The Sacramento Kings have a chance to turn the corner in the 2016-17 campaign, but that is mainly because of how bad they’ve been in the last couple years. DeMarcus Cousins must be pleased that he no longer has to deal with George Karl; however, the big man has to show more maturity if he wants Sacramento in the playoffs regularly. He’ll get his chance to shine in the Olympics this summer, but he’ll have to cede some control to new head coach Dave Joerger in Sacramento. Here are five things that went wrong for the Kings this season.
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5. They Didn't Fire Karl Soon Enough
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The Kings could have been in the postseason, but the team decided to keep Karl through the end of the year. He'll land on his feet with either a media or coaching position, but he probably shouldn't have tried to trade Cousins.
5. They Didn't Fire Karl Soon Enough
The Kings could have been in the postseason, but the team decided to keep Karl through the end of the year. He'll land on his feet with either a media or coaching position, but he probably shouldn't have tried to trade Cousins.
4. They Should've Signed Rajon Rondo To Longer Deal
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Rajon Rondo only signed on for one season with the Kings, and he clearly used them to get a longer contract with a better franchise this offseason. The Chicago Bulls will be among the many teams pursuing Rondo this summer.
4. They Should've Signed Rajon Rondo To Longer Deal
Rajon Rondo only signed on for one season with the Kings, and he clearly used them to get a longer contract with a better franchise this offseason. The Chicago Bulls will be among the many teams pursuing Rondo this summer.
3. They Should've Made Cousins Happy
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The Kings wanted to hire John Calipari in the past, but even that wouldn't be enough to make Cousins happy. The team should consult their franchise player about all decisions, even if they don't like his opinion. He has earned that with his play.
3. They Should've Made Cousins Happy
The Kings wanted to hire John Calipari in the past, but even that wouldn't be enough to make Cousins happy. The team should consult their franchise player about all decisions, even if they don't like his opinion. He has earned that with his play.
2. They Shouldn't Have Extended Vlade Divac's Contract
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Vlade Divac was one of the most likable international NBA players of all time, but he's been a disaster during his tenure as GM of the Kings. He hasn't brought any stability to the team, and Sacramento definitely shouldn't have extended his contract.
2. They Shouldn't Have Extended Vlade Divac's Contract
Vlade Divac was one of the most likable international NBA players of all time, but he's been a disaster during his tenure as GM of the Kings. He hasn't brought any stability to the team, and Sacramento definitely shouldn't have extended his contract.
1. They Should've Traded Rudy Gay
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Rudy Gay is a horrible fit for the Kings. He loves to dominate the ball, and he doesn't provide spacing with his poor 3-point shot. They should've moved him at the trade deadline to get another pick in this summer's draft.
1. They Should've Traded Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay is a horrible fit for the Kings. He loves to dominate the ball, and he doesn't provide spacing with his poor 3-point shot. They should've moved him at the trade deadline to get another pick in this summer's draft.