George Karl hasn't finished below .500 with a team since the 1987-88 season when he went just 16-48 with the Golden State Warriors. This season with the Kings he has 28 games to try to keep that streak alive, but it won't be easy. Still, there's some hope that it can happen.
According to NBA Strength of Schedule, the Kings actually have one of the easier remaining schedules in the league.
Updated remaining West strength of schedule (more details here: http://t.co/YBNKU2h9aj). Toughest at the top. pic.twitter.com/cxOd15RcZK
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) February 23, 2015Updated remaining East strength of schedule (more details here: http://t.co/YBNKU2h9aj). Toughest at the top. pic.twitter.com/sGuQFoN7gq
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) February 23, 2015That makes sense given how difficult Sacramento's start was. Unfortunately for Karl, his immediate future is going to be extremely tough as the next three teams he faces are the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers, all before the team then heads on a season-long 8 game road trip.
So where might Sacramento's 14 wins come from? Looking at the schedule, the Kings play 13 teams with a record of below .500 and 12 of those teams have 22 wins or below currently. That means the Kings still have to sneak a win or two against good teams, and probably more since it's all but certain Sacramento won't win all 13 games against fellow bad teams.
.500 is a good goal to have in mind, but I will in no way be upset if Sacramento can't do it, as long as they're showing positive progress in both style of play and energy and effort. These last 28 games are essentially an extended training camp for Karl to start laying down some foundation for next season when .500 will not just be a goal, but an expectation.