Stephen A. Smith declares Kings because the 'potential sleeper' of upcoming season

Ever since coach Mike Brown landed in Sacramento, an entire new period began for the Kings. Not solely did they qualify for the playoffs of their first season collectively, ending a sixteen-year drought, they continued to point out progress this previous marketing campaign. That is why specialists across the league consider they are going to proceed on this street. 

One of many NBA insiders who’s satisfied this can occur is Stephen A. Smith, as he just lately went on his personal podcast present to say that the membership from Northern California can shock many onlookers this season.

Simply final Tuesday he revealed the the reason why this revamped Kings squad may make the most important leap this upcoming 12 months, as a substitute of choosing different extra apparent decisions just like the Houston Rockets and even the New Orleans Pelicans.

Stephen A. Smith says the Kings are potential sleepers subsequent season.

Agree? 👀 pic.twitter.com/OGqXzzsqZj

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 1, 2024

The curious factor is, the ESPN icon didn’t even point out the addition of star DeMar DeRozan to additional again his claims, however as a substitute devoted his time to match De’Aaron Fox with legend Magic Johnson by way of a particular anecdote.

“ who I believe the potential sleeper is?” he requested on The Stephen A. Smith Present. “The Sacramento Kings. This brother De’Aaron Fox. Now, I like my man Magic [Johnson], who we talked about earlier.”

Based on Smith, it was a vital choice to draft for him as a substitute of different stars again in 2017. “The one basketball argument we ever acquired in was pushing him to draft De’Aaron Fox,” Stephen stored at it. “He drafted Lonzo Ball. As a result of I noticed what De’Aaron Fox did to Lonzo within the NCAA match.”

Now greater than ever the broadcaster defined how the Lakers missed out on deciding on a safer and long-term celebrity like De’Aaron, as he has turn out to be a cornerstone athlete for the Kings ever since he was chosen with the No. 5 general choose.

After 74 video games performed this previous marketing campaign, Fox has averaged 26.6 factors per match. “And I knew what he was going to do on a professional stage, and Lonzo Ball hasn’t been wholesome,” Smith added. “However even wholesome, he ain’t had that kind of sport that Fox acquired on him. So, I’m of the mindset Sacramento,” Smith concluded. “I’m pondering alongside these traces. I could possibly be mistaken, however I’m pondering Sacramento.”

Gamers like Domantas Sabonis have expressed their pleasure over this upcoming marketing campaign and even reward the crew’s summer season trades

Not solely has the Sacramento franchise been in a position to keep their core by way of extending stars like Malik Monk, they’ve additionally introduced in powerhouse veterans like DeMar DeRozan, a participant who many different golf equipment had been making an attempt to signal this summer season.

This is without doubt one of the the reason why crew stars like Domantas Sabonis can’t assist however categorical their pleasure for the season forward, nearly anticipating that the squad is poised for fulfillment. “DeRozan’s arrival positively exceeded my expectations,” Sabonis stated final week to reporter Sean Cunningham.

“DeRozan is a really sensible participant, he’s been within the league eternally and that i’m excited to study from him, I hope the opposite guys are excited too,” he continued to handle his admiration for his new teammate, after years of enjoying for the Chicago Bulls.

Domantas hopes this transfer will convey extra versatility to their sport. “He’ll make us transfer and suppose in a different way, we’re used to enjoying a sure fashion of sport, however he does some issues at Corridor Of Fame stage, so we should get used to him, will probably be a lot more durable to defend us as a result of we will rating from all positions,” the middle defined.