The 2000–01 NBA season was the Kings' 52nd season in the National Basketball Association, and 16th season in Sacramento. During the offseason, the Kings acquired shooting guard Doug Christie from the Toronto Raptors and signed free agent Bobby Jackson. After two straight playoff seasons, 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. Chris Webber had his best season averaging 27.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, as he was selected along with Vlade Divac for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, while first round draft pick Hedo Turkoglu made the All-Rookie Second Team. In the 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. However, they were swept by the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals in four straight games. Following the season, Jason Williams was traded along with Nick Anderson to the Memphis Grizzlies, and Jon Barry was traded to the Detroit Pistons.

In the NBA draft, the Kings drafted Hedo Türkoğlu and Jabari Smith. Türkoğlu's tenure with the Kings lasted three seasons, while Smith's stint lasted 21 games. Smith would return to Sacramento in the 2003–04 season.

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