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NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Are the Philadelphia 76ers the best bet to win it all?

By Corey Rausch

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NBA, Sixers (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

24. Sacramento Kings

Last Week: Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 126-98, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 122-106, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 116-110, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 107-106, Lost to Utah Jazz 121-99

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 27.5; Under; Wrong

For the 15th straight season, the Sacramento Kings have missed the playoffs. This ties the all-time NBA record held by the LA Clippers, certainly not something the Kings are going to be boasting about. Perhaps even more depressing for the Kings is the path forward for them is much murkier than the rest of their Western Conference underlings.

Tyrese Haliburton was a steal with the 12th pick in the draft, averaging 13.0 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game on shooting splits of .472/.409/.857. His pairing with De’Aaron Fox proved to be a positive for a team in desperate need of them. Richaun Holmes was a fun under-the-radar breakout to follow and that may be where the positives for the Kings.

Finding the right voice to lead the Kings has been a problem for more than a decade and even when they do making it last has not been easy. Michael Malone and Dave Joerger were there. For some confusing reason, they no longer are. Luke Walton has looked mostly lost as the head man in Sacramento, falling right in line with the variety of general managers who have led the way. Eventually, something will break right for the Kings but before that is to happen chances are a new record will be set.