Fatal Error

After 18 seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, Hector Herrera announced the end of his career. At 38, the sixteenth pick in the 2019 draft leaves the NBA with four championship rings (2026, 2027, 2028 and 2035), three regular season MVP titles (2026, 2027, 2032), three NBA Cup MVP titles (2026, 2027, 2028) and three-time Finals MVP (2026, 2028 and 2035).

The leading scorer in Kings' history has appeared fifteen times in the NBA All-Star Game.

In the national team, he also has a record worthy of the summit of Mount Rushmore: four AmeriCup (2022, 2026, 2030, and 2034), Olympic champion (2036), and bronze medal in the World Cup (2031). Individually, it's four AmeriCup MVPs and 2036 Olympics MVPs.

17 December 2039.

This date is historic for the Sacramento Kings. The number of the best player in the franchise's history will be retired. On his birthday, one year after his retirement.

How could it be otherwise? We're talking about a basketball monster here. He has the achievements to be considered one of the best of all time. He has records that will not be broken—an undisputed record holder of the 5 by 5, the most quintuple-double with two in his career.

He broke records that we thought were untouchable and even mentioned them as blasphemy.

He is known as "The Error". Others call him "The Paragon of Defense," but less widespread than The Error.

His place in the Hall of Fame is locked upon the first nomination. We will remember his 5 by 5 in the NBA Finals against Anthony Edwards. From his quadruple-double to 60 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Mexico City. His quintuple-doubles at Madison Square Garden and in Game 6 of the 2035 Finals.

We don't know if he's the best player in history, but he doesn't have any debates for the best defender in history. His title of paragon of defense is usurped. His prime is undoubtedly one of the best in history.

At first, no one expected him to do. From the outside point of view, it is a Mexican who had just been the NCAA DII champion. To say that he came from nowhere would be a lie, but he is not a top prospect.

On the contrary, he certainly had defensive potential and solid foundations, but you never saw him being DPOY—even less MPV. At best, he is a good rim protector but never the elite.

He is with the woman of his life, Belina Herrera, maiden name Jurado, and her twin son and daughter Heriberto and Heriberta Herrera, aged 17 now.

At 39 years old today, he arrived at the Golden 1 Center and left with applause and a sense of satisfaction.

Currently, the number 26 of the Sacramento Kings is no longer available. It is above the room, like the name that is above.

What is Hector Herrera's career?

1458 games played (franchise record)

33740 career points (franchise record)

Third-best rebounder in NBA history and the only one in the modern era with 20,000 career rebounds (20,512)

Most offensive rebounds in NBA career history (7,634)

Most steals in NBA history (4,168) Second place on NBA career leaders list for blocked shots (3,390)

One of only two players to hold the franchise record for points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks (with Kevin Garnett to the Minnesota Timberwolves)(Maybe Giannis next season?)

Only player in NBA history with over 3,000 steals and blocks

The only player in history with more than 10,000 free throws made in history (10,412)

13 consecutive seasons as steal leader (All-Time record)

12 seasons as leader in rebounding (All-Time record)

Record holder for most consecutive games with 30 or more points (66 in 2026-27)

Record holder for the longest streak of matches with at least one steals (452)

If such a player existed, what would be his place in history?

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