The season is running its course; to be honest, stable is the key word to describe the Kings' season. After the loss to the Knicks, the Kings went four wins and two losses, making a record 5-3.
The Kings won all their games for the In-season tournament. The Kings take this tournament seriously for several reasons: Experience first. Building a team experience is the most complicated thing in the NBA. Many superteams have failed because of this.
With the coronation of the Denver Nuggets, the trend has taken a hit. Many managers wonder if this is not the example to follow. At least, that's what Monte McNair, Hector, and De'Aaron think. It is out of the question to upset the workforce.
Sacramento travels to San Antonio to face the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama is the most anticipated prospect since LeBron. Even Zion didn't have such hype. Victor arrives with a heavy legacy on his shoulders, David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and now he, in theory, must be the future pillar of this franchise.
They had the worst defense in the league last season, and the French rookie improved the defense. The team is not ridiculous. There are several types of tanking in the NBA, where everyone tries to play independently, like in Houston. And there is San Antonio, where young players improve quickly with excellent coaching.
Popovic had never been in this situation. In his career David Robinson, Tim Duncan or even Tony Parker, and Kawhi Leonard already had the basics and arrived almost ready in the NBA. Now he is in player development with this team.
Unfortunately for them, they faced a team far above them. When a team plays fluidly, it's hard to beat them. With seven players with more than 10 points or more, the Kings sign a collective performance of quality to get rid of the Spurs easily, never in a position to win (126-101).
Wembanyama hadn't played an All-Star center, and Hector is his stronger mirror. There's no way out against the Kings' center. Hector nullifies many of Wembanyama's advantages. His long arms make his size advantage useless, especially since there is no considerable difference.
Hector is faster, stronger, one of the best defenders on the perimeter among centers, and just as good with the ball in hand as Victor. Wembanyama finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
As expected in the draft, Victor is clearly an excellent defender, but Error, Joker, and Process are different offensive bugs he cannot handle now. Numbers with profiles like his don't mean much, and you must see his impact on the field.
Hector does not doubt his opponent's potential but still has to learn. He said in a post-game interview: "This guy will be an All-Star, I'm sure. He has to adapt, but in two seasons, even next season, he will be an All-Star caliber player.
I look forward to the result of its development. »
The NBA is not ready for his mobility. He has everything to become an elite rim protector with a well-coached defense this season.
Wembanyama praises Hector: "He's one of the models to follow for slender people like me. When he came to the league, we had a similar physique, and now he's an underrated scorer and an elite defender. »
Hector did not force 19 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. He is not the Kings' leading scorer tonight, but he prefers the kind of performance where everyone is ahead. De'Aaron finished with 16 points and 10 assists, Murray scored 22, and Huerter 18. Only Barnes among the starters did not break the 10-point mark with 7 points.
The Kings' bench has been ruthless: Vezenkov stepped up with 15 points, same for Lyles, and Monk scored 14.
This game counted for the In-season Tournament, and the Kings have already beaten the Wolves, Spurs, and OKC. It is missing that the Warriors faced what would be a rematch of the playoffs, and the Kings will make a nasty blow to the Warriors. One player will blow up Golden State, and it's not Hector.