“I understand, you know, really the value of taking in certain circumstances, but there’s a point where you’ve got to have some integrity.”
Tanking has been a hot topic in the NBA throughout the last few seasons, but it seems even more amplified during this 2025-26 season. Former Sacramento Kings head coach, general manager, broadcaster, and all-around Kings’ legend Jerry Reynold shared his thoughts in a conversation with The Drive Guys.
“The guys that you’re trotting out there, you don’t want them to give less than their best effort,” Reynolds continued. “And there may be many cases where they give their best effort, and they can’t win because they’re not good enough. I get that part. You know, in other words, there’s no shame in playing the best you can if the other team is better.”
The Sacramento Kings currently own an 18-53 record, only better than three Eastern Conference bottom-feeders in the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets. Despite owning the worst record and therefore the top lottery spot, the Kings put together a four-game winning streak in five nights that helped them climb the standings.
Both general manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie have made it clear they’re not trying to lose games, but rather shifting to give their young players more minutes. Yet, there’s still been multiple instances where a veteran such as DeMar DeRozan or Russell Westbrook have stellar nights and can lead to a win — as was the case during their five-game stretch.
“I think with the Kings, the only thing I think is important is that whatever you do with personnel, it should be to make sure you are really playing guys the most that you think will be part of your team, not only next year, but the year after,” Reynolds said. “In other words, take advantage of the circumstances to get as much development as you can for people you think are going to be part of the solution.”
Of course, the entire reason tanking exists is the importance of draft picks and how much one player can alter a franchise in the NBA. The 2026 Draft being hyped up as potentially generational clearly plays into that as well.
“I like this draft, I really do,” Reynolds said. “But who knows who’s going to be the best? I don’t think there’s a clear number one. I think there was. It’d (AJ) Dybansta, but I mean, the more I watch (Darius) Acuff, I really like him. I just think he might be, at the position he plays, and how well he plays, he might have a lot of impact as a rookie.”
Despite now falling out of the top-three lottery odds, the Sacramento Kings still maintain a 12.5 percent chance of lucking into the first overall pick. Crazier things have happened in the NBA lottery.
Check out the full interview with Jerry Reynolds by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will conclude a three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon when they face the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in a game that has NBA Draft Lottery implications.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Brooklyn Nets action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 1:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 3:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Sunday, March 22nd vs. Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 24th – @ Charlotte Hornets – 4:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 26th – @ Orlando Magic – 4:00 PM PT
Saturday, March 28th – @ Brooklyn Nets – 4:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 29th @ Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
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