Nothin' But Nets
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NBA: Previewing the Pacific Division

By Tj Porreca

Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) smiles as he addresses the crowd after the Lakers defeat of the Utah Jazz in the final game of his career at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) smiles as he addresses the crowd after the Lakers defeat of the Utah Jazz in the final game of his career at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sacramento Kings

Feb 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The biggest selling point in California’s capital is still DeMarcus Cousins.

Sacramento has tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to build around their 26-year-old centerpiece for the past few seasons. The Kings have added some noteworthy young talent, but it’s still unclear whether this will lead to wins on the court.

Willie Cauley-Stein is one of Sacramento’s key young players and Ben McLemore is still in town, although McLemore will be a restricted free agent next year.

The Kings have some question marks. Will the team mesh under yet another new head coach? Dave Joerger takes his shot at coaching the Kings as the coaching carousel continues. Trade rumors persisted around Rudy Gay all offseason, but as things stand, he remains in Sacramento. Perhaps if the Kings struggle, Gay could be a candidate to be moved at or around the trade deadline.

As a team, last season was actually an improvement for the Kings. Sacramento won 33 games last season, the first time they hit the 30-plus win mark since 2007-08, when they won 38 games. At some point, though, the Kings will be expected to take the next step. Despite having Cousins, their roster seems to indicate that they are still a few years away.

The Kings will move into a shiny new arena this season, but it remains to be seen if the quality of their play matches the quality of their new stadium.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers