Do the Sacramento Kings face brutal reality ahead of 2026-27 season?

The Sacramento Kings enter the 2026-27 NBA season with plenty of questions, and Locked On Fantasy Basketball host Josh Lloyd didn’t shy away from brutal honesty about Sacramento’s current state.

On Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, Lloyd stopped short of calling the Sacramento Kings the NBA’s worst team, but admitted their place near the bottom of the league is hard to dispute.

“I don’t think I’d put them last, but I don’t think it’s outrageous to have them there,” Lloyd said.

That assessment comes after a 22-60 season in which the Kings finished 14th in the Western Conference. Sacramento has since added 7th overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., Ben Simmons, and other young pieces while hoping for healthier seasons from Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and De’Andre Hunter.

Acuff represents the biggest source of hope for the Sacramento Kings. The rookie averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44% from three at Arkansas, earning SEC Player of the Year and Consensus All-American honors before Sacramento selected him seventh overall.

Lloyd, however, believes there are legitimate concerns about whether Acuff’s college shooting will translate immediately to the NBA, along with questions about his size and defense.

“I’d like to see how it plays out,” Lloyd said. “He might be good. But defense, size, and, despite the good shooting season, I’m still a little bit concerned about it.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbling the ball looks to drive to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The concerns extend beyond Acuff. Lloyd questioned Sacramento’s decision to acquire Hunter, arguing that the forward does not provide the defensive impact many expect. He also believes Keegan Murray needs to take another offensive step after a career that has often limited his opportunities with the ball.

For LaVine, Lloyd sees a talented scorer whose fit remains complicated.

LaVine averaged 25 points, five rebounds and 4.5 assists on 49% shooting and 40% from three during the best stretches of his NBA career, but Lloyd questioned whether Sacramento can surround him with enough complementary talent.

Then there is Sabonis. With Sacramento reportedly seeking significant value in a potential trade, Lloyd believes the Kings may ultimately have to lower their asking price.

“The only reason that would happen is you get to a stage where it’s after this season and there’s only one year left,” Lloyd said. “So I think it has to be the Kings that make that decision to change their valuation on him.”

Domantas Sabonis #11 and Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings pose for a photo during a media day photo shoot at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 29, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Perhaps the harshest assessment came when Lloyd discussed Sacramento’s defense. With Acuff and LaVine potentially forming the backcourt and Sabonis anchoring the frontcourt, Lloyd believes the Kings could finish with the NBA’s worst defense.

“I’d say they’d be the favorite to do that,” Lloyd said.

For the Sacramento Kings, the 2026-27 season may ultimately come down to whether Acuff can provide enough immediate promise to justify the franchise’s long-term vision.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ 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

• Scott Perry on Ben Simmons, Darius Acuff and Kings’ Direction
• 5 Reasons Kings Fans Can Be Optimistic This Season
• Is Jalen Duren Truly Worth $200 Million?
• Only One Kings Player Makes NBA Top 100 Players List
• Kings Training Camp Will Test A Crowded Rotation

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• 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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