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Justin Kovacs

@jmkovacs.bsky.social

110 followers 59 following 170 posts

Staff Writer for the Sacramento Kings On SI. http://si.com/nba/kings Opinions are my own.

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Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 1d

Zach LaVine is looking forward to facing other teams after he and his teammates have given each other a tough, physical training camp thus far.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Kings Star Ready for Real Games After Competitive Training Camp

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is ready to see how they match up against a real opponent after going against teammates in a competitive training camp.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 4d

a man with a mustache says " it 's science "

ALT: a man with a mustache says " it 's science "

media.tenor.com

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 4d

Right, and I think that’s what’s stopping me from projecting beyond 40 wins. But hey, maybe something clicks! Like you said: Keegan makes a leap and Schröder is exactly what we needed. It’s possible!

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 4d

50? Let’s gooooooo! I’m all for it. That’s far too optimistic for my blood, but I love it. I hope you’re right!

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 4d

You may be right. I would consider 33 wins to be their floor. However, I think their ceiling is 40 like last year, so ultimately it’s a difference of a few wins for a team that’s probably not making the play-in. I just have a bad feeling that they’re not going to stay healthy this season.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 4d

What will need to go right for the Kings to avoid the fate predicted in these win-loss projections? Just about everything.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Kings Receive Bleak 2025-26 Record Prediction from NBA Analysts

The Sacramento Kings were predicted to finish near the bottom of the Western Conference in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 8d

Kings guard Zach LaVine had a lot to say about the upcoming season. Is he right to be optimistic about Sacramento’s chances this year?

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Zach LaVine Displays Optimism For Kings' Upcoming Season

Zach LaVine had a lot of positive things to say entering his first full season with the Sacramento Kings.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 8d

Sacramento Kings Media Day turned into the “Dennis Schröder Appreciation Society”. The veteran point guard talked about why he decided to sign with the Kings.

#SacramentoKings #Kings #NBA #SacKings #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Dennis Schröder Reveals Why He Chose the Sacramento Kings

If you had to sum up the Sacramento Kings media day with one overall theme, perhaps the most accurate description would be “love for Dennis Schröder”. Almost ev

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · 12d

I still don't think Monk's contract is 'bad,' but just a result of unfortunate circumstances of timing
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Malik Monk’s Contract Isn’t The Problem For Kings—Timing Is

The Sacramento Kings are having a hard time trading Malik Monk, but it's due to unique circumstances related to the new CBA more than his skillset.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 13d

Thank you kindly!

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 14d

😂 I love that - ant’s fart! But yes, you could certainly argue that if they wanted to tank on the down low, this roster is a way to do that. One injury could be disastrous. Meanwhile it’s *just* good enough to contend for a play-in spot. Basketball Hell.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 14d

I hear ya. If they were to bottom out I would support that decision. You’re right that Vivek doesn’t seem like he will ever allow that to happen, though.

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · 14d

Third up in the season previews: Zach LaVine

I think LaVine has the second most to prove this season behind Sabonis, and think he could thrive in Doug Christie's offense.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Zach LaVine Revenge Tour: 2025-26 Sacramento Kings Preview

Can Zach LaVine get back to his All-Star ways? The sharpshooter has a lot to prove in his first full season with the Sacramento Kings.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 14d

If the Kings are looking to tear it down and rebuild, here is one way they could start. I wouldn’t recommend it, personally, but here it is anyway. 🤷🏻‍♂️

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Bold NBA Trade Idea Sends Kings' Rising Star to OKC Thunder

This NBA trade idea sends out Keegan Murray to the Oklahoma City Thunder and jumpstarts the Sacramento Kings roster rebuild.

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · 15d

I think we all thought DeRozan would be traded this offseason, but with him coming back for year two in Sacramento, a look back at last season and preview for the upcoming season in the 2nd player preview of the series.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

DeMar DeRozan's Surprising Return: 2025-26 Sacramento Kings Preview

After an offseason where it felt like he would be traded, DeMar DeRozan returns for his second season with the Sacramento Kings.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 15d

In a recent interview, former Kings guard Rashad McCants shared his thoughts on the potential of both Russel Westbrook and Jonathan Kuminga ending up in Sacramento.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Ex-Kings Guard's Take on Potential Russell Westbrook, Jonathan Kuminga Signings

Most Sacramento Kings fans probably did not expect to still be talking about Russell Westbrook at this point in the offseason. This saga has turned into one of

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · 16d

My first article in a season preview series, looking back at Sabonis 2024-25 season, biggest question mark, and biggest concern.

How y'all feeling about Sabonis heading into next year?
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Domantas Sabonis in the Spotlight: 2025-26 Sacramento Kings Preview

A look ahead at what to expect from Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis in the 2025-26 NBA season.

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 21d

Haha yes, I could totally see that. 😂

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 21d

Come on, guys. Just do it! 🤣

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 21d

Can the Kings make the playoffs this season? If their core stays healthy, they have a chance to improve upon last season’s finish.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

ESPN Analyst Reveals What Kings Need to Make 2026 NBA Playoffs

The Sacramento Kings finished in ninth place in the Western Conference last season, good enough to earn a spot in the Play-In Tournament. With a new full-time h

Justin Kovacs @jmkovacs.bsky.social · 29d

Former Sacramento/Stockton Kings guard Mason Jones had a message for the fans and organization as he heads Down Under to continue his career.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Recent Kings Guard Sends Farewell Message After Signing in Australia

The Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate in Stockton are still riding high off last season’s championship run, and one of the key figures behind that success is

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · 29d

I know this seems obvious, but there's one stat that I'll be looking at more than others next season. Maybe not for wins and losses, but more so for the culture going forward.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

This Stat Could be Key to Kings' Success in 2025-26 Season

The Sacramento Kings' success could rely on their offensive scheme and ball movement in the upcoming season.

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · Sep 9

It feels like there are still so many question marks around the Sacramento Kings, but these are my top three as training camp approaches.

What's your biggest question heading into next season?
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Kings' Three Biggest Questions as Training Camp Approaches

The Sacramento Kings still have a lot of unanswered questions heading into the 2025-26 season.

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · Sep 5

If the Kings want to win next year, let's just say that these stats show how important DeRozan was for everyone last season.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Surprising Stats Show Importance of DeRozan for All Teammates

The numbers show that DeMar DeRozan was integral for almost every teammate last season with the Sacramento Kings.

Reposted by Justin Kovacs

Will Z. Stats @will-z-stats.bsky.social · Sep 5

I think we all want Sabonis to shoot more, but the numbers from last season show that might not be the best case scenario.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...

Stat Breakdown: When Sabonis Shot More, Kings Won Less

The Sacramento Kings need Domantas Sabonis to be aggressive, but the numbers show they don't fare well when he shoots a high volume of shots.