The Kings look to get back to the playoffs after falling short in play-in last season

Sacramento Kings

Last season: 46-36, lost to New Orleans in play-in tournament.

COACH: Mike Brown (3rd season with Kings, 11th season overall, 441-286-527).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 24 vs. Minnesota.

DEPARTURES: F Harrison Barnes, G Chris Duarte, G Davion Mitchell, F Kessler Edwards, F Sasha Vezenkov.

ADDITIONS: G DeMar DeRozan (trade), F Jalen McDaniels, G Jordan McLaughlin, G Devin Carter.

BetMGM championship odds: 66-1.

What to expect

The Kings should once again be in the mix in the deep Western Conference after falling just short of a return trip to the playoffs last year with a loss to New Orleans in the play-in tournament. The bulk of the core that ended Sacramento’s playoff drought in 2023 with the biggest change being the addition of a proven late-game performer in DeRozan and the departure of the inconsistent Barnes. Whether that’s enough to get out of the play-in teams and into the top six remains an open question.

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: The offense took a step back on offense last season, falling from first in offensive rating in 2023 to 13th. But the pieces are there to get back near the top thanks in part to the addition of DeRozan, who has a strong mid-range game and was second in the league in clutch points last season. De’Aaron Fox is coming off a career-best 26.6 ppg last season, and Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray are good secondary options on offense.

The not-so-good: Sacramento finished in the bottom half of the league in defensive rating last season and the big move of adding DeRozan shouldn’t help much in that aspect. While Fox and Keon Ellis do a good job creating turnovers on the perimeter the lack of a rim protector remains an issue after the Kings ranked 28th in the league in blocked shots last season.

Players to watch

Kevin Huerter missed the end of last season with a shoulder injury that could sideline him for the start of the season. But his outside shooting was missed when he was out and will be key this season. Sacramento’s season got derailed late last season when sixth-man Malik Monk hurt his knee. Having a healthy Monk and the addition of DeRozan should make the Kings a better late-game team as defenses will have a harder time focusing on Fox. Sabonis had 77 double-doubles last season as a durable force inside and is looking to add a bit of 3-point shooting this season to broaden his game.