The Kings were not idle during the free agency. In exchange for Justin Holiday and Maurice Harkless, they acquired the rights to Bulgarian Aleksandar Vezenkov and Devin Huerter from the Atlanta Hawks.
Malik Monk's and Matthew Dellavedova's arrivals add depth to the Kings' backcourt. Keegan Murray was selected fourth overall by the Kings in the 2022 NBA Project.
In early July, the franchise's management offered the largest contract extension it was authorized to offer Hector, $193 million over five years. That amount could even go up to $231 million if the All-Star is voted one of the season's best players or named defenseman of the year.
Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and Darius Garland signed the same contract. It's an incredible show of confidence for someone who has never made the playoffs, unlike his draft buddies who got the same contract. Hector intends to lead the Kings to the playoffs.
The Kings are entering the longest active playoff drought in the four major North American sports this season after the Seattle Mariners qualified for the first time since 2001. It's a stain the Kings want to erase.
2022-23 Sacramento Kings roster :
Guards: De'Aaron Fox (5), Terence Davis (3), Matthew Dellavedo (8), Davion Mitchell (15), Malik Monk (0), Keon Ellis (23), Kevin Huerter (9), PJ Dozier (35)
Forwards: Harrison Barnes (40), Richaun Holmes (22), Trey Lyles (41), Keegan Murray (13), Chimezie Metu (7)
Centers: Hector Herrera (26), Alex Len (25), Neemias Queta (88)
Neemias Queta et Keon Ellis has a two-way contract.
The Kings will start the preseason well with a record four wins and no losses. The players understood the game system. They beat the Lakers twice in the first and final game. And between the two wins against Phoenix and Portland. These are to be taken with tweezers. Each team is in training and to the right balance to perform as well as possible.
Hector is out of shape and tired. He has been fighting with his team all summer, it is evident that the consequences are being felt. This is quite common in the NBA, with Europeans getting used to playing in the summer and taking longer to launch their seasons. This is Hector's first time, so that it will impact his performance sooner or later.
This has been evident from the beginning of the season. The Kings will lose the first four games with Hector not recovering physically. The offense works, he has no problem with that, but Hector's defensive impact is less sharp than usual. Seeing this situation, the Kings will put two things in place to unite the community and the players.
Patrick Ewing will set up the DPOG chain. After each win, the game's best defensive player wins a chain. It's also related to Hector. It's common knowledge that the Kings are an offensive machine, but the defense is below average. To motivate players to defend well, the DPOG chain rewards the best.
And after every win at the Golden 1 Center, a member from Sacramento will tap a big button that says "KINGS WIN." A large violet laser then lights up above the room to join the sky of the Californian capital and delight Sactown fans. This tradition will also be respected for away success. But nothing better than feasting with your audience for maximum effect.
These two elements will form over time what will be called the "Beam Dynasty." After the inauguration of these two elements, with a record of no wins and four losses, the Kings and Hector will give headaches to all their opponents.