2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Sacramento Kings

On the heels of a breakthrough season, the Sacramento Kings will face a daunting task in not only the Western Conference, but the Pacific Division. Sacramento has the unenviable task of playing the best teams in the best conference more often than anyone else.

How Luke Walton fares in a new city is a point of interest. His coaching tactics in L.A. weren’t superb, as the Lakers become infamous for not maximizing talent. Lonzo Ball’s struggles were rooted in his individual shortcomings, but there was also the simple fact that Walton rarely used Ball in his most comfortable spots. Ball was not, and is not, a traditional lead guard.

The Kings’ roster is a drastic shift in personnel. De’Aaron Fox is a twitchy downhill scorer, whereas Ball was a more finesse, off-ball creator. The Kings don’t have LeBron James on the roster, which makes for a slight change in approach. Sacramento’s depth is also much better than L.A.’s.

On paper, the Kings should play quality, entertaining basketball. Fox and Buddy Hield are known entities, but Bogdan Bogdanovic is a stud as well. His dominance in the FIBA World Cup should inspire even more confidence in his game. Marvin Bagley III is primed to build on an All-Rookie season.

Sacramento’s decision to re-sign Harrison Barnes was a controversial one. He adds a necessary dynamic on offense — he’s a talented iso threat who can space the floor — but his limitations as a playmaker and as a defender are cause for concern. It’s a major investment for a Kings team on the rise. He might dissolve important cap flexibility in the future.

The Kings’ main pieces, as well as Dewayne Dedmon, Cory Joseph, and other offseason additions, should all fit nicely in Luke Walton’s up-tempo system. It’s fair to question Walton’s coaching chops, as well as the front office’s decision-making. If it were the East, though, Sacramento would be an easy playoff pick.

Final record prediction: 38-44, Miss NBA Playoffs