Sacramento Kings: 7 Things the Kings Must Do to Make the Playoffs in 2013

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During the late 1990s and the early- to mid-2000s, the Sacramento Kings were one of the most consistent franchises in the NBA. The Kings qualified for the playoffs in eight consecutive years (1998-99 through 2005-06) and were one game away from the NBA Finals in the 2001-02 season.

Since then, the Kings have been one of the NBA's cellar dwellers. Since the 2006-07 season, the Kings have gone 159-317 (.334 winning percentage) and hit rock bottom in 2008-09 when they went 17-65.

But the Kings have some intriguing young pieces. DeMarcus Cousins looks like he's on the way to becoming a top center. Tyreke Evans is only a few years removed from being named Rookie of the Year. Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Thornton look like they could become a reliable backcourt.

With some hard work, some savvy acquisitions and a little luck, the Kings could be on their way back to the playoffs for the first time in six years. Here are seven things the Kings must do to make the playoffs in 2012-13.

Improve on Defense

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Sacramento was the worst defensive team in the NBA last season. It was apparent when you watched the Kings. It's also backed up by the statistics. The Kings allowed the most points per game in the NBA (104.44).

Since points per game can be deceiving because it's somewhat dependent on a team's offensive pace, opponent field-goal percentage is also a good barometer for a team's defensive output. The Kings were also the worst in opponent field-goal percentage (47.6 percent).

An improvement on the defensive end is a must if Sacramento wants to make the playoffs next season. With a young team like Sacramento's, it's difficult to be a consistent defensive team. However, since the Kings are a young team, they should only improve as they gain more experience in the NBA.

Learn How to Close out Games

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The Kings were competitive in a lot of their games but failed to come out on top. Of the Kings' 44 losses, nine of them were within two possessions (six points). And only 10 of the Kings' losses were blowouts (losses by a margin of 20 or more points).

The good news for Sacramento is that they already have a few players who seem to play their best at the end of games. Marcus Thornton wants to take the last shot and has shown the ability to knock it down. Isaiah Thomas repeatedly came up big for the Kings in crunch time.

In order to make the playoffs next year, Sacramento needs to figure out how to close out games. They have two young players in Thornton and Thomas who are figuring it out. Now the team as a whole needs to follow their lead.

Spend Some Money

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Sacramento had the lowest team payroll in the NBA. In fact, Sacramento's $47.3 million payroll is barely over the league minimum and $5 million less than the next lowest team.

Granted, spending money just for the sake of spending money does not ensure that a team will be competitive. It's also fair to point out that the Kings were 28th out of 30 teams in attendance this past season.

However, if the Maloofs (the Kings' owners) put a more competitive team on the floor, then the fans will start going to the games. But putting a competitive team on the floor costs money. The Maloofs need to put more money into the team.

With a higher payroll, the Kings should be a better team, and with a better team, the Maloofs should see an increase in attendance.

Get a Reliable 3-Point Shooter

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When the Sacramento Kings traded for Jimmer Fredette on draft day 2011, one of the areas he was supposed to shore up was Sacramento's three-point shooting.

Fredette struggled for much of his rookie year and didn't provide the Kings with the consistent three-point shooting that he displayed in college at BYU.

Maybe Fredette can improve in this area in his second NBA season. It would be great if he can, but the Kings can't count on that. Sacramento ranked 29th in three-point percentage (31.6 percent), so a lot of help is needed.

With players like Tyreke Evans and Isaiah Thomas who can collapse defenses with their penetration, the Kings need to get a reliable three-point shooter to knock down open shots when the defense is out of position.

Tyreke Evans Needs to Develop a Consistent Jump Shot

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As mentioned in the last slide, Tyreke Evans can get to the hoop at will. The problem is that opposing defenses have figured that out, so they're starting to play off of Evans to prevent him from driving to the basket.

The best way for Tyreke to counteract that is to knock down jump shots when his opponent gives him space. However, Evans still hasn't developed a consistent jump shot to keep defenders honest.

If Evans develops a consistent 20-foot jumper, it will take him from an above-average player to an elite player. With a reliable jump shot, Evans and Cousins could become the go-to combo that the Kings envisioned.

Keep Progressing

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Sacramento was one of the younger teams in the NBA this past season. Based on the current roster, the Kings' average age on opening night 2012-13 will be 25.3. Sacramento's average years of NBA experience on opening night will be 4.07.

Based on the relative inexperience of Sacramento's players, it's safe to assume that the team should keep getting better. With more time in the NBA and more time with head coach Keith Smart, this team should be considerably better.

Have a Productive Draft Day

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It's extremely important for the Kings to have a productive draft day. The Kings have a couple of different options. They can use the No. 5 pick and keep trying to build through the draft. With this draft being one of the deeper drafts in recent memory, that might be a good option.

Another option for Sacramento would be to trade their pick for an established veteran. Given the current situation, this might be a better option for the Kings.

Sacramento already has some young, talented prospects. Adding another player to that list may help the Kings in the long term, but it would probably make it more difficult to contend in 2012-13.

By finding a suitable veteran to trade for, the Kings would be getting an established player. If it's the right type of player, then the Kings would also be getting a leader that can help Sacramento's younger players learn how to win in the NBA.