A brutal Sacramento Kings season is over. Here’s what to know early in offseason
The Sacramento Kings closed out one of the worst seasons in franchise history this week, decimated by injuries to nearly every key veteran.
Now coach Doug Christie and general manager Scott Perry face a pivotal offseason focused on rebuilding the roster and chasing a high draft pick.
Here are key takeaways:
• Christie is coming back: The Kings confirmed Christie will return as head coach next season despite the team’s struggles. Perry praised his work with rookies Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell as a key reason for keeping him.
• Injuries wrecked the season: Domantas Sabonis appeared in only 19 games, Keegan Murray played 23 and Zach LaVine played 39. LaVine, Sabonis, De’Andre Hunter and Drew Eubanks all had season-ending surgeries. The Kings used 34 different starting lineups.
• Draft lottery is next: The Kings tied the Utah Jazz for the fourth-worst NBA record and will have a random drawing later this month to determine lottery positioning. The draft lottery is May 10, with the draft June 25-26.
• Salary cap moves are coming: ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks reported the Kings are projected to be $20 million over the luxury tax next season. Perry said his philosophy is to never play the luxury tax unless a team is ready to compete for a championship. “We’re not there yet,” he said.
• Broadcast booth changes: Mark Jones is leaving ESPN after 36 years,, which could allow him to focus on the Kings full-time, while Kyle Draper’s contract was not renewed after six seasons.
