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Tanking….not in all cases

Discussions on tanking or losing games on purpose has been much in the NBA news recently, I’m not going to offer a fix only report a portion of what’s occurred for one team. Since 1985 when the modern draft was implemented the Sacramento Kings have had 30 lottery selections. They have missed the playoffs for 16 consecutive years the longest drought in NBA history. The Kings, whether intentional or not the owner/front office has been an example of ineptness over the years. Check out the draft history, in 2011 they drafted Jimmer Fredette the10th pick from BYU, he was the college news maker that season.

Right behind Fredette with pick 11 the Warriors chose Klay Thompson. We know pretty much how Thompson’s NBA career developed but what about Fredette? Fredette was unable to transfer his college success to the NBA level. Again seeking headlines, based on his NCAA run in 2012 they chose Thomas Robinson from Kansas, immediately behind him the Blazers selected Dame Lillard…what time was it, Dame Time? The Kings finally struck gold in drafting De’Aaron Fox in 2017, he provided exceptional play for them but a problem would develop later, Fox wanted a trade. The Kings obligating his request, February 2025 saw Fox traded to the Spurs where he’s aided their championship aspirations. In 2018 the Kings, with the second pick, chose Marvin Bagley III, that was followed by the Mavs selecting “Luka The Don” with the third pick. In 2020 the Kings struck gold again adding Tyrese Haliburton in that years draft.

Despite the promise Haliburton had demonstrated he was traded to the Pacers for Domantas Sabonis, of course you are aware of Haliburton’s development with the Pacers until he was injured. Those familiar with the NBA understand that the draft process can often be changeable, with teams hoping they are choosing the next Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg or a LeBron James. At the same time confusion often reigns supreme as scouting reports, player interviews and other criteria or sometimes inconclusive. The Sacramento Kings, as indicated by their draft history, have struggled both in selecting talent and retaining key contributors (Fox and others) to their roster. While there is little evidence to suggest the team is actively tanking each season, they frequently find themselves in the lottery regardless of intention.

Let’s check the numbers

I believe what is said, Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent. The question might be who is the face of the NBA is asked and there is debate, is it Cooper Flagg or Wemby? I am not going to entertain that question in this account, I intend to provide you a few Wemby numbers. The Spurs list their forward/center as standing 7 feet 4 inches in height, that’s incorrect…he actually stands 7 feet 5 inches (226 cm). As most are aware when he was drafted by the Spurs three years ago Wemby was reported to weigh at most 220 pounds although many believed it was a smaller number.

Entering training camp in 2025 the Spurs now indicate he is up to 235 pounds, despite the increased poundage many believe it would enhance his game further if he added a few more pounds. Wemby has an 8 foot (243.84 cm) wingspan which certainly is an aid for him in blocking or intimidating shots taken by the opposition. Now for the guesstimate numbers, those we believe exist but for the most part we cannot prove. Wemby has a jumping or leaping ability of 32-40 inches, with that in mind and considering his 7 foot 5 inch frame at the top of his jump shot what do we suppose is the height of the ball when released from his hands? Based on his 7-foot 5 inch height, at the maximum of Wemby’s jump the ball must come off his hands at a minimum of 8-9 feet, keep this in mind the basket is 10 feet (3.05 cm) above the floor. 

Yet there remains hope

In February 2025, Dallas Mavericks fans were stunned when their star player, Luka Doncic, was traded to the Lakers. The mood shifted later in June when the team landed the number one pick, Cooper Flagg, in the NBA draft, sparking celebrations across Dallas by Mavs fans. As the 2025-26 season began, it became clear that the Mavericks weren't performing well overall, but Flagg showed real promise as a young talent despite being a teen. Fans seemed content to wait and see how things unfolded, especially following the trade of Anthony Davis to the Wizards. With draft positions still undetermined, it appears likely that the Mavericks will be able to select a player ready to contribute immediately. Who are the potential picks? I checked five mock draft sources, and several suggest the Mavericks may target the same player. With that in mind, let's review the names and other relevant information:

Mikel Brown Jr. Louisville 6-foot 5 point/shooting guard

Nate Ament Tennessee 6-foot 9 small forward/power forward

Keaton Wagler Illinois 6-foot 6 shooting guard

Darius Acuff Jr. Arkansas 6-foot 3 point guard

They say other stupid things

Mizzou had an ugly win over Vanderbilt on Wednesday which was detailed much earlier. Although Mizzou held a huge lead (21 points plus) Vanderbilt came roaring back and made a game of it at the end. Despite the win many in Mizzou Nation were displeased even with the victory. One of the first letters I read said; “Mizzou should fire (Dennis) Gates, he is in his 4th year and besides he’s not a great coach.” After reading his comment I said to myself, great coach, there are a number of very good coaches but great might be taking it to the next level. Its not just Mizzou fans, across State Line Road my friends at Kansas are upset too but for a different reason.

Darryn Peterson has been in and out of the lineup this season, a number of fans appear to believe Peterson is operating on a load management schedule. I can’t look inside his head, if he indicates he’s injured or has cramps in the most recent game how are we to know. Part of the problem Peterson is receiving NIL money plus the fact there is no possibility he returns for his sophomore year. He’s headed to the NBA and Kansas fans are well aware of this fact but want more production than has been seen to date. With all the complaining have you checked the standings? Kansas is 20-6 (10-3 conference) has a winning record, Mizzou is 18-8 (8-5 conference) in both instances fans are not satisfied. Kansas will earn a tournament invite, if Mizzou finishes strong they will earn a tournament berth too.