This is the Sacramento Kings' steal record. It is held by Sam Lacey, who has the record for blocks and games played. He played 888 kings for the Kansas City Kings.
His jersey was logically retired by the Kings.
And in 4 and a half seasons, Hector reached his steal record at a disconcerting speed. He is tied before this game against the Pelicans and will probably surpass him tonight. Hector is on a historic roll in the number of steals, and he will be the youngest player with more than 1,000 before his 23 years.
It took him 367 games to reach that symbolic mark. The person who spent the least time passing this bar took 520 games as a reference. Hector exploded the record time.
An unrealistic statistic is worthy of NBA 2K. But he is gifted and has a basketball IQ and physical and technical skills to achieve this extraordinary performance. No one knows how Hector's career will end, but we are clearly on a rhythm threatening the untouchable John Stockton.
Hector, unlike other supernatural performances, takes this feat seriously. A player who has not dreamed of breaking a record will not go far. Indeed, many players will gladly trade a franchise record for an NBA championship ring.
This is not the case with Hector. He would rather lose with his family than win with strangers. What would bother Hector the most is to leave the Kings without winning titles and not winning any elsewhere. This is not uncommon, but no one can guarantee a championship.
Most veteran ring-chasers don't hesitate to join the enemy or accept minimal salaries compared to their market value for any hope of winning a title. In his head, he either wins in Sacramento or he wins in Sacramento.
There are no other options in his head, and he is willing to sacrifice his salary to allow it in his next extension. But there is a better time to talk about it.
It only takes one steal to officially own the Kings' steal record, and it won't wait long. 2 minutes were enough, and a victory despite Zion Williamson's 43 points.
Now the only Sacramento Kings stealing record holder after this game, he expressed his satisfaction, but it is not an end.
"It's a great moment I'm proud of," Hector said, setting the record. "But I have to do better. Continue to defend more effectively... I've never seen myself accomplishing such a thing in my career. Now that it's done, I must do better and keep winning games with my teammates. »
"He just wanted to go out and set the tone, especially after we had a losing streak before the win against Spurs," Kings forward Harrison Barnes said. "That was the main thing, be aggressive and get the win."
With 19 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, he did his duty and led the Kings to victory. Being banned from the D.O.G chain regularly, Hector got it exceptionally tonight and pressed the beam.
Record broken, light the beam, that's what he prefers.
Let's talk about Zion Williamson. After a summer where he received much criticism, he got back in shape and didn't miss a game this season. But the injury of C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram mean Zion is carrying the weight of this team alone.
To fight in the conference, it's too much. The relationship between the two is excellent. Hector is someone who wishes no harm to anyone. In his 2019 draft class, he is the only prospect not to receive criticism. Unlike some, he appears to be a saint.
Ja Morant, who plays with guns. Zion, who puts X stars pregnant and Barrett's mediocrity before this season, the 2019 vintage is distinguished by its extra-sporting escapades. Add to those big disappointments in the top 10 and the fact that players like Hector or Jordan Poole were taken much later. It starts to do a lot.
But this is what will make the legend of the 4. Zion, Ja, R.J., and Hector will prove that this 2019 draft will be exceptional during their careers, each in his way.