Before the start of Game 1 in the NBA playoff series between the Kings and Warriors, certain Twitter users shared a previously posted video featuring Richard Jefferson's opinion regarding the Kings' major trade deal in 2022.
The trade package involved their up-and-coming guard Tyrese Haliburton being traded to the Pacers in exchange for All-Star center Domantas Sabonis.
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Kings Proved Doubters Wrong
During an episode of ESPN's "NBA Today," Malika Andrews asked Jefferson about the Kings' potential for playoff contention after the trade deal. However, before responding, Jefferson and others on the show erupted in laughter.
Hiring Mike Brown, Drafting Keegan Murray, and bringing in Huerter helped too 🤣😂. Congrats @SacramentoKings on a great year and a great start to the postseason. #eatmywords #LightTheBeam https://t.co/3tFJhpoAm7
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) April 17, 2023
Jefferson quickly responded with a vehement "No! God, no!!" in response to the playoff contention question, and the laughter persisted among the group consisting of Andrews, Zach Lowe, and JJ Redick.
Jefferson's response resurfaced a year later, as he had to retract his previous statement and offer his congratulations to the Kings, which he did during a recent broadcast.
Sabonis played a significant role in leading the Kings to their playoff appearance as the Western Conference's third seed. He was the league leader in double-doubles (65) and rebounds per game (12.3) during the regular season while also averaging 19.1 points with a remarkable 61.5% shooting from the field and 7.3 assists in 79 games.
Richard Jefferson Has a Point
However, Jefferson's earlier comment regarding the Kings' playoff contention was not entirely baseless, as the team made several impactful additions during the offseason. Veteran guards Kevin Huerter (15.2 points, 2.9 assists per game) and Malik Monk (13.5 points, 3.9 assists per game) provided valuable depth to the backcourt, while newcomer Keegan Murray set records in his first NBA season.
Additionally, under the guidance of new head coach Mike Brown, De'Aaron Fox's performance elevated to an All-Star level with a career-high 25 points per game on 51.3% shooting from the field.
The Kings' victory over the reigning NBA champions in Game 1 was a significant achievement that caused many skeptics to reconsider their initial doubts about the team. Although it is still early in the series, and several games are left to play, Sacramento's impressive performances throughout the season suggest they can continue to exceed expectations. It is reasonable to believe that the Kings can continue to defy the odds and emerge victorious in the postseason.
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