Why the Sacramento Kings deserve a Christmas game this year

It's almost August, which means the time when the NBA releases its regular season schedule (it's usually released sometime between August 16 and 20) is fast approaching. One of the most important days in the schedule every year is December 25 – also known as Christmas. For years, the NBA has dominated Christmas in the sports world (though that may soon change), so it's a huge honor if your team plays on that day.

I'm not naive enough to believe that my humble opinion as an NBA journalist isn't strong enough to sway the league one way or the other, but I do believe that our Sacramento Kings should be on the schedule on Christmas Day this year.

One reason the Kings should play on Christmas Day is because it's been ages since they haven't had a game on the holiday. The last time the Kings were on the Christmas Day schedule was in 2003 – when Sacramento lost to the Dallas Mavericks 111-103. The only other time they've played on December 25th in their franchise's history was the year before (2002).

I have three main reasons why the Kings should play on Christmas Day. First, they are a good basketball team. They have averaged 47 wins in a loaded Western Conference over the last two years, despite two of their best players (Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter) suffering season-ending injuries last year.

With Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray now having another year to improve and DeMar DeRozan new to the team, the Kings are poised to be even better in 2024-25. The league had better take advantage of this opportunity while it can.

Speaking of the DeRozan acquisition, the second reason the Kings should play on Christmas Day is because they were part of one of the biggest transfer deals of the season (yes, it was a sign-and-trade, but it was a transfer nonetheless).

So far, the only other trade involving a player in DeRozan's class is the Dejounte Murray trade that brought him from the Atlanta Hawks to the New Orleans Pelicans. With all Christmas Day games being nationally televised, placing the Kings on that day gives the basketball world a chance to see one of the biggest stars to switch teams this offseason with his new club.

Finally, the Kings should be part of the holiday festivities because they are so much fun. Their jerseys are cool. They play a fast-paced brand of basketball that is very fun to watch. And when the game is at home, the fans at Golden One Arena are some of the best in the league.

I've always said the NBA is better when the Kings are relevant. So come on, NBA league office, let's put it on Christmas Day this year.