The Sacramento Kings have been a lottery team for much longer than they would have hoped. Despite having a high draft pick the last five years or so, the team has been unable to make a move in the Western Conference and finished with a disappointing 22-44 record in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.
ESPN released their predictions for the the upcoming season on Tuesday for the West. Their experts see the Kings finishing with a mark of 29-53, worst in the conference.
There are some things to like about this team as constructed now, most notably third-year big man DeMarcus Cousins. If he, Jason Thompson and first-round pick Thomas Robinson can mesh together in the paint, Sacramento could give opponents some trouble down low. If Tyreke Evans is able to regain his rookie form and stay healthy, he could also be a big piece for the Kings moving forward.
For more on the Kings, head over to Sactown Royalty.