Chris Mannix is pessimistic about the Kings’ playoff chances with Huerter’s injury
Mar 22, 2024, 3:12 PM
Kevin Huerter #9 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Golden 1 Center on April 17, 2023 in Sacramento
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix joined “The Drive Guys” Friday to give a national perspective on what’s happening with the Sacramento Kings and talk about why the injury to Kevin Huerter is bigger than people may realize.
The Sacramento Kings announced on Thursday that Huerter suffered a left shoulder dislocation and labral tear. He is out indefinitely as the team continues to evaluate treatment options. Before he went down with the injury, the 25-year-old guard was averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Mannix said he’s been enthused by the Kings’ defense as of late, but losing a guard like Kevin Huerter is going to be tough to get past.
“When I saw that news of the extent of that injury, that just made me a lot more pessimistic about the Kings’ chances to stay in that playoff mix and ultimately succeed when they get there,” Mannix said, adding that Sacramento lost a nearly a 40% three-point shooter. “You have to game-plan for. It just creates so much more spacing for [Domantas] Sabonis and [De’Aaron] Fox, and everybody who’s trying to do different things on the floor.”
Additional topics discussed include:
- Malik Monk is “unquestionably” at the top of the Sixth Man of the Year ballot
- What will the market be for Monk this offseason when he becomes a free agent?
- The Kings are still respected “as a contender”
- Why the national media can do a better job of covering the Sacramento Kings on a day-to-day basis
- What are the playoff matchups that look favorable to the Kings?
Click here to watch and listen to the full interview with Chris Mannix.
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