The Sacramento Kings are betting big on offense this season, and they’ve got DeMar DeRozan to help execute their high-scoring vision. Kings GM Monte McNair couldn’t hide his excitement over DeRozan’s arrival, telling reporters, “I think we’ve got a chance to be one of the best offenses in the league… it’s going to be harder for teams to guard us, especially down the stretch of games.” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins doubled down, predicting that the Kings would be a top-five offensive force this season, labeling them as “soul snatchers.”
While they ranked first in offensive rating (119.4) in 2022-23, last season saw a dip to 116.9. With DeRozan in the mix, however, Perkins and others are confident the Kings can elevate that number again. The team’s projected late-game lineup—DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis—has offensive depth that could make them a nightmare for opponents.
Fox brings speed and clutch performances, Monk offers perimeter shooting, and DeRozan’s mid-range scoring and playmaking give them a reliable closer. Sabonis, a dominant rebounder and passer, and Murray’s three-point threat further balance this versatile offense, making it challenging for defenses to double-team without leaving another player open.
Sabonis himself highlighted how DeRozan’s presence shifts the team’s offensive possibilities. “He can score on every level… defenses are going to have to throw a lot of attention on him, which frees up everybody else,” Sabonis explained. With such balanced scoring options, the Kings are primed to become a top-tier offensive unit capable of pushing deep into the playoffs and giving any higher-seeded team a run for their money.
Can DeRozan and the Kings live up to the “soul snatchers” label? If their offensive potential holds true, Sacramento may indeed be the team to avoid come April and May.
