The 2000–01 NBA season was the Kings' 52nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 16th season in Sacramento.[1] During the off-season, the Kings acquired shooting guard Doug Christie from the Toronto Raptors,[2] and signed free agent Bobby Jackson.[3] After two straight playoff seasons, the Kings enjoyed another successful season by winning 14 of their first 18 games, on their way to a 27–10 start as of January 20. The Kings would make it into the NBA's elite status by challenging the Pacific Division all season, falling just one game short with a solid 55–27 record. The team also posted three five-game winning streaks, which was their longest winning streak during the season.[4]
Chris Webber had his best season averaging 27.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, while being named to the All-NBA First Team. In addition, Peja Stojaković showed improvement stepping into the lineup averaging 20.4 points per game, which was second on the team in scoring, while Christie averaged 12.3 points and 2.3 steals per game, Vlade Divac provided the team with 12.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and Jason Williams contributed 9.4 points and 5.4 assists per game.[5] Webber and Divac were both selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, with head coach Rick Adelman coaching the Western Conference.[6] Webber also finished in fourth place in Most Valuable Player voting with 5 first-place votes, while Stojaković finished in second place in Most Improved Player voting, Christie finished in fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and Jackson finished in fourth place in Sixth Man of the Year voting.[7] Christie was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and first round draft pick Hedo Türkoğlu made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
In the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Kings would win their first playoff series in 20 years by beating the Phoenix Suns in four games after losing Game 1.[8] However, they were swept by the defending and eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semi-finals in four straight games.[9] Following the season, the controversial guard Williams was traded along with Nick Anderson to the Memphis Grizzlies,[10] while three-point specialist Jon Barry was traded to the Detroit Pistons, and Darrick Martin signed as a free agent with the Dallas Mavericks.
In the NBA draft, the Kings drafted Hedo Türkoğlu and Jabari Smith. Türkoğlu's tenure with the Kings lasted three seasons,[11] while Smith's stint lasted 21 games. Smith would return to Sacramento in the 2003–04 season.[12]
During the offseason, the Kings did not make many transactions. On August 1, the Kings signed guard Bobby Jackson. Jackson would be a reliable bench player during his tenure in Sacramento,[13] and he would win the Sixth Man of the Year Award for the 2002–03 season.[14]
On September 30, the Kings traded combo forward Corliss Williamson to the Toronto Raptors for Doug Christie. Christie would be the starting shooting guard for the Kings for his entire tenure with the team.[15]
On October 20, the Kings waived center Jerome James. James had missed all of the previous season due to a knee injury.[16]