It’s been a long time since the Kings could be considered a good, or even average, defensive team. In fact, it was all the way back in 2006 under Rick Adelman, when the Kings finished 12th in defensive rating and last made the playoffs. Since then, the Kings haven’t ever had a year better than 20th and last year were just 25th.
Coach Dave Joerger prided himself on having a good defense in Memphis, but that was with a veteran, experienced team. The Kings don’t have that same kind of experience. The veterans the Kings do have though are all solid on the defensive end of the floor.