A Deep-Seated Grudge Against the Sacramento Kings
For 15 years, I’ve held a strong grudge against the Sacramento Kings. This resentment has only grown stronger over time, especially as I hope that AJ Dybantsa, the freshman sensation from BYU, is not drafted by the “Kangz” — the nickname for the Kings. The roots of this grudge trace back to 2011 when the Kings selected Jimmer Fredette with the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft. Since then, the franchise has done everything it could to undermine Fredette and alienate BYU fans who were eager to support him.
Jimmer Fredette’s Struggles in Sacramento
Fredette’s time with the Kings was marked by instability and dysfunction. He played under three different coaches and two ownership groups during his two-plus seasons with the team. The front office that had initially committed to his development quickly disappeared, leaving Fredette without a clear path to success.
Coach Paul Westphal initially gave Fredette around 24 minutes per game, but after a 2-5 start to his rookie season, Westphal was fired. The 2011-12 Kings were plagued by internal discord, with Demarcus Cousins often at the center of the chaos. Fredette found himself in a situation that was arguably the worst possible start to an NBA career. His playing time was inconsistent, and he struggled to find his rhythm on the court.
Despite these challenges, Fredette managed to shoot 40.2% from beyond the arc in 171 games with the Kings. While his defense was a liability and he had difficulty creating opportunities for his teammates, there was no reason he couldn’t have had a long, successful career like Seth Curry, who thrived as a key reserve for over a decade.
Instead, the Kings derailed Fredette’s potential. I haven’t forgiven them for that decision, and I doubt I ever will.
A Hope for AJ Dybantsa
If there’s any justice in the world, AJ Dybantsa will not be drafted by the Kings. As a BYU fan, I can’t stand the thought of another player being thrown into the same chaotic environment that ruined Fredette’s career. The Kings are still the laughingstock of the NBA, having made the playoffs only once in the last 20 years — and even that was a first-round exit in 2022-23.
This season, the Kings finished with a dismal 22-60 record and now have some of the best odds in the NBA Draft lottery to secure the No. 1 overall pick. If they end up with Dybantsa, it would be a disaster for both the team and for BYU fans.
A Confusing Roster and Uncertain Future
The Kings’ current roster is one of the most confusing in the league. Veteran guard Zach Lavine has a $49 million player option for next year, while DeMar DeRozan, who will turn 37 this summer, is set to earn $25.7 million. The trio of Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, and Malik Monk will make a combined $69 million next season — but they don’t form a championship-caliber group.
Sacramento’s only two real point guards under contract next year are Devin Carter and Killian Hayes. Domantas Sabonis is a solid player, but the rest of the roster is lacking depth and talent.
The Kings have been a team going nowhere for the past two decades, and based on their current roster, it seems they won’t be heading anywhere soon. While the names in the front office and coaching staff may have changed since the Jimmer era, the culture remains the same.
Jimmer Fredette deserved better than the Sacramento Kings, and for the sake of BYU fans everywhere, so does AJ Dybantsa.
