NBA Power Rankings Week 11: All-Star break edition

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 09: Kyrie Irving #11 and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 09, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

6 of 31

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

14-22. Previous: 26th. Sacramento Kings. 26. team. 84.

Last Week: Lost to Charlotte Hornets 127-126, Beat Los Angeles Lakers 123-120, Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 123-119

This Week: 3/11 vs. Houston Rockets, 3/13 at Atlanta Hawks

The realization that came out midweek from The Athletic that the Sacramento Kings had always planned on this being a gap year puts some things into perspective. Whether or not you agree with that kind of logic for a team that has not made the playoffs for a league-leading 14 seasons is a whole other matter. If you are calling for Luke Walton’s firing, you may have to wait a little longer.

It is not all bad in Sacramento. De’Aaron Fox has noticeably improved and is putting up All-Star numbers: 23.0 points, 7.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game for the newly minted max contract player. He has benefitted from the addition of rookie sensation Tyrese Haliburton, who would be the favorite for Rookie of the Year if a certain Charlotte Hornet did not exist. Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes have played well and are bringing the rare dosage of leadership to the locker room. Even Marvin Bagley III has been able to stay on the court.

The Kings are still not all that close to being good but that is okay. They should have another high lottery pick in what is projected to be a loaded draft class. Perhaps one more infusion of talent will be enough to take the Kings over the top in a season where they have higher goals than getting on the same page.