The Sacramento Kings, despite their long history, have yet to clinch an NBA Championship since the name change in 1985. Yet, the team has been graced by some of the game’s most formidable talents, from DeMarcus Cousins to Oscar Robertson. So, who truly deserves a spot on the Kings’ Mount Rushmore?
From DeMarcus Cousins to Oscar Robertson: The Unlikely Legends of the Sacramento Kings
4. DeMarcus Cousins: The Dominant Force
When DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins joined the Kings as the fifth pick in the 2010 draft, he wasn’t just making an entrance—he was making a statement. Over seven seasons in Sacramento, Cousins was nothing short of electrifying. His rookie year alone, where he averaged 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds, set the tone. With four consecutive All-Star selections and two All-NBA teams to his name, Cousins’ prowess was undeniable. His tenure saw him dominate with averages of 21.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Known for his imposing 6-foot-10, 270-pound frame, Cousins could score with ease and assert his will on the court, making him an unforgettable King.
3. Mitch Richmond: The Scoring Machine
Mitch Richmond might be remembered for his days with the Golden State Warriors, but his impact with the Kings was monumental. Since joining the team in 1991, Richmond earned five All-NBA honors and was a six-time All-Star. His scoring ability was elite, averaging 23.3 points and 4.1 assists during his Kings’ career. Richmond led Sacramento to the playoffs once, and in 2003, the team honored him by retiring his jersey number 2, a first in franchise history. His influence on the team was profound, even if his postseason success was limited.
2. Chris Webber: The Near-Champion
Chris Webber’s time with the Kings was marked by brilliance and heartbreak. As a key player, Webber achieved four consecutive All-Star appearances, five All-NBA selections, and a rebounding title in 1999. He led the Kings to the Western Conference Finals in 2002, only to fall victim to the mighty Lakers—Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers, to be precise. Despite fierce competition, Webber’s Kings team was among the best of the 2000s, winning over 55 games in four seasons, including a remarkable 61-win campaign in 2001-02. Injuries plagued Webber’s career, but his peak performance with Sacramento is legendary. Averaging 23.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, he left an indelible mark on the franchise.
1. Oscar Robertson: The Eternal Great
No debate here—Oscar Robertson claims the top spot on the Kings’ Mount Rushmore. Robertson, playing for the team when it was still known as the Cincinnati Royals, is a Hall of Famer whose impact is legendary. He won the Rookie of the Year award, secured eleven All-Star selections, and earned nine First-Team All-NBA nods. Robertson led the league in assists six times and was crowned MVP in 1964. His 1961-62 season was particularly extraordinary, as he averaged a triple-double. Over ten seasons with the Royals, Robertson averaged 29.3 points, 10.3 assists, and 8.5 rebounds. His versatility and dominance make him the greatest player in Kings history.
Though the Kings haven’t yet brought home an NBA title under their current banner, the future looks promising. With rising stars like De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and newly acquired All-Star DeMar DeRozan leading the charge, Sacramento’s storied franchise may yet achieve its long-awaited glory.
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