As training camp opens, Sacramento’s emphasis is clear: coach Doug Christie wants a disruptive defense that fuels quick-offense transition opportunities.
Last season’s defense ranked 22nd in the NBA, so improving on that end is a priority. It’s worth examining last year’s transition performance to see how much room the Kings have to grow.
Per NBA.com play type data, Sacramento finished 19th in transition plays. They averaged 19.5 transition possessions per game (20th in the league) and converted those chances at 53.9% (tied for 10th). The shooting rate was solid, but increasing the volume of transition looks is the most direct path upward.
Looking at individuals, nine Kings logged enough transition minutes to appear in the league data. Their transition percentiles were:
- Drew Eubanks: 94.6th percentile
- Keon Ellis: 86.9th percentile
- DeMar DeRozan: 85.4th percentile
- Zach LaVine: 77.2nd percentile
- Keegan Murray: 54.5th percentile
- Devin Carter: 38.7th percentile
- Domantas Sabonis: 38.1st percentile
- Malik Monk: 35.9th percentile
- Dennis Schröder: 15.8th percentile
Eubanks stands out at the top. His signing was initially viewed as depth work, but his transition