2012-13 Result: 28-54, 13th in Western Conference, missed the playoffs

Key Additions: Greivis Vasquez, Luc Mbah a Moute, Ben McLemore, Ray McCallum Jr, Carl Landry, Hamady N'Diaye, DeQuan Jones, coach Mike Malone, GM Pete D'Alessandro, owner Vivek Ranadive

Key Departures: Tyreke Evans, Toney Douglas, Cole Aldrich, James Johnson, coach Keith Smart, GM Geoff Petrie, owner Joe Maloof

The Sacramento Kings were known more for off-court drama than for their on-court performance in 2012-13. The biggest stories of the season were the repeated attempts of the Maloof family to move the franchise to other cities, notably Seattle, Anaheim and Virginia Beach. The tension clearly showed as the Kings did not have a single winning month, getting close in December and March with 7-8 records. The miserable season ended with a 1-7 in April, including a 21-point blowout at Houston.

In May, though, the Maloofs reached a deal, giving control of the franchise to Indian tech entrepreneur Vivek Ranadive who immediately moved about shaking up the franchise. Ranadive initiated a number of top-level moves, including firing coach Keith Smart and not renewing GM Geoff Petrie's contract. In their places, new coach Mike Malone and GM Pete D'Alessandro were signed. Malone, at age 41, is one of the youngest to hold a head coaching position in the league. The former Golden State assistant coach was the best in the NBA and was pivotal in transforming the New Orleans Hornets into a defensive team. Malone was also a key piece in turning the Golden State Warriors into a playoff team, upsetting the Denver Nuggets in the first round and pushing the San Antonio Spurs to six games in the second round.

The Kings also made huge trades, acquiring Greivis Vasquez in a three-team trade that sent Tyreke Evans to the Hornets and snagging Ben McLemore and Ray McCallum Jr in the draft. They also added height, acquiring Hamady N'Diaye from the free agent market. This move gives the Kings more options in the paint as only DeMarcus Cousins is the only legitimate center in the roster.

Cousins, now the team captain, enjoyed a relatively down year in his third season as his scoring and rebounding numbers dropped. His shooting averages, though, improved marginally, and he has upped his post passing ability. His primary tag-team partner, Jason Thompson, is a steady presence, contributing double-doubles from time to time. Cousins, though, remains the focal point of the Kings' offense. His maturity needs something to be desired, though; he should no longer have any indefinite suspension episodes like the one given to him in December.

The backcourt is also in dire need of an upgrade. Tyreke Evans was shipped out as his scoring and passing retrogressed in 2012-13. Taking his place is Greivis Vasquez, who averaged 13.9 points and 9 assists at New Orleans. Vasquez gives the Kings a legitimate playmaker who can score when needed, especially since Isaiah Thomas, John Salmons, and Marcus Thornton tend to be inconsistent. McCallum and McLemore are All-American guards who should see immediate minutes if Jimmer Fredette sputters from the outside. Carl Landry, who played in 2009-11 with the Kings, should also make an immediate impact.

Season Prediction: Now that there are no more distractions, expect a much-improved Sacramento Kings team in 2013-14. Vasquez will have a breakout season and will enjoy feeding the ball to Cousins down low, while Landry will have a career renaissance of sorts in the team where he was most productive. They may or may not make the playoffs, but the rookie crop alone makes this team worth watching.