Pacific Division: Sacramento Kings the History and 2013-14 Preview

Oscar Robertson Era

The Sacramento Kings have had a tough history filled with mostly losing records and average players. There have been a few however that were beneficial to the franchise such as Oscar Robertson drafted in 1960. He was incredible averaging 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game (leading the league) in just his first year. In 1962 they finally had a winning season their first since 1954. There best showing during this period was in 1963 when they lost to the Celtics in game 7 of the Eastern Division Finals.

The Kings then acquired the duo of Jack McMahon and Jerry Lucas who averaged 49.1 ppg 27.3 rpg and 13.6 assists combined. To go along with Oscar Robertson who averaged a career high 31.4 ppg and 11 assists per game and winning the MVP award. The 1963-64 season saw them make real strides as they finished with a 55-25 record and lost in the EDF again. They continued to fail in the playoffs up until the 66-67 season.

Chris Webber and Mike Bibby Lead the Franchise to it's Best Record

Years of Struggles

Bob Cousy then took over as coach in 1969 and the team was terrible with losing records up until 1974. Oscar Robertson was traded to Milwaukee. At one stage they lost 14 in a row -a franchise low. The Kings would relocate from Cincinnati to Kansas City in 1972 but it didn’t help them. They only had four seasons with winning records from 1972 up until the 1998-99 season. During this terrible stretch they had tried new owners and even Bill Russell as coach but nothing helped this team.

Chance to Contend

The 2000’s proved to be the franchise’s best apart from their early championship in 1951. They had a 55-27 record in 2000-01 and were swept by the Lakers in the second round of playoffs. However it was 2001-02 where the Kings were a real threat to win the title. Finshing with a franchise best 61-21 record. This team had Chris Webber (24.5pts and 10.1 rebpg), Peja Stojakovic (21.2ppg), Mike Bibby (13.7ppg 5.0 assists), Vlade Divac (11.1ppg 8.4 rpg) along with key role players Hedo Turkoglu, Doug Christie and Bobby Jackson. They ended up losing the Western Conference Finals to the Lakers in what now is considered one of the most controversial series to have taken place. They continued on their winning ways for the next season finishing with 59-23 and up until 2006-07 they continued to make the playoffs.

DeMarcus Cousins: Future of the Franchise?

Potential 2013-14 Lineup

PG: Gravis Vasquez, Isaiah Thomas
SG: Marcus Thornton, Ben McLemore, Jimmer Fredette
SF: Luc Mbah a Moute, Travis Outlaw

PF: Carl Landry, Patrick Patterson

C: DeMarcus Cousins, Chuck Hayes

Since this time they have been abysmal. Finishing 17-65 in 2009 and 28-54 last season. They’ve drafted players such as Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, Jimmer Fredette, DeMarcus Cousins and Isaiah Thomas, which haven’t been the best recruits. Even this year the choice of Ben McLemore before CJ McCollum may be a regretful one. I expect them to continue to struggle this year and finish 14^th in the Western Conference. Hopefully their luck changes and they can have a shot for Andrew Wiggins who may be able to help this franchise return back to the success it had in the early 000’s.

Where will the Kings Finish this Season in the West?

Make Playoffs

9-10th

11-12th

13th

14th

15th

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