The Sacramento Kings are embarking on a significant organizational overhaul led by general manager Scott Perry, who is drawing inspiration from the Pittsburgh Steelers to instill a culture of toughness and accountability. With the team languishing near the bottom of the NBA standings and key players sidelined by injuries, Perry’s ‘six pillars’ philosophy aims to rebuild a franchise that has long struggled with instability and underperformance.
Perry, hired in April 2025, has implemented a plan centered on six core values: competitiveness, toughness, discipline, accountability, team orientation, and professionalism. This approach was influenced by a visit to the Steelers’ training camp, where Perry, along with assistant GM B.J. Armstrong and coach Doug Christie, observed the NFL team’s enduring success under coach Mike Tomlin. The Kings hope to replicate the Steelers’ consistency, which includes 19 consecutive seasons without a losing record, a stark contrast to Sacramento’s playoff droughts and frequent front-office changes.
Currently, the Kings hold an 8-29 record, the third-worst in the league, exacerbated by injuries to pivotal players. Star forward Keegan Murray suffered a moderate left ankle sprain in a recent game against the Milwaukee Bucks and is expected to miss three to four weeks, adding to a season already marred by setbacks. Center Domantas Sabonis has been out since mid-November with a meniscus tear, further depleting the roster. These absences have contributed to the team’s offensive and defensive struggles, ranking 29th and 28th respectively in the NBA.
The cultural shift is being championed by Perry and Christie, who emphasize a physical, defense-first style. Veterans like Russell Westbrook, signed to a minimum deal, have been brought in to provide leadership and work ethic, with early reports praising his impact on team accountability. However, the roster remains ill-suited for this vision, with large contracts for players like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan making trades challenging in the current salary cap environment.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Perry has indicated a willingness to make moves but emphasizes prudence. The Kings are open to discussions on most players, except young prospects like Murray and recent draft picks, but face obstacles due to unfavorable contracts. The team’s 2026 first-round pick, likely to be a high lottery selection, is considered a valuable asset in a draft rich with talent, offering a potential cornerstone for the rebuild.
Internally, there have been calls for greater player accountability, with Dennis Schroder and others noting the need for more vocal leadership. The alignment between Perry and owner Vivek Ranadive is described as strong, with Ranadive granting Perry autonomy despite a history of impatience. Christie, on a three-year deal with a team option, has Perry’s backing and has been openly critical of the team’s efforts, reflecting the new emphasis on honesty and effort.
Looking ahead, the Kings are focused on getting younger and acquiring players that fit their desired style. Perry has expressed interest in players like Jonathan Kuminga, and the team is exploring trade scenarios to offload veteran salaries. The immediate goal is to endure short-term pain for long-term gain, with the draft and strategic acquisitions seen as keys to sustainable success. For a franchise that has missed the playoffs 19 times in 20 years, this revamp represents a pivotal attempt to finally establish a winning culture in Sacramento.
