As the Sacramento Kings shift into offseason mode, franchise legend Jerry Reynolds offered his candid perspective on a frustrating season, the NBA’s recent scrutiny, and what comes next for the organization.
During an interview with Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Reynolds didn’t hold back when discussing the league’s investigation into the Kings following accusations of tanking.
“Well, that just kind of shows you what little they have to do,” he said bluntly. While acknowledging a late-game mistake, he dismissed any larger narrative.
“The Kings kind of screwed up, but it wasn’t an attempt to tanking. They just forgot the situation. That stuff happens.”
He also brushed aside outside criticism, adding that the moment “wouldn’t rank very high” on the list of issues from this season and calling the controversy “meaningless.”
(Sacramento Kings)
Looking at the bigger picture, Reynolds believes the NBA’s increased focus on tanking is tied to a league-wide trend. “
I think more teams have been positioning themselves for longer than I can ever remember,” he explained. “And I think that’s kind of brought it on.”
He even suggested Sacramento has been unfairly lumped in with teams like Utah, Memphis, Brooklyn, and Washington, noting, “The Kings, I think, [are] the most innocent of the group. They’ve actually been playing pretty good, winning basketball here late.”
One of the few bright spots this season has been veteran wing DeMar DeRozan, whom Reynolds praised emphatically.
“Yeah, 1,000%. I mean, DeMar’s been exactly who we thought he would be,” he said. “Just a pro’s pro.”
Reynolds highlighted DeRozan’s consistency and professionalism amid organizational instability, adding, “I don’t know how anybody could have handled it any better.”
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
As the Sacramento Kings prepare for exit interviews, Reynolds emphasized the importance of clarity in roster decisions heading into an offseason that could see widespread changes.
“Trying to make sure they have a clear idea of who really should be in the plans for next year—that’s kind of number one,” he said. He acknowledged the difficulty of those conversations, noting they will likely involve “some probably hurt feelings.”
When it comes to the draft, Reynolds struck a realistic tone. While fans often hope for a franchise-changing star, he pointed out that simply landing a solid contributor has value.
Referencing former Sacramento Kings guard Kenny Smith, he said, “Excellent player, but the problem with the Kings, we had a bunch of third and fourth guys.”
The goal now, he suggested, is balance: “A really good rookie that can start right away and help you get better—that would be a good pick.”
Ultimately, Reynolds believes evaluation is a blend of data and instinct. “You have to have scouts that you trust… and then ultimately it comes down to the decision maker,” he explained. “You got to take all that information, and sometimes there’s a little bit of a feel to it.”
Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?
The Sacramento Kings will now look ahead to the highly anticipated NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Sunday, May 10th.
Sacramento hasn’t secured the top pick in the NBA Draft since 1989, when it selected center Pervis Ellison with the first overall selection.
Be sure to stay locked in to Sactown Sports 1140 all offseason for NBA Draft Lottery coverage, NBA Draft previews and analysis, NBA Summer League content, and MUCH more!
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Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
Tuesday, April 14th – NBA Play-In Tournament begins
Saturday, April 18th – NBA Playoffs begin
Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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