2007-2008 NBA Season Preview: Sacramento Kings

In 2006-2007, the NBA's Sacramento Kings failed to enter into the post season for the first time in nine years - essentially ever since Mitch Richmond called the Arco Arena his home in 1998. With suspensions given to Ron Artest, lackluster play from the Kings' big men and an early injury setback to Mike Bibby, the Kings seemed destined for a rough season. Factor in a lame-duck coach who came to northern California to set the house in order but ended up ruining his credibility as the locker-room authority with a drunk driving arrest, and Sacramento was looking for a new hope.

Reggie Theus, a former NBA star with the Kings, as well as the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and the New Jersey Nets, was hired away from New Mexico State University to guide the Kings back into the realm of NBA playoff royalty. Having spent time as both a sideline reporter and on the bench with Rick Pitino in Louisville, as well as perfecting his acting chops on NBC's "Hangtime" has given a vast perspective of the game he's now coaching as the main man.

Upstart shooting guard Kevin Martin was extended with a $55 million contract and Mike Bibby remains a virtual lock to keep the backcourt as steady as it's ever been. Despite Artest's often shaky behavior off the court, he remains as seen to be the steady presence of defense and high-powered offense that was sometimes amiss when other players were cold. The question that the Kings have to answer is whether or not the post players will actually produce.

With Brad Miller having a down year and looking to show some effects of exiting his prime, he has a finite amount of time before most of his skills erode entirely, especially for a guy who relied heavily on his jump-shooting and banging as a tandem, as opposed to an either/or aspect of which skills to use on the court. Shareef Abdur-Rahim hasn't had much luck with team success and whether or not he decides to be more aggressive remains to be seen. Kenny Thomas, sometimes distraught over not being the starting power forward at times over the past two seasons, has carried on with a bit of melancholy, if not discontent in his tenure with the Kings. Spencer Hawes, the University of Washington freshman phenom center, is the bright spot for Sacramento's post future, but at 7'0" weighing only 230 lbs, Hawes might end up being best suited for spot duty until his frame fills out a bit.

Regardless, if the big men can pick up the slack; if Bibby, Martin, Quincy Douby and Francisco Garcia can be efficient shooter and defenders; and if Artest can keep his emotions within a reasonable range, watch out; Sacramento might just reach out for the championship ring and reclaim its throne.