Training camp is just around the corner, but the Kings might not be done adding to the team just yet. Per reports from Sean Cunningham and Sam Amick, the Kings are working out a few veteran wings this week: Nassir Little, Jae Crowder and TJ Warren. Last month, the Kings also brought in free agents Isaiah Thomas, Tony Bradley, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Lonnie Walker (since signed with the Celtics).
Now, these may just be opportunities to get Sacramento’s current players who are in town some reps against NBA level talent, but this latest batch of veterans all make a lot of sense as additions to the Kings squad. The Kings are short on wings, and Jalen McDaniels is likely not going to cut it as depth. Crowder, Warren and Little all have real experience playing NBA minutes and would all make sense for the Kings.
Crowder is the most experienced of the bunch, entering his 13th NBA season. Last season he played 50 games for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23.1 minutes a game. Crowder has been a journeyman for most of his career but has earned a reputation as a gritty 3-and-D player, although his best years are behind him.
Warren is more of a scorer, and hasn’t had much of an impact in the league in the last few seasons thanks to injuries. Warren was just starting to break out back in the 2019-20 season with the Pacers when he was averaging 19.8 points a game, but since then he has only played a total of 57 games over three seasons.
Nassir Little is a bit more interesting because he’s still pretty young at just 24 years old. Little was the 25th overall pick for the Trail Blazers back in 2019 and spent his first four seasons there last year before joining the Phoenix Suns last year. Little has yet to find a place in the NBA and his inconsistency has been a big part of it. The Suns waived him after one season despite owing him nearly $21.75 million over three years.
The Kings have one roster spot left to potentially add another piece. Summer League standout Boogie Ellis was recently signed to a training camp contract with a shot of making the team, but bringing in more veteran help wouldn’t be surprising either. One of Crowder or Little would probably me my preferred choices, although I wouldn’t mind a gamble on TJ Warren if they think he’s finally healthy. There are other veteran free agents out there that I’d also consider for the Kings too (some aren’t wings): Bismack Biyombo, Reggie Bullock, Robert Covington, and former King Justin Holiday. We’ll see how the Kings proceed with the season just around the corner.
IMO, Kings do need more help at the wing. Many have expressed that for up to 2 years now. Even though this signing is an improvement, DDR is “smaller” than HB. The 3-4 back up is Trey Lyles. Maybe Huerter plays some minutes at 3 but he is undersized there. Jalen- ? no, not really.
Of all mentioned above, Crowder is the best option, but he is older and losing a step or two. There are some guys on rosters now but that would take a move to get them. A trade of position for same position is unlikely i.e. trade Jalen for a backup 3.
But DFS, C. Johnson, Vanderbilt all would help but their teams are reluctant.
Crawford and Jones are long, long longshots. Would take a miracle for them to produce. I suspect Monte is checking the waiver wire for a release, like the Edwards thing a few years back, If Crowder was good, he would have signed already somewhere else.
If the Kings trade Huerter and at this point, I am not sure that is a solid idea, then they weaken themselves from3 and they had better get a solid contributor.
I have nightmares about not taking DaSilva in the draft.
We also need a good backup center. Len is good at spots but what if(heaven forbid) Sabonis is out for some time we would be lost with what we have now.
agree. A back up 4-5 might be just as impactful as a back up 3-4. Stewart, Robert Williams?????
but what is the cost?
I like that the front office is looking. Whoever they select to add depth to the forward position to help out Spock will be welcomed.
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.”
I still think Lyles can backup Keegan pretty well.
We are undersized and lack a long, physical PF who deters opposing players from taking it inside. And is an above the rim finisher.
I love Keegan but he’s none of that. I even suspect that he doesn’t relish physical contact.
Two of these 3 guys are woefully undersized and the third one is called Little and does not strike me as an imposing, physical presence.
This should be an eventual successor to Deebo. I can’t imagine any PF that would come in and send either Keegan or Deebo to the bench.
In the meantime, instead of deterring inside shots, you go with ball pressure. Live ball turnovers instead of bad shots. Always surround Sabonis with at least 2 guys that can apply ball pressure.
I did not realize this:
That gives me pause. A team already in the second apron stretched a young active body? Something seems off there. Pass.
The rest seem to be retreads and end of the bench hope that might replace McDaniels or Colby Jones. Either way, we are talking about non-impactful players that aren’t cracking the possible 10 man rotation.
That last free agent to raise my brow was Okoro, but he re-signed last week. I’d rather role with the two-way players Monte currently has to battle out for dressing minutes. Put it this way, there is no one currently on the roster I’d favor cutting over the vets mentioned in this article.
I’m glad they’re working out Little to see if he can add something. Excepting last year in PHX, he shot 33.5% on threes with low usage. He also has a rep for bringing defense. Let him workout; see if he fits.
I don’t trust PHX to evaluate talent since Ishbia took over. He is brash and fickle. The stretching of Little saves approximately $40 million in tax penalties over the next two years based on the current roster. I speculate they tried to trade Little, couldn’t get any immediate takers, and said F-it, just stretch him.
Little is young. He could definitely still have some game.
I think Lyles is too often overlooked in the discussion of need for a power forward. Sure, he has weaknesses as all the others mentioned have, but some of his value is what’s needed. He has no problem mixing it up, he’s 6’9″ with a 7’3″ wingspan according to his draft stats, shot 38.3% from 3 last season, and by all accounts wants to play here. He’s 28 and should be near his peak, but I think he may have another gear. Whatever view one may have of him, he’s certainly not an afterthought.
At this point – the starting 5 (DeDeDoKeKe) is fairly well set.
You have Monk, Heurter, Lyles, then Len and McLaughlin as the first of the bench.
Devin Carter in reserve until ASG break.
That’s 11.
What are the Kings looking to add at this point?
Something you don’t have, I guess- but which of the veteran minimum contract players is that guy you’re looking for, and who’s minutes are they taking?
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