We're Not Tanking: Kings Season Preview

If you take a quick look at the Kings current roster, you'd immediately think we're tanking. I mean, we probably have the least talented team in the CSL. But we don't like to call it tanking, because it really isn't. We don't have our own first round pick for next season, giving us no reason to tank. We like to think of it as an evaluation season, closely looking at the play of our youngsters and scouting around the league to find players we would like to build our franchise around for the future. As we do that, we'll introduce you to the key guys in our organization we're hoping can lead us to the promised land in the future.

The Core:
Jahii Carson - Carson was the number 6 pick in the 2014 CSL draft, and his expectations are through the roof. Many executives around the league have praised Carson's talent and through the roof potential, giving him some lofty expectations in his rookie season. While some of these expectations may be a bit too much for the 20 year old to live up to, Carson is undoubtedly talented and could be a key piece in our core going forward.

Michael Carter-Williams - You could call it somewhat of a competition, as MCW and Carson are both very talented young point guards who both have potential to be franchise point guards. The two youngsters have very different games, however, as Carter-Williams is a pure pass-first point guard, unlike Carson's scoring first mentality. Headed into his sophomore year, MCW hopes to get a bit more of an opportunity this season, and his play could potentially earn him a spot in the starting lineup.

Ed Davis - Just recently signed to a massive 5 year - $60 million deal, Ed Davis is going to be a key piece in the future (assuming he's not traded). Davis is projected to play center this season for the Kings, as their lack of other big men will kind of force him to do so. Davis had a very good year last season, averaging career highs in both points and rebounds (around 12 - .

Austin Rivers -Rivers, acquired in a draft-day trade from New Orleans, Rivers will finally get a chance to play a featured role that he's long been waiting for. Rivers is projected to start at the two guard for the Kings, and will play a big role on offense.

Other Key Pieces:
Bojan Bogdanovic - The undrafted rookie, who was signed to a two year deal with a team option in year two, could end up playing a big role for the Kings this season and in the future. His specialty is as a sharpshooter, as Bojan is known for his killer three point shot. If he can step up and be a key player off the bench, Bogdanovic has a chance to really cement himself in the Kins rotation this season and beyond.

Dario Saric - The 12th overall pick in this years draft, Saric is a 6'10, skilled forward who we loved headed into the draft. Not the best on the defensive side on the ball, however, Saric will need to improve on that end of the floor if he's going to truly make a big impact in the CSL.

Patrick Patterson - Patterson was signed to a 2 year, $4+ million deal this off-season, and will get a chance to be the starting power forward this season for the Kings. The Kings hope Patterson can at least be a piece we can use in the future, starter or not.

Season Goals:
Like we mentioned, this season is not about tanking. We will constantly be looking at ways to improve our roster right now, even if it means killing some future cap space if it means acquiring current all-star level players. We are hoping this will be a good development season for guys like Carson, MCW, Saric and Bogdanovic, a good opportunity for them to get some playing time early in their careers and get their feet wet and get a feel for the CSL game.

Hard to believe you're not tanking when we see your roster.. But it's not your fault, you did not trade away your 1st pick..
Anyway, you're doing a great job, slowly building towards the future. Gotta be patient, use your time to develop young players, see who can be a contributor in long term..
Also, you're opening some CAP which is great for rebuilding teams. Just gotta be patient, rebuilds do not come fast, nor easy, specially when you don't have your first pick.
You know how to be successful here so you'll manage to build something great in two seasons.

You need some good bigs to build around Carson, but you have a good core.  If you stick to Carson, Davis, and can get another young big and forward youll be in good shape.