Sacramento Kings: How To Become A Free Agent Destination
By Marcus Bass
Sacramento is California…technically.
Since moving to northern Cali in the 1985-86 season, the Sacramento Kings haven’t been the most alluring destination for free agents. As of late, the bulk of their talent has come through the draft or trade, and at first opportunity players usually bolt for a more desirable situation. It’s tough to understand why the Kings haven’t been able to compete for free agents. At first glimpse you can simply say “well they’re the Kings,” but a closer look reveals a sweeter situation than other franchises can boast.
First, if you haven’t soaked up any of this Cali weather in your lifetime, put it on your bucket list. Sacramento is not the dark armpit stuck between sunny southern California and beautiful San Francisco, and although it might not have the appeal of a beach city, it still has its fair share of California temperature. Sure it’s not that big of a deal when a player visits the Chicago Bulls or New York Knicks facility in summer, but once the dead of winter hits and those joints start to ache in cold temperatures, a cowbell vacation sounds nice and comfy.
Certainly Sacramento doesn’t compare to Los Angeles or New York with regards to endorsements and off the court salary. There’s definitely more to be made in other markets, but what about the guys in the league who love a challenge? Where are the guys that play with 51 percent heart and 49 percent with their agent on the line? Certainly there’s a few left.
Most of what makes the Kings an undesirable destination for free agents are internal issues. Outside of location, the Kings lack notoriety. There have been some great players to suit up for the Kings, but not many great Kings teams. There was once a time when NBA legend Bill Russell was on the Kings coaching staff, Hall of Fame guard Mitch Richmond poured in buckets, Jason Williams dazzled crowds with his electric play and Chris Webber sent home one thunderous slam after another with the occasional mean face.
Lately, not so much. There hasn’t been a team ambassador for the Kings. They haven’t (and still don’t have) the type of player who other stars want to play with. It’s a shame that player is not DeMarcus Cousins. Although he’s come a long way from barking at referees every chance he gets, it’s possible he’ll never fill that role for the Kings. As their most talented and promising player, his attitude doesn’t reflect the team and until it does he’ll be a paper leader. He’ll shake hands at mid-court and serve as the face of the franchise until a more suitable player is ready and willing to take up that mantle.
It’s tough to be that guy. There’s only a handful of them in the league. Players follow LeBron James, Chris Paul. Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant — they don’t follow Boogie. Perhaps Rudy Gay can be that guy for the Kings, however he’s dealing with his own reputation issues. He’ll have to get out of the league dog house, before he can convince anyone as to where the should pack up and move their family.
Next, the Kings are pretty short on winning seasons lately. They haven’t been a .500 ball club since the 2005-06 season when they were booted out of the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, losing 4-2. It’s undeniable the Kings have increased their star talent pool with Boogie, Ben McLemore and Gay, however they have yet to demonstrate consistency on the winning end of the column. Maximum worthy players typically avoid rebuilding situations.
What the Kings do have going for them is dedicated ownership and a well respected coach. If there’s any question as to the depth of Kings owner Vivek Ranadive’s passion for his club, a perfect example was his aggressiveness in pushing forward Rudy Gay back to Team USA. He’s been known as a more hands on owner, and it’ll take nothing less to push the Kings back into contending for titles on the national stage.
Michael Malone accepted the Kings head coaching position knowing he had a lot of work to do. He’s presented a system and culture that the team has bought into, however with a revolving door of players going in and out year after year, it’s a burden for Malone to teach and speak the same principles repetitiously. He needs a player (like Cousins or Gay) to stand up and represent those core attributes. Until he gets that player, he’ll keep running in circles.
One thing the Sacramento Kings have always had is heart. From the Maloof era forward, Kings teams have always competed nightly (for the most part). The NBA landscape is a fickle property that works in trends. One season Miami’s beaches and bikini’s are the place to be, the next it’s sweaters and galoshes in Cleveland. It’s not impossible for the Kings to become a free agent destination. They’ll need a Dr. Phil attitude. Before anyone else can love the Kings, they have to love themselves.