3 major offseason fixes Kings must make to reach 2025 NBA Playoffs

Harrison Barnes has provided reliable service for the Kings since he joined the team via trade from the Dallas Mavericks in 2019. Barnes comes off a season with averages of 12.2 points, 0.7 steals, and 38.7 three-point accuracy. The veteran small forward is one of the best examples to look for in a 3-and-D wing, but the Kings could benefit from an upgrade.

Barnes’s 2023-24 scoring mark is his lowest since 2015-16, and while he continues to play serviceable defense, Sacramento needs more of a true defensive stopper at his position.

The Kings have three players in their lineup who are dedicated offensive threats. Fox (who led the team in scoring despite leading the league in steals), Sabonis, and Keegan Murray spearhead Sacramento’s scoring attack. Obtaining a small forward whose primary calling card is defense would balance the lineup out more and allow them to focus more on their strengths.

Candidates for a small forward upgrade

Paul George is a two-way wing who would take the Kings to the next level. While some argue his defense has taken a step back, joining the Kings would take pressure off him offensively and allow him to focus more on being a stopper.

George averaged 1.5 steals per game during the 2023-24 season, which ranked 11th in the NBA. He would often switch between guards and forwards when opposing offenses would run screen sets, and he proved to effective. His strength and versatility would be a great tool for Sacramento

The 34-year-old would be an excellent candidate to join the Kings in the offseason due to his contract predicament. He could become an unrestricted free agent if he does not agree to a new deal with the Los Angeles Clippers by June 30th.

Another great candidate to bring in at the small forward position would be Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle amassed 1.7 steals per game in 2023-24 and could earn his third All-Defensive team honor. His all-around defensive ability and versatility could surely help Sacramento improve.

It is not just the small forward spot Sacramento needs to get better in. They must get better overall as a team on both sides of the ball.

Sacramento’s stars must continue to develop offensively and defensively 

The Kings have promising personnel to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference. However, their two-way performance ranked them in the middle of the pack in 2023-24. Sacramento finished 16th in both team defense and scoring rankings during the regular season, per NBA.com.

First, the team must find a way to become more efficient on the offensive end. De’Aaron Fox’s three-level scoring, Domantas Sabonis’ interior presence, and Keegan Murray’s sharpshooting accuracy should improve with another season of training. Their leaps along with the rest of the Kings’ role players should help the team get better offensively.

As for defense, bringing in one of the aforementioned small forwards will give the team a massive individual boost. The presence of another defensive stopper could also elevate the team’s energy overall on that side of the ball.

Sacramento has a very promising core that will only improve with time. It will be interesting to see how the Kings handle the 2024 offseason as they look to redeem themselves and make the 2025 NBA Playoffs.