10 keys to a successful 2022-23 Sacramento Kings season

Can the Kings finally end the playoff drought?

Author

James Ham
October 19, 2022

The grind is about to begin and the optimism in Sacramento is riding high. In their 38th season in the Capital city, the Kings are looking to right the ship that has been off course for more than a decade and a half.

It starts Wednesday night when the Kings host the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. With a tough schedule right off the bat, every game is crucial for a team that is looking to change their forces.

Rookie first round pick Keegan Murray will miss the opener due to health and safety protocols. The 22-year-old rookie has missed the past week after coming down ill last Tuesday. He made an appearance at practice on Thursday, but missed Friday’s preseason finale, Sunday’s fanfest and the last two days of practice.

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Mike Brown said he would like to see Murray return to the court for a practice before suiting up, which may complicate his return, with the Kings playing a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday.

Murray is officially listed as out, but the news on Sacramento’s starting shooting guard Kevin Huerter is a little more optimistic. The 24-year-old participated in practice on Tuesday and is listed as questionable on the injury report for Wednesday. We’ll have more on Huerter’s availability Wednesday morning after shootaround. Make sure to check in on Twitter for the latest news @James_HamNBA.

Hope springs eternal, especially with Kings fans who are an optimistic group, despite the franchise wallowing in chaos since Hall of Fame head coach Rick Adelman left after the 2005-06 season. This year feels different, but it’s early. Here are 10 keys to success for the 2022-23 Sacramento Kings.

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