SACRAMENTO KINGS

2009-10 record: 25-57, 14th place in Western Conference

GUARDS
Every possession flows through TYREKE EVANS. He’s on his way to another big year as the Kings plan on going up-tempo . . . BENO UDRIH is in good graces again and is locked in alongside Evans. He’s not a true point guard, but an effective combo guard nonetheless . . . Oh, FRANCISCO GARCIA keeps breaking our hearts. He has great potential, but he’s far too fragile (and shies from contact way too often) to have more than a reserve role . . . ANTOINE WRIGHT could end up getting solid minutes at small forward, but will he ever deliver on the offensive end? Odds.

FORWARDS
CARL LANDRY will likely emerge as a starter in a suddenly crowded frontcourt. The undersized four is one of the few proven vets on this roster . . . Of the three guys fighting for small-forward minutes, DONTE’ GREENE has the most upside. If he gets a clue on the defensive end, he has the athleticism and shooting range to put up nice numbers in an up-tempo system . . . Westphal has soured on OMRI CASSPI a bit, to the point that Casspi wouldn’t mind being traded. The Hebrew Hammer will likely have to settle for a reserve role . . . JASON THOMPSON’s ability to play the four and five will earn him minutes, but he’s not an NBA-caliber starter. Scores.

CENTERS
SAM DALEMBERT is the defensive presence they desperately need, and he’ll be motivated for a big year as he’s set to hit free agency . . . We believe DeMARCUS COUSINS will have his head on straight, and he has the offensive game to make a big impact. What we’re worried about is conditioning and foul trouble . . . HASSAN WHITESIDE is worthy of his roster spot simply because of his blocked shot potential. Las Vegas odds.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 200-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 100.0 points per game (18th in the NBA)
Defense – 104.4 points per game (25th in the NBA)