2006 Sacramento Kings Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Sacramento Kings NBA Preview from Maddux Sports. The regular season opens up October 31st and now is the time to study up on this years teams. If you regularly wager on the NBA our handicappers for Expert NBA Picks and check out the NBA Spreads page to compare odds and increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Sacramento Kings Basketball Season Preview

Since the 1998-99 season, the Kings have made the playoffs every year; but over the past five seasons, they’ve progressively lost more and more games, going from 61 wins in 2002 to 44 last season. Will their win total finally rebound, stabilize or continue to drop?

Point guard Mike Bibby (21.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 43.2 FG%, 84.9 FT%) isn’t the best defender or game general in the NBA, but he is certainly one of the finest shooters, finding the opening inside, outside and from downtown. Across from Bibby is former 76ers’ shooting guard John Salmons (7.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 42.0 FG%, 77.5 FT%), Allen Iverson’s reliable backup for four seasons.

Last year, small forward Ron Artest (17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 40.4 FG%, 67.5 FT%) excelled in his new surroundings. He continues to develop and mature, offering consistent defense and improved offense. At power forward, the Kings have two choices and will use both. Kenny Thomas (9.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 50.5 FG%, 67.6 FT%) can run the floor, rebound and defend better than Shareef Abdur-Rahim (12.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 52.5 FG%, 78.4 FT%). Abdur-Rahim can put up points quickly and is a better inside scorer.

At center, the job goes to Brad Miller (15.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 49.5 FG%, 82.8 FT%). Miller’s biggest knock is that he’s not aggressive enough. He can shoot and pull down rebounds but has a rough time on defense. He’s one of the best passers on the team.

Eric Musselman takes over as the team’s head coach. He’s fiery on the bench and tough on his players, possessing the potential to alienate guys. He demands an up-tempo game that’s defined by tenacious defense.

The Kings can certainly go either way this season. Artest came through in 2005-06, but how will he and Musselman mesh? Also, Musselman brings a new playing and coaching style to the team that includes more “D” and less “O.” They’ve got the talent to be in the second season but will they have the continuity and teamwork?

For more info on the 2006 Kings basketball team visit the Kings official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Suns, Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers.