Written By Mauricio Segura // Image Created By: The Golden Bay Times Graphics Dept.
OCT 17, 2026
After a miserable 22-win season, the Sacramento Kings are returning to the hardwood with a new floor general, a younger supporting cast and plenty to prove. The purple beam may have spent much of last season gathering dust, but with fresh talent, returning veterans and a demanding schedule ahead, Sacramento has an opportunity to make basketball exciting again. The question is whether these Kings can turn potential into victories.
The 2025-26 season was one Sacramento would rather forget. The Kings stumbled to a 22-60 record, finishing 14th in the Western Conference while surrendering 121 points per game. Their offense averaged just 111 points, ranking 28th in the NBA. For a franchise that electrified the city with its playoff breakthrough in 2023, the decline was painful. Injuries, defensive failures and an unsettled rotation turned what should have been a competitive campaign into six months of frustration.
Now, as the 2026-27 season approaches, head coach Doug Christie faces the challenge of rebuilding the team's identity without sacrificing its competitive spirit.
The biggest offseason development came through the NBA Draft, where Sacramento selected Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh overall pick. The 19-year-old averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists during his freshman season, shooting an impressive 44 percent from three-point range. His preseason performance against Golden State on October 10 offered an encouraging preview: 25 points, eight assists and four three-pointers in 27 minutes.
Sacramento also acquired Connecticut forward Alex Karaban in a draft-night trade with Cleveland and selected Houston guard Emanuel Sharp with the 45th pick. Both bring additional shooting potential to a roster desperate for offensive consistency.
General manager Scott Perry also took a calculated gamble by signing three-time All-Star Ben Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Simmons missed the entire 2025-26 season, and his last NBA campaign produced averages of 5.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds. His passing and defensive versatility could benefit Sacramento, provided he remains healthy.
The departures were equally revealing. Veteran DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 18.4 points in 77 games last season, was released and subsequently signed with Denver. Russell Westbrook retired, removing another familiar presence from the locker room. Sacramento also traded former first-round pick Devin Carter to Atlanta in June.
Still, the Kings possess established talent. Zach LaVine averaged 19.2 points while shooting 39 percent from three-point range, but appeared in only 39 games because of injuries. Domantas Sabonis managed just 19 appearances, averaging 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds. Keegan Murray, limited to 23 games, contributed 14 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting only 27.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Getting those three healthy and productive would transform Sacramento's prospects considerably.
Malik Monk remains an offensive threat after averaging 12.5 points and shooting 39.5 percent from deep. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Nique Clifford hopes to improve upon his rookie averages of 8.6 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Perhaps the most encouraging discovery from last season was French center Maxime Raynaud. The former Stanford standout averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds across 74 appearances, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team recognition. Unfortunately, a right kneecap injury suffered against Golden State during the preseason will delay his return. He is scheduled for reevaluation in late October.
That creates additional opportunities for Dylan Cardwell, who averaged 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 44 games, and Precious Achiuwa, who contributed 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds.
But offense alone will not rescue Sacramento. The Kings posted a defensive rating of 121.5 last season, ranking 28th. Christie must demand better perimeter coverage, stronger defensive rebounding and fewer easy baskets in transition. Sacramento also needs more dependable three-point shooting and a disciplined half-court offense. Acuff's development as a playmaker could determine how effectively those pieces come together.
The regular season begins October 21 against the Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Two nights later, Sacramento welcomes Portland to Golden 1 Center for its home opener.
November brings a seven-game homestand beginning November 4 against the Lakers, followed by San Antonio, Miami, Orlando, Portland, Oklahoma City and Phoenix. The Kings also face the Warriors in San Francisco on November 25 during NBA Cup group play.
January offers two particularly intriguing road contests. Sacramento visits Denver on January 25 for a reunion with DeRozan, then travels to Philadelphia on January 27 for Simmons' return against his former franchise. The season concludes April 11 against the Clippers.
A playoff berth remains an ambitious goal following 60 losses, but improvement does not require an overnight championship contender. A healthier roster, meaningful development from Acuff and better defense would represent genuine progress.
For Sacramento fans, the hope is simple: fewer painful fourth quarters, more competitive basketball and enough victories to give that familiar purple beam a reason to shine.
