Kings of the Rim: Sacramento’s Single-Season Blocks Leaders
The Sacramento Kings have long been home to some of the NBA’s most intimidating rim protectors. Over their 78-year history, big men have patrolled the paint with swats, rebounds, and shot-stopping prowess. While blocks didn’t become an official stat until the 1973-74 season, the franchise has seen standout seasons from legends like Duane Causwell, Sam Lacey, Michael Stewart, and Chris Webber. Here’s a look at the greatest shot-blocking campaigns in Kings history.
Duane Causwell – 1992, 2.7 BPG
Nicknamed “The Causinator,” Duane Causwell carved out a defensive legacy with Sacramento after being selected 28th overall in the 1990 NBA Draft. His sophomore season in 1991-92 saw him post career highs across the board: 2.7 blocks, 7.3 rebounds, 8.0 points, and 28.6 minutes per game over 80 contests. He racked up 215 total blocks—the most in a single season in franchise history—alongside 11 double-doubles and 12 games with five or more swats. Over 11 NBA seasons, including stints with the Miami Heat, Causwell averaged 4.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Michael Stewart – 1998, 2.4 BPG
Undrafted out of California, Michael “Yogi” Stewart made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign with Sacramento. In 81 games, including 37 starts, he averaged 4.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, cementing his place as one of the Kings’ top shot-blockers. While injuries prevented Stewart from building on that promising start, his defensive presence left a mark during his time with the Kings before he went on to play with Toronto, Cleveland, Boston, and Atlanta.
Sam Lacey – 1974, 2.3 BPG
A pioneer before blocks were officially tracked, Sam Lacey emerged as a dominant force for the Kansas City-Omaha Kings in the 1973-74 season. The fifth overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft, Lacey averaged 14.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks over 79 games. Known as “Slammin’ Sam,” he rarely missed a contest and became the franchise’s defensive cornerstone, finishing his Kings tenure with averages of 11.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game over 888 games.
Chris Webber – 1999, 2.1 BPG
During the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, Chris Webber made an immediate splash as the Kings’ centerpiece. Averaging 20.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game over 42 games, Webber showcased his two-way dominance. His efforts earned him an All-NBA Second Team selection and a seventh-place finish in MVP voting, marking the start of one of the most memorable five-year stretches in Kings history.
Sam Lacey – 1975, 2.1 BPG
Lacey makes a second appearance for his 1974-75 campaign, a season highlighted by 81 games with 11.5 points, 14.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks per contest. Leading the league with 11.4 defensive rebounds per game, Lacey earned his only All-Star nod and finished tenth in MVP voting, solidifying his legacy as one of Sacramento’s greatest defensive stalwarts.
From the relentless Causwell to the versatile Webber, these players represent the Kings’ tradition of rim protection—athletes who turned the paint into a fortress and left fans in awe with every swat.
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