{"id":686562,"date":"2026-06-05T19:32:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T19:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/686562\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T19:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T19:32:09","slug":"could-the-sacramento-kings-be-better-than-we-think-in-26-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/686562\/","title":{"rendered":"Could the Sacramento Kings be better than we think in 26-27?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Sacramento Kings endured one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history in 2025-26, finishing 22-60, tied for the worst record in the Western Conference, and posting their lowest winning percentage (.268) since the 1988-89 season.<\/p>\n

But despite the ugly results, Sactown Sports\u2019 Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross<\/a> believe there may be a path toward meaningful improvement next year if the Kings can finally stay healthy.<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings enter the offseason holding the seventh-overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr.<\/a> and Houston guard Kingston Flemings<\/a> frequently linked to the franchise.<\/p>\n

\"NEWARK,<\/p>\n

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY \u2013 DECEMBER 20: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles the ball as Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars defends during the first half of the Never Forget Tribute Classic at Prudential Center on December 20, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

While expectations remain modest, Dave argued that the combination of better health and productive development could make Sacramento more competitive than many expect.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey might be,\u201d Dave said when asked if the Kings are being underestimated heading into next season.<\/p>\n

A major reason for optimism is the injury situation.<\/p>\n

Key contributors missed significant time throughout Sacramento\u2019s rough 2025-26 campaign. Domantas Sabonis appeared in just 19 games, Keegan Murray played 23 games, Zach LaVine suited up for only 39 contests, and De\u2019Andre Hunter appeared in just two games before suffering a season-ending eye injury.<\/p>\n

Dave pointed to the possibility of healthier seasons from Sabonis and Murray, along with a strong rookie campaign from Sacramento\u2019s first-round selection.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they are relatively healthy, I don\u2019t think 40 wins is psycho,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

Ross agreed that the Sacramento Kings\u2019 injury problems prevented the roster from ever truly being evaluated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were so injured, it never really played out the way we thought it would, as far as who we\u2019d see on a regular basis,\u201d Ross said.<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

(Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The discussion also centered on how much offensive improvement could come simply from having healthy versions of Sabonis, Murray, and LaVine back in the lineup.<\/p>\n

Dave noted that those players alone could dramatically boost Sacramento\u2019s three-point production compared to last season\u2019s numbers (ranked 29th in three-point shooting during 2025-26, down from 19th in 2024-25).<\/p>\n

The hosts acknowledged that questions remain about roster construction and defensive limitations, but both agreed that a healthier season would likely coincide with positive development from the organization\u2019s young core.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s seventh-overall pick, 34th pick, and 45th pick will join All-Rookie Second Team center Maxime Raynaud, wing Nique Clifford, and shot-blocking big man Dylan Cardwell on next season\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they\u2019re a pleasant surprise team next year, I would rely on the fact that the rookie that they took at seven is really good,\u201d Ross said. \u201cMaybe even some of the other draft picks in the second round are contributing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the\u00a0Sactown Sports YouTube channel.<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to\u00a0The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross\u00a0from 6 \u2013 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on\u00a0Sactown Sports 1140.<\/a><\/p>\n

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

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.<\/p>\n

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston\u2019s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.<\/p>\n

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors and MUCH more.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule<\/p>\n

Tuesday, June 23rd\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 1)
\nWednesday, June 24th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 2)
\nTuesday, June 30th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
\nSaturday, July 4th \u2013 Monday, July 6th \u2013 California Classic at Golden 1 Center
\nThursday, July 9th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
\nMonday, July 13th\u00a0\u2013 Free Agency moratorium ends \/ signings can become official<\/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