Never in memory have I ever seen the world of sports on more of a world stage in the United States of America than it was this past weekend.
History was made and certainly for the residents of New York City, it was life changing.
While soccer fans had the privilege of witnessing the U.S. soccer team defeat Paraguay in the opening match of the world cup 4-1, others sat glued to their TV sets as the New York Knickerbockers became the 2025/2026 world champions in the game of basketball. A 53-year hiatus was broken as the Knicks posted a low scoring 94-90 win over the favored San Antonio Spurs and their sensational center, 7’4” Victor Wembanyama.
Richard Nixon was president when the Knicks last won a world championship, and many wondered if they would ever win one again.
Ironically, the New York Knicks last reached the final in 1999 against none other than the Sac Antoino Spurs, and were dispatched in 5 games.
While the world looked on the Knicks of 2026 turned the tables on the favored Spurs, and consummated a world championship in just 5 games.
While New York City wildly celebrated, the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL hoisted the Stanley cup trophy by defeating the Las Vegas Golden Knights 3-0, and closing out their rivals in 6 games.
Perhaps more hand clapping could be heard across America than anytime since the end of World War II. Yes sports fans, this was truly a weekend for the ages.
A closer look at the upstart Knicks reveals that team basketball in the true sense of the word is alive and well.
Many pundits and sport fans alike simply did not believe the San Antonio Spurs could dispatch the world champion Oklahoma City Thunder, but after a series for the ages, that’s exactly what they did. It took the full 7 games, but Victor Wembanyama made his presence felt and led his team to the finals.
Not many believed anyone would outscore Victor Wembanyama, but the ubiquitous Jalen Brunson averaged an eye popping 32 points per game while staying on the hardwood for over 39 minutes every night.
A 3-time all star with the Knicks, this amazing 6’2” guard was inexplicably drafted in the 2nd round of the 2018 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks, meaning once again as with Luka Doncic, add Jalen Bruson to the list of candidates that the Sacramento Kings passed up on to get none other than Marvin Bagley.
Hard to believe? Yes, and as all eyes turn to the 2026 NBA draft less than two weeks away, let’s hope that new G.M. Scott Perry has something more auspicious in store for Kings fans.
Darius Acuff Jr. remains a possible but unlikely prospect as he is projected to go 5th or 6th but anything can happen on draft night. More likely options for the Kings drafting #7 are Kingston Flemings or Mikel Brown who are both big guards and not a forward that represents the most critical need for the Kings.
The past two years have seen Sacramento draft point guards that are still with the team. That would be Devin Carter and Nique Clifford who have both shown flashes, but have yet to make a statement that says, “I’m your point guard of the future.!”
After exiting DeAaron Fox, the Kings have simply failed to replace him with anything that bears a resemblance, and at some point, Sacramento with have to tap someone on the shoulder and say, “you’re my guy.”
A world class point guard was just on full display for the world to see, and at 6’2” he put the Knicks on his back and took them to the NBA championship. An incredible performance that culminated with 45 points in the final and deciding game.
Yes, Sacramento has had an abysmal drafting history but just as New York changed their fortunes, the Sacramento Kings have the ability to do the same.
So, break out the popcorn and find yourself a comfortable seat Kings fans, because this year’s draft is just days away, and I for one believe fortunes are about to change.
All the best!
V.G. Harris
Vince Harris is an area resident and the author of Kings Korner, a regular column in Folsom Times that gives readers a look at the happenings on the court and behind the scenes of the Sacramento Kings.
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