the bottom of the standings, George outlined what he views as the likely best-case scenario: competing for a playoff spot while integrating a potential top pick into meaningful games.
“The likely best case scenario is we make it to the playoffs via the play-in, a seventh or eighth seed,” he explained. “If things go really, really well, guys stay healthy, AJ Dybantsa looks like a leader, and now we’re giving AJ Dybantsa — in this scenario — we’re giving AJ opportunity to play meaningful playoff basketball as a top guy.”
George acknowledged that immediate postseason success would be unlikely but emphasized the long-term benefit of that experience.
“It probably doesn’t go well. You probably are out in four games in the first round, but you’ve got that experience,” he said.
From there, the financial flexibility could naturally increase. “If you weren’t able to move any of these contracts at the trade deadline, Zach LaVine’s off the books. Malik Monk’s going into the final year of his deal. Domantas Sabonis is going into the final year of his deal,” George noted.
Even without landing another premium draft position the following year, George argued that staying competitive doesn’t doom the franchise.
“Sure, you didn’t get a great draft pick in next year’s draft, but it’s not the end of the world. You’re still probably getting a middle of the draft pick,” he said.
Ultimately, George believes Sacramento’s current contract situation and roster timeline make the case against another deliberate tank, especially if the NBA makes changes to the Draft Lottery process.
“There’s an argument for that being a better route for the Kings to go based on their circumstances than just tank, because that’s what’s the best thing to do.”
Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will continue a five-game homestand on Thursday night when they face the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Thursday, March 5th vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 8th vs. Chicago Bulls – 6:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 10th vs. Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM PT
Wednesday, March 11th vs. Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM PT
Saturday, March 14th @ Los Angeles Clippers – 7:30 PM PT
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