Why being counted out could help the Sacramento Kings

No team is entering the 2026-27 NBA season with lower expectations than the Sacramento Kings.

According to FanDuel’s preseason win totals, Sacramento is projected to finish with just 21.5 victories, the lowest mark in the NBA.

ESPN also recently ranked the Kings last in its offseason power rankings, reinforcing the widespread national belief that Sacramento is headed for another difficult campaign.

But Matt George isn’t buying into the doom and gloom.

On the latest episode of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, George acknowledged the Kings are expected to struggle but argued the outside skepticism could actually benefit a young roster trying to establish a new identity.

“I actually like the fact that the Kings are as doubted as they are,” George said.

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

While George still expects Sacramento to be near the bottom of the Western Conference, he believes the 21.5-win projection is simply too low.

The Sacramento Kings won 22 games last season despite injuries to key pieces on the roster, inconsistency and a veteran-heavy roster that struggled defensively. George expects a healthier, more cohesive group this year, led by rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., to surpass that total.

“I do think the Sacramento Kings will win more than 22 games this season.”

Rather than chasing immediate playoff expectations, George believes Sacramento’s priority should be building the identity general manager Scott Perry emphasized throughout the offseason. If the Kings establish that culture, George believes the wins will naturally follow, even if they ultimately finish around the 30-win mark.

George also introduced an intriguing theory regarding Sacramento’s center rotation.

Although All-Rookie Second Team center Maxime Raynaud enjoyed an impressive rookie season and projects as an offensive weapon, George believes defensive big man Dylan Cardwell could receive more playing time early because of his defensive impact.

“This is totally my theory here,” George said. “I believe Dylan Cardwell is going to need to play more.”

With All-Star big Domantas Sabonis entrenched as the starting center, George argued Sacramento desperately needs rim protection off the bench. Cardwell’s interior defense provides a skill set neither Sabonis nor Raynaud consistently offers, making him a better fit if the Kings are serious about improving defensively.

Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

George acknowledged Raynaud’s offensive upside, particularly as a pick-and-roll finisher and floor spacer, but questioned whether pairing him with Sabonis would leave Sacramento too vulnerable in the paint.

“If you were to tell me right now to build the Sacramento Kings rotation,” George explained, “Sabonis is getting the most minutes, Dylan Cardwell is getting the second most, and Maxime Raynaud is getting the third most.”

Whether Cardwell ultimately claims that role remains to be seen, but George believes defense–not draft status or offensive upside–could determine Sacramento’s backup center rotation as training camp approaches.

Listen to all episodes of The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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