Kings embracing the fact everyone thinks they will stink

Apparently, the Kings are aware nobody thinks they’re going to be any good. Like, very aware.

Sacramento enters the season with expectations somewhere around the basement, and several Kings players acknowledged at Media Day that they’ve noticed. Ben Simmons, for one, can relate.

“I think the expectations are low,” Simmons said, via Brenden Nunes of Sactown Sports. “But I feel like that’s something that’s been on me too. So we can relate in that way.”

Perfect match, then. De’Andre Hunter has noticed the skepticism, too, but sees an advantage in it.

“People outside of this organization have very low expectations for us,” Hunter said. “So we can go out there with a clear mind and have fun.”

Malik Monk has apparently been paying even closer attention. He’s seen outlets rank Sacramento 30th. That’s dead last, for anyone keeping track.

Maybe everybody is right. The Kings won just 22 games last season, and this isn’t exactly the roster most people are picking to emerge from the West.

But there’s something liberating about being told you stink before you’ve even played a game. Nobody to impress. Nothing to protect. Just go play.

And if the Kings turn out to be considerably better than 30th? They’ve apparently saved the receipts.