ESPN's Western Conference Forecast predicts Kings finish 13th.
By aggregating the predictions of 93 basketball experts (including Zach Harper), ESPN predicts Sacramento will finish 30-52. Putting this together with their Eastern Conference predictions, Sacramento would be tied with the Cavs for the fifth worst record in the league, besting only the T-wolves, the Raptors, the Nets, and the Warriors.
Their blurb about Sacramento:
"Reigning rookie of the year Tyreke Evans has gained a reputation as a hell-bent driver who's hard to slow down, and not just on the highway. This season, expect another sizable move for the Kings after last season's eight-game improvement, especially if Evans can form a reliable partnership with rookie DeMarcus Cousins."
almost 2 years ago
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30 is my low number
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
My low number too.
Anything less than 35 wins and I’ll be fairly disappointing barring unforeseen circumstances.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Ditto
My “realistic best case” scenario is a Memphis-esque rebound to 40 wins and a 10th place finish in the west. I could see a couple spots lower, but am definitely expecting more than a few wins better than last season.
I agree.
Five more wins is not very much considering:
-The addition of Cousins and Dalembert;
-Landry will benefit from an entire preseason with the team;
-Garcia (should be) healthy;
-JT, Casspi, Greene, Evans should all show improvement;
-Reke worked on his jumper;
-Westie should have his lineups and rotations mostly figured out.
I understand the Kings (perhaps) not making the playoffs is not really so much about the ways that our team improved, but rather more of an issue of the other teams in the West (still) being so good and not falling. But, I think we’re in store for more than a five game jump. I’m expecting 35 wins, and wouldn’t be surprised at more than that.
Check out my news parody blog, in which I make fun of current events @ liveonlocation.blogspot.com
"Put Kobe or Lebron in a wheelchair, and I can GUARANTEE Tyreke would demolish either. You might want to rethink what you just said." - MarcusC.
"I never read those trade threads. They seem to be mainly populated with the sports equivalent of people who think the Rapture is imminent." - andy sims.
by PhutureKings on Aug 12, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Hard to argue the placement
I could see us catching the Grizz and/or the Clips, but 13th is where we deserve to be slotted at this point. I’m thinking 32-35 wins.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Tough but fair.
I’d consider 35 wins quite a successful campaign. My concern, though, after seeing the schedule, we may start fast again this season before reality delivers a swift kick to the crotch.
The games, win or lose, should not be boring, though.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen. And for a limited time, every third person who follows me on Twitter (andy_sims) gets a free ice cream cone.
Which I will eat.
Definitely not boring
This team fought hard in almost every game last year, which was almost the exact opposite of what happened the year before.
Author of the Pick and Scroll. Follow me on Twitter here.
Looking at the overall talent improvement from the start of last season to this season
I expect the Kings to start simliarly or better into the holidays. With the increase in talent in the frontcourt I expect the later half of the season to show less of a run down team as they are less of a running team.
Throw in injuries (totally unpredictable as to severity and to individual) and the possibility of a Feb trade and I think an improvement over last season’s 8 games to 10 this year = 35 wins.
My only sure fire prediction: I am always wrong.
by betweentheeyes on Aug 10, 2010 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I remember vividly a handful of really boring, lackluster games.
Games where both teams were kicking the ball around, the was no flow to the offense, just really terrible games to try and watch. They were the exception, but there were definitely some contests where I truly regretted having wasted the time. All teams have games like that, of course.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen. And for a limited time, every third person who follows me on Twitter (andy_sims) gets a free ice cream cone.
Which I will eat.
Of course, and I can name a few off the top of my head (The road losses to the Wolves, Nets)
But those were the exception, and not the rule like they were during 08-09 when almost every game felt like that.
Author of the Pick and Scroll. Follow me on Twitter here.
The top 8 is pretty much how I see it.
Although I originally picked Portland to finish higher than OKC, that was predicated on Oden and Pryzbilla being healthier. And, at least one of them being able to finish the season. OKC only improved their center position slightly by adding Aldrich, and Denver has gotten worse in the post.
If you link to the actual 93 experts, they are all ESPN employees and TrueHoops writers, which I guess are mostly based at the companies Bristol, Connecticut headquarters. So, I’m not sure that they aren’t East coast biased.
The Kings were 9-21 against the East last season, and 16-36 in the West. That’s .300 in the East and .307 in the West. The West got weaker with Amare and Boozer going east. But, the East didn’t get that much stronger with Amare going to NY, and Bosh and LeBron going to Miami. Yes, we’ll probably lose both games in Miami, but now we have a chance to win in Toronto and Cleveland.
So, here’s my West coast prospective. The Conference winners will be the only teams to earn 50+ win seasons. The bottom will move up and the top will move down, making the wins a much closer spread. Portland, OKC, and Denver will battle for the NW, and the winner will be the team with the healthier frontcourt.
The non playoff teams will be much closer than what ESPN lists. Parity will have team 9-14 much closer in win totals. The ESPN numbers have the West winning fewer games against the East this season. While I think there’s a good chance we could win 10 more. Teams like the Kings 9 wins against the East, NOH 11 wins and HOU 14 wins last season, should improve.
With the Kings improved defensive presense in the Post and another year of experience under their belts for Tyreke, Omri, JT & Donte, and a return of a healthy Cisco, the Kings will win more than 5 more games. They could win almost that many more against the East. So, while I believe Porland, OKC & Denver could all swap places, so could the 10th thru 13th place teams because the win totals will be that close.
I expect the Kings to win 21-22 games in the West and 11-13 games in the East, for a total of 32-35 wins. But, if PW can get them to play better defense, that total could be higher. As too which place we will finish, whether it’s 13th or 10th it doesn’t matter since either way we won’t be in the playoffs this year.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
by HighTops on Aug 10, 2010 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
My feelings
The non playoff teams will be much closer than what ESPN lists. Parity will have team 9-14 much closer in win totals.
Is that I largely agree with this but will go so far as to say the 6th through 9th should all be pretty tight and fluid (barring injury) right down to the wire around 43-47 wins. Health and late season wins will decide it.
A 2nd group will cluster at the 10-13 spots in the 33-38 wins range, with the Kings in that 2nd group.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Aug 10, 2010 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Okl is too high on that list by the way
They got away with being small last year but assuming health, with our increased size, the Clips increased size (Griffin), Portland (healthy) size, Utah (Al Jeff).
I have see them having trouble winning some of those many close games they pulled out last year.
I’m not sure if anyone other than LA easily wins 50 games. Someone will of course, but it will be close. On the other hand, I guess they’re not picking anyone else to get to 55 wins so I guess they tend to agree with me.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
I think San Antonio might get 55 wins this year.
If only because of the increased depth and perhaps a bit better luck than a year ago.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Splitter could be a big key too
He’s my dark horse for Rookie of the Year.
Author of the Pick and Scroll. Follow me on Twitter here.
Yeah he's a definite dark horse.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
I'm not sure that Splitter will talk that many minutes away from Blair
but his height will be of help. I’m curious to see how much the addition of Gary Neal improves the team. He was one of the players that impressed me the most in VSL.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
Can Duncan hold up?
The mileage was sure showing late last year. Ginobli also had a lot of nagging injuries that spell a-g-e.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Aug 11, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Hence the point about depth and luck.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Dallas didn't hurt themselves, by replacing Dampier with Chandler
They’re going to returning with pretty much the same team that won 55 last season.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
And get a full season of Butler and Haywood.
Author of the Pick and Scroll. Follow me on Twitter here.
Yeah everyone seems to be overlooking them
Probably because they’ve had a couple terrible playoff series the last few years. But they are still a very talented team.
Barring a serious injury to Tyreke
If this team wins 30 games Paul Westphal should be fired immediately. Petrie filled too many voids this offseason. Will team chemistry be an issue? Will attitudes or jealousy be an issue? Will growth & defensive intensity be an issue? All or some of these issues could make a 30 win team but all of these fall on the coach.
That said I have confidence in PW & the rest of the coaching staff. This team has a lot of talent. The only thing keeping them out of the playoffs is youth & a tough western conference.
I say no less than 35 & probably no more than 40 wins. This can still place us in 10th through 13th place because I too believe the difference between 10th & 14th place might only be 1-4 wins.
I love beating dead horses.
by allbenji's on Aug 10, 2010 3:19 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I think you'll have to temper your willingness to fire the coach
After all, this roster is significantly different from last year’s roster at the start of the season. We lost six of our guys and have acquired seven new guys. It’s going to take some time for everyone to get used to each other and for everyone to find, and more importantly, and to accept their roles.
I believe that we should set the bar high, but we have to consider that we basically have five rookies: DMC, Whiteside, Jeter, Jackson, and Sloan (I take Jeter as a “rookie” just like we take Omri and many others who haven’t played in the NBA as a rookie). It will take time for the new guys to learn the system. Even if they do learn the system, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll adjust to the strength/speed of the NBA, or that they’ll have the stamina to go 82 games (no matter the amount of minute played).
Not a chance he'll be fired for winning 30
Come on, that’s silly. The only way PW is fired is if the Kings do worse than last year (and if that is the case without major injury.) 30 to 35 is probably right about what the front office expects. Expectations beyond 35 wins given this team’s talent level and the relative changes to the other teams in the league makes no professional sense. This team is still at least 2 seasons from being near the playoffs – meaning it will need this year plus another to mature and gel. Let’s all be happy with steady improvement and realistic expectations for a young team.
by Kusian on Aug 11, 2010 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes we filled holes
But the pieces are either very young, or haven’t played together. 30 wins would be less than hoped for, but definitely not reason for firing your coach. The truth of the matter is that what we need most is stability, and that does not come with changing coaches every two years. PW would really have to mess up big time to get fired after this year.
"And I never said I don’t like KMart. I just don’t think the duo is good for the team. They are essentially two of the same player"
Sammyp831.
by SavageBeast on Aug 11, 2010 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
He would have to lose control of Cousins
or the whole team.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Aug 11, 2010 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions
My take is that our range will be somewhere between 30-40.
I’ll be extremely disappointed with anything below 30, and content with anything from 30-35. Anything over 35 is gravy. I still believe we’re one year away from the playoffs, so this year will be a good growing point for the team as they continue to get better.
Author of the Pick and Scroll. Follow me on Twitter here.
They will start fast again
First and foremost, I am glad that we will be the first team to handle Kahn’s T-Wolves. Second, I think this team will get off to a hot start and not slow down…as much. I think Tyreke and the returning players know what it takes to stay more competative and play with eachother, I think they will slide out of the playoffs, but I think they handle the second half of the schedule much better. I agree with Section214 with the 32-35 win range. My hope is peaking to 40 though, but just a wish.
I dunno.
The thought of having to open the season against all those PG’s and the greatest passing big man of all-time, Darko Milicic, has me worried.
Check out my news parody blog, in which I make fun of current events @ liveonlocation.blogspot.com
"Put Kobe or Lebron in a wheelchair, and I can GUARANTEE Tyreke would demolish either. You might want to rethink what you just said." - MarcusC.
"I never read those trade threads. They seem to be mainly populated with the sports equivalent of people who think the Rapture is imminent." - andy sims.
by PhutureKings on Aug 12, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Wahaha.
I see your 59 and raise yo to 71 W’s. The Heat are better by just a smidgen and they’re poised to hit 73wins.
There can only be one Noce!
we talking two seasons or one?
just asking
by betweentheeyes on Aug 10, 2010 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Question
When does Vegas put out the lines for the NBA? I’d be interested to see how many games they see the Kings winning this year.
How long did it take to come up with this gem?
Tyreke Evans has gained a reputation as a hell-bent driver who’s hard to slow down, and not just on the highway.
by CrownedPotential on Aug 11, 2010 8:21 AM PDT reply actions
I think Voisin sold it to them.
Check out my news parody blog, in which I make fun of current events @ liveonlocation.blogspot.com
"Put Kobe or Lebron in a wheelchair, and I can GUARANTEE Tyreke would demolish either. You might want to rethink what you just said." - MarcusC.
"I never read those trade threads. They seem to be mainly populated with the sports equivalent of people who think the Rapture is imminent." - andy sims.
by PhutureKings on Aug 12, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
13th?
Is that Operation Harrison Barnes?
At USC we're not snobs, we're just better than you.
by TrojanCBB on Aug 11, 2010 9:31 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
We need a Bulls like dose of luck, when they got the #1 pick while being #9 beforehand
" 1 + 1 = 3 " - David Kahn
Tell ESPN that the Tyreke/highway joke never gets old....
/flips sarcasm switch
Sound the trumpets, Raise the drawbridge, and drop the Oldsmobile
If we win 30 games this upcoming season
will that mean for 2011-12 we get 12 televised games or 6?
This.
I think they can win more than 30
if everything will go well.
And that is a big if.
It’s great to be optimistic about the future, but the chances are that not all that we hope for will happen (Tyreke, JT, Casspi and Greene continue to develop, Beno keeping last season’s form, Cisco returning to his form of two years ago, all the newcomers, especially Dalembert and Cousins fitting in seamlessly and PW establishing well-defined roles and clear rotations early on, and keeping everybody happy).
There will be growing pains, there will be some injuries (hopefully nothing serious), there will be some players who regress, while others may exceed expectations. And PW has not been really tested by a some serious malcontent behavior, and I’m a bit nervous about how he’ll deal with that.
If through adversity, they keep playing hard, work to improve themselves and maintain a good team spirit, I will be satisfied, regardless whether they’ll win 22 or 44 games.
Dunking Dutchman
by RikSmits on Aug 12, 2010 12:55 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
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