Sacramento Kings Preseason Media Presser

[NOLa.]

Hello and welcome all to another edition of the Sacramento Kings Preseason Media Presser! Not a whole lot has changed since the last time we did one of these but we will run through a quick recap of last season, talk about an uneventful offseason, and discuss expectations for the upcoming season. Really it's the same old presser that you're probably not even reading.

Last season was actually a pretty good one. We started off very strong and we were able to keep up the impressive record for most of the season. We felt we had a good chance going into last season as the division favorites and, despite a very strong closing by the Lakers, were able to bring home another Pacific division championship. Unfortunately, Erik Haynes suffered an injury just before the end of the season and was out for the playoffs. I hate that it happened and it honestly felt like another slap from the game, but we tried to put together a game plan to advance in the playoffs but were eventually bested by the Suns in the first round. After a very successful regular season, the Kings were early exits and in shambles.

Going into the offseason, I tried to trade off everyone. While there was some mild interest for everyone, I didn't want to trade just one guy while being unable to find deals for the others, which I felt really strung my negotiations up. I also did not like a lot of the offers I received for Erik Haynes and Donovan Mitchell, and if required I will keep rolling with the duo as the main core as I feel they are as good as it gets. I feel Haynes is the best big man in the game, and Mitchell has proven himself to being elite at the PG/SG/SF positions, and is hard to find the versatility he provides.

Buddy Hield looks to have had a good camp and is ready to fulfill his potential. I feel he is ready to lead the team on both offense and defense from the wing position, while Mitchell takes over as the PG playmaker and Haynes being the dominating anchor down low. The team isn't stacked with elite talent, but the core on the team I feel can prove to be a tough matchup vs anyone.

Questions?

[Eazy P]

Do you see the Kings winning the pacific this season? Do you think Haynes could make a run for the MVP title?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: We know who your big 3 are, but as some recent champions would tell you, depth is key. Who is the leader of your 2nd unit, and what's your strategy on the court for when Haynes, Mitchell, and Hield need some rest?

[NOLa.]

Do you see the Kings winning the pacific this season? Do you think Haynes could make a run for the MVP title?

I think we can but the Warriors looked to have gather talent, the Lakers will be tough, and the Suns already beat us where it counted. It will be tough to win again but I think the team can bring home another division title. I do not believe Haynes can make a run for the MVP title. He's very good but he's not on Davis' or Wiggin's level. Those two are very good.

[NOLa.]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: We know who your big 3 are, but as some recent champions would tell you, depth is key. Who is the leader of your 2nd unit, and what's your strategy on the court for when Haynes, Mitchell, and Hield need some rest?

Unfortunately, and as terrible as this sounds, we don't have a true second unit, much less a leader

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: With the stated lack of good offers keeping you from rebuilding, and a lack of future cap space keeping you from bringing in role players, do you feel as if you're in a bit of a forced neutral state? If so, which direction do you think you're most likely to move in in the near future?

[NOLa.]

Random Reporter: With the stated lack of good offers keeping you from rebuilding, and a lack of future cap space keeping you from bringing in role players, do you feel as if you're in a bit of a forced neutral state? If so, which direction do you think you're most likely to move in in the near future?

I feel you hit the nail on the head that we are in a neutral state. I would like to start over with this team and deal everyone, but not while taking a huge net loss. It doesn't look like that's an option so we will keep rolling the team out and competing.

[IamQuailman]

At what point would you be willing to take $.50 on the dollar for your players? Or is that too much of a beta/bitch move?

[JNR]

GWR: Do you think your cap situation makes it more difficult to field a full team with the amount of big contracts you have?

[WigNosy]

If Eric Haynes is the best big man in the game, what is Anthony Davis?

[NOLa.]

what is Anthony Davis?

In decline.

[Wombataholic]

Do think think that Buddy Hield's production is worth the $35 million he's being paid this year? Will he be worth $42 million per year when he's 32?

[NOLa.]

At what point would you be willing to take $.50 on the dollar for your players? Or is that too much of a beta/bitch move?

Last time someone took fifty cents on the dollar was me smushing yer mum, so no I won't do that.

[NOLa.]

GWR: Do you think your cap situation makes it more difficult to field a full team with the amount of big contracts you have?

It definitely does. I felt I would be able to compete with the team but it hasn't worked out. It definitely limits the teams some, but I haven't been opposed to taking salary back in return, but once teams start sending salary they value and I don't, it becomes harder to bridge the gap.

[Darth Vegito]

What is your ceiling this year? We know you have some great players in that starting lineup but as you pointed out you bench is lacking and there are weaknesses elsewhere. Do you see this team a legit contender to win it all?

[78#]

Where does Erik Haynes rank when comparing to past Kings legend? And does he have the potential to approach someone like TMax?

[drkavarga]

How do you feel about the return of the Burger King Funnel Cake Fries?