The 2024-25 Sacramento Kings season was marked by high expectations after acquiring DeMar DeRozan to join All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis then followed by his former Chicago teammate Zach LaVine – yet they still encountered major setbacks this year.
The Good
Domantas Sabonis’ Dominance:
Sabonis was a consistent force, leading the team in rebounds (13.46 per game in December 2024, 11.00 in October) and scoring 24.25 points per game in October, while anchoring the offense with his playmaking.
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine’s Addition:
DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, brought clutch scoring (26 points, 8 rebounds in the season opener) and durability, boosting the Kings’ free-throw attempt rate, which had dropped to 25th the prior season. Then the addition of Zach LaVine at the trade deadline bolstered their scoring capabilities, keeping them competitive throughout the season.
Keon Ellis’ Emergence:
Ellis became a standout defender, playing significant minutes and establishing himself among the West’s best perimeter stoppers, contributing to a top-10 defense post-All-Star break.
Strong January Performance:
The Kings went 10-4 in January 2025, including a six-game winning streak against teams like the 76ers, Grizzlies, Warriors, Heat, Celtics, and Bulls, with a notable 129-99 road win over Golden State led by Malik Monk’s 26 points.
Draft Picks:
The Kings selected Devin Carter (13th overall) and Jamal Shead (45th overall) in the 2024 draft, adding young talent with potential to bolster the roster.
The Bad
Play-In Elimination:
The Kings finished 39-40 (.494), 9th in the Western Conference, but were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the Play-In Tournament on April 16, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
De’Aaron Fox Trade:
The Kings traded franchise star De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a multi-team deal, receiving Zach LaVine and Sidy Cissoko. The trade, amid Fox’s reported trade demand, disrupted team chemistry and left fans questioning the team’s direction.
Mike Brown Firing:
Head coach Mike Brown, the 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year, was fired on December 27, 2024, after a 13-17 start, with Doug Christie named interim coach. The move was seen as contentious and destabilizing.
Offensive Struggles:
Despite a top-10 offense, integrating DeRozan’s mid-range-heavy style into the Kings’ fast-paced system was challenging, leading to an inconsistent offensive identity. They struggled with three-point shooting and full-game efforts.
Home Court Woes:
The Kings went 6-11 at home early in the season, baffling given their positive scoring differential and talent, contributing to their 12th-place standing in the West by December.
Injury and Depth Issues:
Kevin Huerter’s recovery from a labrum injury limited his impact, and the bench lacked consistent production, with heavy minutes for starters exposing depth problems.
