The Kings Beat Podcast

165
Basketball #159

ESPN 1320‘s Kings Insider James Ham Fox, long time Sacramento reporter Sean Cunningham and The Kings Pulse Podcast’s Brenden Nunes bring you the latest on the Sacramento Kings. With more than 30 years of combined experience covering of the team, the trio pull back the veil on one of the most dysfunctional franchises in professional sports.

Recent Episodes
  • Kings continue offseason punch list, make Doug Christie new head coach
    May 1, 2025 – 01:21:32
  • Kings crash out of Play-In, part ways with Monte McNair, hire Scott Perry as new GM
    Apr 18, 2025 – 01:18:13
  • Sacramento Kings set to host Dallas Mavericks in NBA's play in tournament
    Apr 15, 2025 – 01:04:55
  • Sacramento Kings cling to play-in spot with five games remaining on schedule
    Apr 5, 2025 – 01:16:30
  • Sacramento Kings shuffle starting lineup, assistant GM Wes Wilcox exits
    Mar 29, 2025 – 01:47:18
  • Sacramento Kings lose for sixth time in eight games with brutal back-to-back ahead
    Mar 23, 2025 – 01:14:44
  • Sacramento Kings drop four straight, face another difficult scheduling stretch
    Mar 17, 2025 – 01:26:37
  • De'Aaron Fox returns to Sacramento, Kings pick up needed win over Spurs
    Mar 9, 2025 – 01:38:18
  • Kings pick up pair of wins, gain breathing room in NBA's Play-In chase
    Feb 28, 2025 – 01:42:01
  • Kings ready for post All-Star schedule, can they make a playoff push?
    Feb 21, 2025 – 01:57:00
  • Kings pick up pair of wins following trade deadline overhaul
    Feb 12, 2025 – 01:44:48
  • De'Aaron Fox out, Zach LaVine in, what's next for the Sacramento Kings?
    Feb 5, 2025 – 02:12:52
  • Are De'Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings headed for a messy breakup?
    Jan 29, 2025 – 01:00:37
  • Kings continue climb up the standings, home win streak hits five games
    Jan 19, 2025 – 01:12:22
  • Kings riding hot streak under interim head coach Doug Christie
    Jan 10, 2025 – 01:22:08
  • Digesting a crazy week in Kingsland, can the team get back on the right path?
    Jan 2, 2025 – 01:23:48
  • Kings losing streak hits four games, are changes on the way?
    Dec 24, 2024 – 01:24:16
  • Kings win third straight game, move to .500 on the season
    Dec 14, 2024 – 01:05:11
  • Kings run over Wemby-less Spurs, are they turning a corner?
    Dec 8, 2024 – 01:19:36
  • Kings spiral continues, who is to blame for the current situation?
    Nov 27, 2024 – 01:25:28
  • De'Aaron Fox scores 60, Kings fall to Minnesota in first NBA Cup game
    Nov 17, 2024 – 01:18:31
  • De'Aaron Fox dealing with finger issue, Kings approach the 10 game mark
    Nov 10, 2024 – 01:21:46
  • Kings get back to .500 with pair of wins, venture out on the road
    Oct 31, 2024 – 01:08:08
  • Kings give up 21-0 run in fourth, fall to 0-2 on the season
    Oct 27, 2024 – 01:30:15
  • Kings trade away Jalen McDaniels, add sharpshooter Doug McDermott to roster
    Oct 16, 2024 – 01:04:26
  • Kings start preseason 0-2, but there is plenty to glean from losses
    Oct 13, 2024 – 01:31:10
  • Kings roll through training camp, prepare for upcoming preseason schedule
    Oct 6, 2024 – 01:11:56
  • Kings set for media day, release training camp roster for 2024-25 season
    Sep 28, 2024 – 01:21:42
  • DeMar DeRozan's book released, De'Aaron Fox heads to China with Steph Curry
    Sep 15, 2024 – 01:25:43
  • Kevin Huerter cleared for workouts, Domantas Sabonis to star in new Netflix series
    Sep 5, 2024 – 01:00:16
  • Kings kick tires on veteran free agents, continue offseason workouts
    Aug 24, 2024 – 01:04:22
  • Orlando Robinson gets solid guarantee, Lauri Markkanen officially off table
    Aug 10, 2024 – 01:14:48
  • Kings fill 15th roster spot, but are they done building out the roster?
    Aug 2, 2024 – 01:13:56
  • Takeaways from Summer League, Kings add Orlando Robinson
    Jul 25, 2024 – 01:18:07
  • Kings still searching for right trade, quiet in free agency
    Jul 2, 2024 – 01:20:23
  • Domantas Sabonis changes his number, Sasha Vezenkov just wants to play
    Jun 15, 2024 – 01:26:33
  • With Mike Brown's extension complete, focus shifts to draft, trades and free agency
    Jun 7, 2024 – 01:13:11
  • NBA legend passes, Kings coaching situation is getting complicated
    May 27, 2024 – 01:26:52
  • Kings linked to multiple bigs, rumor mill already heating up
    May 19, 2024 – 01:07:30
  • Keegan Murray set to represent Kings at NBA Draft lottery
    May 12, 2024 – 01:10:41
  • Episode 200 of the Kings Beat Podcast: How Kings can avoid another early offseason
    May 5, 2024 – 01:30:03
  • Malik Monk the topic of discussion during Kings exit interviews, will he stick around?
    Apr 24, 2024 – 01:24:18
  • Kings set to host Golden State Warriors in Play-In tournament
    Apr 16, 2024 – 01:23:05
  • Kings lose two straight, drop to ninth in the West with five games remaining
    Apr 7, 2024 – 01:24:13
  • Kings stumble against Dallas, get another bite at Mavs on Friday
    Mar 29, 2024 – 01:21:02
  • Kings lose Kevin Huerter, what does it mean for Keon Ellis?
    Mar 20, 2024 – 01:41:56
  • Kings struggle against Rockets, fail to build momentum in crucial stretch
    Mar 12, 2024 – 01:20:27
  • Despite players only meeting, Kings continue yo-yo season with win in Minny and loss to Bulls
    Mar 6, 2024 – 01:08:08
  • Confounding Kings beat Clippers, lose to shorthanded Heat in 24 hour period
    Feb 28, 2024 – 01:21:22
  • Kings head into All-Star break on a high note, can they make a run down the stretch?
    Feb 17, 2024 – 01:13:05
Recent Reviews
  • SacrificialMento
    This Beat Has No Rhythm
    Doesn’t keep up with news. Doesn’t keep up with games. Doesn’t keeps up with moves. Focuses on the same topics as everyone else but days later with a lot of small talk and tired jokes.
  • Bootygoon6969
    Probably the best Kings podcast out there
    Most level headed Kings podcast out there. They post regularly during the season and the episodes are a nice length. It seems like they have a bit more access to the players so there is a lot less speculation going on. My main gripe is how they handle ads. I understand that they are a part of podcast but they could work on transitions better. Ads will come right in the middle of sentences and segments. Maybe they could add in a transition sound or place at the end of segments. It’s a bit jarring
  • Preston_Landes
    Fantastic
    These guys do a great job covering the Kings. I have followed James ever since his Cowbell Kingdom days.
  • Jaime Moncada
    Would be 5 stars
    Love the pod and the content all three of you produce on all platforms. Only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because pods are sometimes uploaded a few hours before a game, which discourages me to go back and listen to an episode if I don’t listen to it prior to the game (info is sorta outdated). None the less, great pod. Keep up the great work. Go Kings!
  • AllstarBurrito
    Great Kings insight, atrocious movie recommendations
    Love hearing the guys talk about the Kings. Brenden, don’t worry about not watching these movies. 90% are trash
  • seanzy5431
    James you were right!
    Mr Ham, I had the privilege of making your acquaintance at Moonraker the brewery about a month ago. The kings were either 0-4 or 1-4 at the time and I told you how disappointed I was, that I was actually anticipating a good team this season and felt totally let down. You responded by stating that you weren’t worried and you thought they’d be ok. I walked away stoked I was able to meet you, but fairly certain I’d continue to be disappointed by the Kings. Yet here we are!! I’ll never question your opinion when it comes to the teams current disposition again. I love the podcast and this Kings team, I finally made it to a game last night against the Pacers. The stadium is electrifying and it brings me back to being twelve in 2002. I enjoyed meeting you James and thank you for being nice to myself and Carly. Go Kings!!!
  • SkeetzMlloy
    Ham’s The Man
    The Man is a ham.
  • Blutooth Not Connecting
    Great Show
    James should be a GM.
  • PinotLiefio
    James Ham be knowing
    Salute to James, Brenden, & Sean.
  • Sacramento mikey
    Great kings podcast
    I’ve listened to James Ham on dlo and kc on Sacramento 1320 espn. Always love listening to him talk Kings basketball. I like the other guys he talks with also. Brenden and Sean. Great insight on everything kings.
  • JFred1988
    It’s OK
    Sometimes James knows what he’s talking about. Sean can be annoying.
  • daveandrade
    Good listen
    If you are interested in the Kings, these guys are as in tune as anybody to what’s going on with the team. Definitely worth listening to this podcast. Look forward to it twice weekly as a great companion while I walk. Scott Moak and Gary Gerald cuts in the opening will get you excited for great King’s talk.
  • Booyah34577
    One of the best Kings pods out there
    James has been following the team forever and knows his stuff. One of the pods I must listen to every time there’s a new episode.
  • steeeeevvvveeeeeee
    Very informative
    This podcast gives a great in-depth look at the Kings. James does a fabulous job of breaking down the games and the moves the Kings make. I’ve really enjoyed the past few episodes with Brendan. Hearing the insights from the young reporter has been very interesting and I wouldn’t mind seeing him stay on permanently.
  • Jmtylr
    Awesome!
    Excellent podcast, my favorite.
  • 'RJ':)
    AWESOME SHOW
    Always great content for Kings fans!!!
  • Jameezy9
    Sacramento
    Honest and consistent, best Kings podcast out there and you can tell by listening to James and Sean that they he areplugged in and knows what they are talking about. You should be listening to this if you’re a Kings fan.
  • Mr silver 55
    Best Kings Pod Period
    Best Kings Pod Period
  • Markus FITP
    The best
    🤘
  • Carl The Podcaster
    James — Glad Your Podcast is Back!
    James — I know you are just getting started again with the new format! But, so far it’s great! Jerry Reynolds is the best! A real fun episode!!!
  • Nate.M.
    Lass
    Lllll
  • jakob541
    Ham, Christie, and Richmond
    Episode 175 was great. Keep up the great content.
  • christie916
    A must for Kings fans
    James is around the team & office year round, love getting the down low! Great guest too!
  • LtraintoTissy
    But turn up the volume
    Great content, but volume is to low. I have to hold the speaker to my ear to hear Doug. Please fix
  • Kings Fan NY
    Where’s the timely information?
    No mention of these very recent events in today’s podcast: Harrison Barnes opting out; NBA draft where Kings made three second round picks; Willie Cauley-Stein’s agent saying he wants to move on. Instead James did a short interview with his friend Kosta Koufas. No relevant information. This podcast has really declined.
  • Kings season ticket holder
    Half star
    The Kings get better, but this podcast gets worse. Please change the host. James Ham has no inside information and just pushes same old talking points. Give us a real look behind the curtain. Please revamp this podcast. I've had to go elsewhere for kings basketball podcasts. Unfortunately, other markets and podcast do a better job discussing the team. Ham is just a company man who brings no insights.
  • DRW613
    Big Fan
    Solid information and DC is the MAN!! Keep up the outstanding work and thank you for all the time you put in. A fan like myself really appreciate all the content.
  • kinginthenorf
    Was once good
    Now terrible... James is a company man now
  • Ed1977edwards
    Great when it happens
    Premier Kings podcast. My only complaint is that it is not regular.
  • vanfields94
    Great Podcast!
    Great podcast for kings fans. Love to hear the draft news.
  • BozoMozo
    Good, but could be better
    I’d like the podcast more if Doug Christie weren’t a part of it. Sacramento is drowning in DC at the moment with him on 1140 4 hours a day, in-game commentating, and now this pod. It’s too much for someone who isn’t any good.
  • sportsjunkie916
    Best Kings podcast you’ll find
    No better Kings podcast than this one. James Ham is the best!
  • I.B.Kaepernickn'
    Excellent
    Excellent
  • AndyGates
    The best Kings writer
    James Ham is plugged into the organization and in my opinion is the smartest guy working around the team regarding news and info. And there’s good people out there but James is head and shoulders above them. Love the podcast. Thanks
  • Neg Equity
    Most informative
    This is the most informative Kings podcast. Credit Bruski with having the inside track on the Kings failed relocation. Also with being at the forefront of the Isaiah Thomas hype train when others in local media didn't think he was a starter in this league. Ham was spot on with the WCS pick and I'm curious to see if he's correct with this draft.
  • Aaron Fischman
    Really nice guy, even better reporter and host
    After listening to James' shows, it quickly becomes quite evident that he's been covering the Sacramento Kings for some time. But where someone with such experience and expertise might grow arrogant, James has always stayed humble. When he doesn't know something, he rolls up his sleeves and does the reporting to find out as much as possible. He's appeared as a Kings guest a couple times when I've needed one, and I could not have been more happy with his contributions to those episodes.
  • Jdb9819
    Great kings podcast
    Great insight into players and thoughts on where the team is headed or ought to go. The guests featured on the shows compliment the podcast well. Keep it up!
  • Luis not Louis
    zero objectivity
    You can root root root for the home team, or the team you're paid to cover, or whatever your deal is, without ridiculous sucking-up in your "analysis". If you heard this podcast without knowing better, you'd think the Kings' front office has just been killing it with brilliant draft picks, savvy free agent acquisitions, etc. Bashing is reserved for PRIOR coaches/GMs/players. Bruski should know better but adds no reality check. There's lots of great NBA pod content now, unfortunately very little on Kings.
  • kwlarson7
    The #1 Kings Podcast Out There
    James Ham brings the heat every week. A true insider perspective that gives the real story, not just an easy narrative. Insightful guests every week. This is a must listen for all Kings fans.
  • JeiGra
    Awesome
    Definitely my favorite kings podcast. Very insightful. Guests are interesting and I like that it is typically a 2 part show, first half with the guest then followed by James and AB.
  • CatalystEH
    Best Kings audio around
    Doesn't get better than this if you're a Kings fan. Great insight from James and Aaron every week. Interviews can be hit or miss but the analysis is top notch.
  • KingSfaNTini916
    Best Kings podcast out
    I never miss a podcast and have been listening to James Ham since CK days. Always...always great info. Go KANGZ!!!
  • Play on Playa
    Co host problems
    I cannot get pass James Ham co host absurd comments anymore. "Lebron Heat was an awful championship team", what? The team that went to 4 straight championships and won 2. "Durant and Westbrook didn't develop under Brooks" What? Both player arguably the top 5 in the league. But he uses Wesbrook's shot selection to prove his point on lack of development? I can't listen to what this guy has to say about basketball anymore. Sorry Josh Ham you were holding up your half of the team.
  • Mlinky
    Thank goodness Hamm and Bruski are back
    Whatever went down on CK, this is my Kings podcast of choice.
  • Bigbabynasty916
    Negative
    I've listened to every podcast this year but the recent few have got so negative I can't tune in. I get that the hosts don't agree with Coach Karl, but there is a way to criticize or critique something without whining about it for an hour straight. The tone of voice is so bad I find this podcast stressful to listen to now :/
  • Thomas916
    Best Kings media outlet
    James always gives the best and most accurate updates on the Kings. Has a passion for the city and the team and gives a passionate perspective on the squad. He is realistic with expectations. Make Bru a regular guest! Thomas
  • drewm7
    Best Kings podcast
    Hands down, this is the best podcast for Kings coverage. James Ham and Aaron Bruski don't miss a beat.
  • drewdoan
    Finally
    Best Kings coverage and analysis out there. Great to have James and Bruski back
  • GWiss
    The best
    James Ham is a great host who regularly has great guests. A true insider, this is a must listen for all Kings fans. -Greg Wissinger
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.