The third edition of the NBA Cup wrapped up with the New York Knicks hoisting the trophy, capping off a tournament that served as both a celebration and a subtle indictment-especially if you're watching from Sacramento. While the spotlight was on the Knicks' triumph over the Spurs, the Kings found themselves in an all-too-familiar position: on the outside looking in. And this time, the pain cuts a little deeper.
Because when you peel back the layers, this wasn’t just a Knicks win or a Spurs loss-it was a showcase of Sacramento’s recent missteps, broadcast on a national stage.
Let’s start with the obvious. Mike Brown, the coach the Kings let go less than a year ago, is now steering the Knicks.
And not just steering-they’re thriving under his leadership. After New York made the bold move to part ways with Tom Thibodeau following a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, they handed the keys to Brown, and he’s delivered.
The Knicks are playing with purpose, identity, and edge. That NBA Cup victory?
It’s not just hardware-it’s validation.
Then there’s De’Aaron Fox. The dynamic point guard who once headlined Sacramento’s rebuild is now running the show for the San Antonio Spurs.
His exit came not long after Brown’s firing, reportedly frustrated by the constant turnover at head coach. It’s hard to blame him.
He wanted stability, vision, direction. Instead, he got another regime change-and eventually, a ticket out of town.
Fox’s departure was part of a multi-team deal that sent him to San Antonio and brought Zach LaVine to Sacramento. That move reunited LaVine with DeMar DeRozan, his former Bulls teammate.
The idea? Rekindle some Chicago magic in Northern California.
The result? Let’s just say it hasn’t exactly sparked a renaissance in Sacramento.
Meanwhile, Fox is flourishing in San Antonio, playing with poise and confidence, and forming a dangerous pairing with Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs look like a team with a future-and a present.
And the Knicks? They’re already playing like a team that’s ready to contend right now.
Which brings us back to Sacramento.
The Kings didn’t just miss out on the NBA Cup-they never had a shot. In Group A of the Western Conference, they went winless, dropping all four games.
Sure, it was a tough group with the Thunder, Suns, and Timberwolves, but it’s not just about the losses. It’s about how far they seem from being competitive.
And while they were struggling to find footing, two of their most recent cornerstones-Brown and Fox-were shining on the biggest stage the early season has to offer. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that looked like it was finally turning the corner just a couple of seasons ago.
Now, to be clear, there’s still a lot of basketball left in this season. Nothing’s been decided yet.
But if the NBA Cup was any indication of what’s to come, don’t be surprised if we’re looking at a Knicks-Spurs matchup come June. That would be a full-circle moment-and a painful one-for the Kings.
Imagine watching your former coach and your former franchise player battle it out for a title, less than a year after both walked out your door.
And don’t dismiss it as far-fetched. If Wembanyama stays healthy, the Spurs are a problem.
They’ve got size, skill, and now a floor general in Fox who knows how to close games. The Knicks, meanwhile, are already playing with a championship mindset.
They’ve got depth, defense, and a coach who’s pressing all the right buttons.
For Kings fans, this NBA Cup wasn’t just a missed opportunity. It was a mirror held up to the front office-a reminder of decisions made and talent let go. And if Brown and Fox keep trending the way they are, that reflection’s only going to get harder to look at.