Do the Sacramento Kings have a leadership problem?
Following multiple blowout losses–specifically to the Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans– the Sacramento Kings players have been radio silent to the media. Do the Kings have a leadership issue?
Following Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento’s dropped yet another spot in the Western Conference standings. Now down to the No. 5 seed in the West, Kings players have now become silent following major losses. This same problem percolated on Dec. 20, when Boston blew Sacramento out of the water in Sacramento without star player Jayson Tatum.
After that 25-point loss, shooting guard Keon Ellis was the only player to speak to the media. Star players De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and others were nowhere to be found. That happened again Sunday. Head coach Mike Brown was asked about it; check out his response below:
After the Kings' blowout home loss to the Boston Celtics earlier this season, Keon Ellis was the first and only player to come to the podium and answer questions.
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) January 8, 2024
Same thing happened after tonight's loss to New Orleans. So Mike Brown was asked about why his "leadership… pic.twitter.com/1auch8yY3A
Last season, the Kings finished their 2022-23 campaign with the third-best record in the Western Conference at 48-34; their best record since the 2004-2005 season. Sacramento snapped their 16-year playoff drought but lost in seven games to intrastate rival Golden State Warriors. Only a year later, Sacramento’s not only having problems with injuries, but with leadership too.
In his inaugural head coaching season with the Kings. Mike Brown led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2004-2005. Brown was ultimately named unanimous coach of the year by his peers.
On Tuesday, trailed by 20 points in the first quarter to the league-worst Detroit Pistons, but that deficit quickly vanished before halftime en route to a 21-point Kings victory. They showed some more promise in leadership by dismantling the Charlotte Hornets 123-98 on Wednesday.
Will this trend continue? Let us know in the comments!
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