The 2025-26 Sacramento Kings have had a poor start to their season, to say the least. Sitting at 3-11 throughout 14 games, their identity remains unclear.
Throughout training camp, head coach Doug Christie (and general manager Scott Perry) had been talking about the defensive orientation this group would have. Given the lack of defensive talent on their roster, most people were reasonably skeptical.
Early results rank the Kings 27th in defensive rating (120.4), only ahead of New Orleans (2-12), Washington (1-12), and Brooklyn (2-12) — not exactly the company they love to be rubbing shoulders with.
Sacramento has conceded 120+ points in 11 of its 14 showings. Their defense has looked horrific, with players allowing straight-line drives and a lack of size, leaving unideal helpside responsibilities to guards.
Somehow, the Kings have only surpassed that mark themselves on four occasions in this early season, as their offensive rating ranks 25th. There lies the primary issue for this squad.
What do they do well? When you turn on a Kings game, what can you expect to see from them consistently? Right now, there’s no clear answer.
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Here are some of the categories that they rank bottom-five in through the first 14 games:
3PA/G: 31.5 (29th)
FTA/G (24.1 (24th)
FT% 75.7% (26th)
REB/G: 39.4 (29th)OREB/G (8.9) 24th
OPP FG%: 51.0% (30th)
OPP PTS/G (124.4 (28th)
OPP FG% at the rim: 74.2% (30th)
Conversely, the statistics where they rank in the top 10 are limited to mid-range shot attempts (1st), turnovers per game (8th fewest), personal fouls per game (4th fewest), and opponent offensive rebounds (5th fewest allowed). That’s it.
So, I’ll present the question again: what are their strengths? Leading the association in mid-range attempts doesn’t qualify when they’re shooting below average from that range (42 percent — 19th in the NBA).
They’re a team with a handful of isolation scorers who aren’t surrounded by ideal spacing to optimize their skill set. Playmaking hub Domantas Sabonis hasn’t been able to generate an offensive rhythm for this group that isn’t fit for a dribble-handoff game.
Lacking not only an identity as a unit but any true strength in a stacked Western Conference isn’t encouraging. They’re a horrible defensive group that has also struggled to efficiently score consistently with an aging shot profile.
Fourth-year forward Keegan Murray, entering the fold (as he nears his season debut after having UCL surgery in the preseason), will help, but likely not save their season. No superstar is walking through that door for the Kings, who have to find a collective strength if they want any chance to stay afloat.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
Just months after talking up free agent signing Dennis Schroder as their new starting point guard, he’s been moved to the bench.
The 2025-26 Sacramento Kings are 3-11 through their first 14 games. That’s on pace for 17 total wins, equivalent to the Utah Jazz’s record last season.
Surely they’ll put together a better stretch — and the early schedule has done them no favors — but all the roster construction concerns that were highlighted in the offseason have come to light.
Starting power forward Keegan Murray, who needed surgery in the preseason, certainly hasn’t helped their cause, but their roster lacks a clear strength. Their preferred defensive identity involves picking up 94 feet, which isn’t exactly panning out, as evidenced by their 27th-ranked defensive rating.
Read More:
An unideal start to Dennis Schroder’s Kings tenure
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, November 19th – @ Oklahoma City – 5:00 PM PT
Thursday, November 20th – @ Memphis Grizzlies – 5:00 PM PT
Saturday, November 22nd – @ Denver Nuggets – 7:00 PM PT
Monday, November 24th – vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 7:00 PM PT
Wednesday, November 26th – vs. Phoenix Suns – 7:00 PM PT
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