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2012-13 NBA Preview: Sacramento Kings
- Updated: October 20, 2012
11. Sacramento Kings
HOW THEY CAN WIN: If DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans can get their heads right (a big if), the Kings possess one of the league’s most talented young duos. Cousins (18.1 ppg, 11 rpg) has been extremely productive, but his headcase mentality has led many to believe that he’ll never reach his potential. Evans has regressed in each of his three seasons after becoming the fourth rookie ever to average 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game in 2010. Isaiah Thomas has been a bright spot, and we haven’t even mentioned Sacramento’s leading scorer, the instant-offense Marcus Thornton (18.7 ppg).
WHY THEY WON’T: Defense. The Kings don’t seem to understand that the game doesn’t stop when the other team has the ball. Sacramento was a horrific defensive team last year, and the Kings must step it up on the defensive end if they’re going to have any hope in the West.
FINAL DESTINATION: The talent is here for Sacramento to make a move in the West, if Cousins and Evans can somehow pull it together. Even so, the parts don’t seem to fit well together. The Kings will miss the playoffs again.
OUR CALL: 35-47. We love the Kings (as you may know), but there’s no reason to predict they’ll finish better than this.
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