{"id":203969,"date":"2026-03-04T15:01:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/203969\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T15:01:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:01:08","slug":"would-a-top-pick-elevate-the-sacramento-kings-in-2026-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/203969\/","title":{"rendered":"Would a top pick elevate the Sacramento Kings in 2026-27?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Matt George believes there\u2019s a realistic path for the Sacramento Kings become competitive again next season \u2014 especially if they secure a top draft pick in June that features prospects like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer.<\/p>\n

On The Matt & Kayla Show, George pushed back against the idea that Sacramento must automatically enter the 2026-27 season with this year\u2019s squad\u2019s plan, which seems to be \u2018lose as many games as possible.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cMy point is, start next season with the expectation we are going to try to win basketball games,\u201d George said. \u201cWe\u2019re not tanking from the jump. We\u2019re not trying to lose from the jump. We\u2019re trying to win basketball games.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"LAWRENCE,<\/p>\n

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)<\/p>\n

Could a top pick help the Sacramento Kings compete again next season?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe likely best case scenario is we make it to the playoffs via the play-in, a seventh or eighth seed,\u201d he explained. \u201cIf things go really, really well, guys stay healthy, AJ Dybantsa looks like a leader, and now we\u2019re giving AJ Dybantsa \u2014 in this scenario \u2014 we\u2019re giving AJ opportunity to play meaningful playoff basketball as a top guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

George acknowledged that immediate postseason success would be unlikely but emphasized the long-term benefit of that experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt probably doesn\u2019t go well. You probably are out in four games in the first round, but you\u2019ve got that experience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

From there, the financial flexibility could naturally increase. \u201cIf you weren\u2019t able to move any of these contracts at the trade deadline, Zach LaVine\u2019s off the books. Malik Monk\u2019s going into the final year of his deal. Domantas Sabonis is going into the final year of his deal,\u201d George noted.<\/p>\n

Even without landing another premium draft position the following year, George argued that staying competitive doesn\u2019t doom the franchise.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, you didn\u2019t get a great draft pick in next year\u2019s draft, but it\u2019s not the end of the world. You\u2019re still probably getting a middle of the draft pick,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, George believes Sacramento\u2019s current contract situation and roster timeline make the case against another deliberate tank, especially if the NBA makes changes to the Draft Lottery process.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s an argument for that being a better route for the Kings to go based on their circumstances than just tank, because that\u2019s what\u2019s the best thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports\u2019 The Matt & Kayla Show<\/a> with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.<\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings will continue a five-game homestand on Thursday night when they face the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0The Drive Guys before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n

Thursday, March 5th\u00a0vs. New Orleans Pelicans \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nSunday, March 8th\u00a0vs. Chicago Bulls \u2013 6:00 PM PT
\nTuesday, March 10th\u00a0vs. Indiana Pacers \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nWednesday, March 11th\u00a0vs. Charlotte Hornets \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nSaturday, March 14th @ Los Angeles Clippers \u2013 7:30 PM PT<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n

Follow @FCartoscelli3<\/a><\/p>\n

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