Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) argues a call with referee James Williams (60) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Last week ESPN released their predictions on how each NBA team in the Western Conference would perform in this upcoming regular season.

To check out the predictions for each club, you can check it out on the ESPN website by clicking here.

Outside the Sacramento Kings community, people do not see the purple and white as much of a threat in the NBA, and ESPN thinks no different.

According to the article, the Kings are predicted to finished next season with a 30-52 record while being ranked 13th in the West.

Express Yourself

Kings fans, we want to hear from you. Do you think ESPN is correct in their prediction towards the Kings?

To express your thoughts on the issue, feel free to participate in our current survey that is up on our Twitter account.

Fair that ESPN have the Sacramento Kings going 30-52 next season? — A Royal Pain (@ARoyalPain) August 4, 2016

Rafe’s Thoughts

My thoughts are that I think the Kings are being underrated here. I do not think the Kings will make the playoffs next season, but I do think they will improve their record compared to last year where they finished the season 33-49.

The biggest reason why, unity.

It is unknown whether Dave Joerger will win the trust and respect of his players, but I’m confident that the relationship between coach and players will be better compared to last year with George Karl.

The Kings actually had a solid roster last season based on talent. They definitely were capable of sealing a playoff berth last year but the chemistry within the team mainly held them back from achieving their goal.

The Kings created a new identity this offseason. They are becoming more of a veteran squad that is trying to develop a defensive mindset based on their acquisitions this summer.

Although the Kings may not be as electric offensively with this approach, I believe their defense will dramatically improve with the personnel that they have in place. I mean, last season they were indeed the kings of allowing opponents to score on them.

Bottom line is that I think the Kings will be a more competitive team this upcoming season and the record will show it.

In my opinion, they have upgraded at the head coaching position and factoring in that they have brought in veterans that have been on winning squads in the past, I predict the purple and white will be a hair better compared to their previous season.