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Free Agent Profile: 2020 Wings

The wing class is particularly weak this year, so we're covering them in one big overview.
By | 19 Comments | Oct 16, 2020

Credit: Kimani Okearah

This edition of free agent profiles will include multiple players instead of one film breakdown to a specific player. The forward market this offseason lacks appealing talent, so I compiled a list based on Sacramento’s needs. Disclaimer: Not every available player will be mentioned.

Assessing the Forward Situation

Harrison Barnes: under contract, projected to remain as the starting small forward

Kent Bazemore: unrestricted free agent, unknown if the Kings will attempt to re-sign him

Corey Brewer: unrestricted free agent, unlikely to return

DaQuan Jeffries: restricted free agent, likely to return

The Kings are likely looking at a situation where Barnes returns as the starter with Jeffries slated behind him. Sacramento could target a wing — like Devin Vassell or Saddiq Bey — to back up Barnes, but they could decide to sign a veteran or a young free agent option if they draft at a different position.

Available Targets

As mentioned in the beginning, the small forward market is far from pleasing. Re-signing Bazemore is a possibility, but Sacramento could look to get younger instead of paying a chunk of money for a 31-year-old option.

Maurice Harkless, UFA:

The eight-year veteran has relied on his defensive ability and instincts to keep his place in this league. On offense, he’s best utilized in situations where he can feed off of the creations of others. This past season saw Harkless playing with the Los Angeles Clippers where he shared the floor with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Lou Williams. Those guys will carry the load; it’s Harkless’ responsibility to make his shots when he receives the pass.

Harkless posted a points per shot attempt number of 117.0 in L.A, ranking in the 71st percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass; that’s his second-best number in that category. When he went to the New York Knicks, he fell to 109.3 points per shot attempt and into the 45th percentile. The difference in teammate quality couldn’t be more evident. Additionally, Harkless shot 37% from three in LA. With the Knicks, he dropped to 29%. The season prior with Portland, Harkless shot 28%.

Defensively, Harkless works best with other good defenders. He’s definitely solid as a one-on-one defender, but putting him in a system like L.A. — where he played with great defenders across the board — is how you extract his value at a favorable level.

Verdict: Harkless is an admirable target within the context of this class, and at age 27, the Kings could pursue his services, but he’s not providing a major impact with the contract he’ll receive. He’s extremely limited offensively, and though he can supply a positive defensive presence, his impact will be limited. He’s a great complimentary piece to have on a contending team, but the Kings should look for a cheaper and younger player.

Derrick Jones Jr., UFA:

Our own Tony Xypteras profiled Jones Jr. earlier and you can read that here. Tony did a great job of laying out why the Kings should pursue the 23-year-old wing, so I won’t reiterate the statistical analysis here.

Let’s jump to the verdict: Jones is young, can play with pace, efficient on two-pointers and can defend multiple positions. The spacing issue could be a concern, but Jones showed some promise on non-corner triples. Sign him and continue developing him behind Barnes to see if you have something with him. Miami used Jones often in the regular season, but he fell out of their rotation when it mattered. As a 23-year-old UFA, he’s someone the Kings need to target.

DeAndre’ Bembry, RFA:

Selected 21st overall in 2016, Bembry represents a draft pick when new assistant GM Wes Wilcox was with Atlanta. Bembry has carved out a nice career so far as a limited role player spending all four pro seasons with the Hawks. The 26-year-old restricted free agent could come at a low cost, but the cons are substantial.

Before I dive into the cons, I’ll point out that the primary reason to sign Bembry is for defense. Bembry’s steal percentage of 2.4 ranks him in the 95th percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass. He averaged 1.3 steals a game for each of the last two seasons. His defensive box plus/minus also continues to rise per season, increasing to a career-high of 1.1 this past season. Looking at some film, Bembry excels in off-ball situations and can read passes like a cornerback. It’d be useful to have in specific scenarios, but he doesn’t provide much beyond that.

Offensively is where I distance myself from Bembry. He’s not a floor spacer at all; Bembry’s 25% rate from three slots him into the 9th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. His release is slow and lacks fluidity. He showed some promise with his shot in his sophomore season, but it has only regressed since. Bembry wants to be as close as possible to the rim before attempting a shot, otherwise he’ll miss. Even then, his rim finishing of 58% is only good for the 45th percentile, per CTG. Also, Bembry’s offensive rating was only 98.9 this season. Combine that with his defensive rating of 110.6 and you have a net of -11.8.

Verdict: He’s 26, but I just don’t see the reasoning behind pursuing him when you could chase someone like Jones Jr. instead. Bembry wouldn’t make much of an impact unless he’s playing end-of-the-bench minutes, but you don’t need him for that.

Josh Jackson, UFA:

Jackson makes this tricky. He’s a former 4th overall pick (Thanks, Phoenix), 23 and an unrestricted FA. He didn’t end up in this situation for no reason. Jackson’s record off the court, where he’s been accused of getting his infant daughter high and was arrested at a music festival, is the reason he’s where he is today. Jackson’s on-court play in Phoenix didn’t exactly scream 4th overall pick material either, but that would be a different discussion if off-court issues weren’t prevalent.

Jackson’s on-court play with Memphis saw him attack the rim efficiently. He finished on 71% of his attempts, good for the 90th percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass. He could score as a pick-and-roll initiator, cut backdoor or in transition. Jackson’s two seasons in Phoenix saw him in the 16th and 14th percentiles, respectively. Jackson can also go to his developing long mid-range jumper for points or shoot from deep. Jackson’s not a sharpshooter, but he’s worthy of a closeout; he hit on 34% of his threes, per CTG, placing him in the 43rd percentile. That’s a significant jump from the 7th percentile he was in as a rookie. Also, Memphis was a +5.8 with Jackson on the floor (82nd percentile).

On defense, Jackson’s steal percentage of 2.0% puts him in the 88th, per CTG. It’s a smaller sample size, but he’s also posted good steal percentages in Phoenix. With his 6’8 height and 6’10€ wingspan, Jackson makes for a competent defender. He also posted a net rating of +2.5 in 22 games with Memphis (small sample size, but promising).

Verdict: Jackson sits in a similar boat as Jones Jr. in terms of FA situations. But in terms of basketball talent, Jackson could add more to the court than Jones Jr. I don’t condone his off-court behavior, but McNair just hired Wilcox as an assistant who publicly made a racially insensitive joke (not comparing the incidents, just pointing it out). While I’m curious to see if McNair or Wilcox will address that in a future press conference, I’d be curious to see where they would stand on Jackson’s status.

***

The names so far have been the higher profile options the Kings could chase. The following names will be quick profiles of potential players the Kings could sign for cheap.

Wes Iwundu, RFA:

The Orlando Magic forward is turning 26 soon, but has featured in good minutes since being drafted 33rd overall in 2017. He’s not particularly strong in one main area on either end of the floor, but on offense, he’s a solid three point shooter (36%, 58th percentile). Last season, Iwundu shot 39% for the 81st percentile (both stats per CTG). He can be a decent off-ball threat from deep and on defense, he doesn’t make many impact plays but he won’t necessarily cost you games either. He’s a solid all-around ballplayer that could fill in Brewer’s spot on the bench if signed, though I’d prefer other options.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, UFA:

The former 23rd overall pick in 2015 is also turning 26 soon, but he’s established himself in this league as a defender who can’t provide much offensively. I like him as a small-ball four or even five, but beyond that, you can do better even in a parched market.

Ryan Broekhoff, UFA:

Broekhoff may be 30, but he’s shot the ball well from deep despite low volume. Nicknamed €œThe Accountant€, Broekhoff can cash in from deep and be an efficient shooter overall. He fell out of Dallas’ rotation and could be picked up for cheap as another option to replace Brewer’s spot on the team. Come in and get buckets when called upon. Last season, Broekhoff’s 3P% of 43 placed him in the 93rd percentile, per CTG. His eFG%, 62.6, ranked him in the 99th percentile, per CTG. His numbers dropped this year with fewer minutes, but he also posted a net rating of +8.3 last year (111.2 OFR, 102.8 DFR). His age could be the key downside, but say if McNair flips Nemanja Bjelica for assets, Broekhoff could come in and play more minutes.

***

Players like Davis Bertans, Danilo Gallinari, Jerami Grant, Carmelo Anthony and Jae Crowder are also entering FA, but they’d likely demand too much money (Bertans, Grant), are a win-now player (Gallo, Crowder) or make little sense from an age perspective (Melo). The Kings obviously could sign anyone else I didn’t mention here, or they might not sign a wing at all. Assuming Barnes and Jeffries are back, the Kings could draft a Vassell, Bey or Williams and call it a day at that position. Regardless, the new front office has a plethora of decisions to consider.

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andy_sims
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October 16, 2020 9:32 am

We’ll be fine.

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ZillersCat
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October 16, 2020 10:13 am
Reply to  andy_sims

Safety Cat? Kosta is a free agent?
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Last edited 3 years ago by ZillersCat
Klam
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Nostradumbass 18
Nostradumbass 19
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October 16, 2020 10:01 am

Hey, Kosta is in the background!

ZillersCat
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October 16, 2020 10:08 am
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SPTSJUNKIE
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October 16, 2020 10:34 am

I think our primary addition to our wings is likely to come through the draft. While it’s certainly possible we grab someone like Poky or Smith at 12 – there is still a strong possibility we are taking some type of SG/SF or SF/PF hybrid.

Someone like Jones could fill a void if we let some current wings go (or trade them) and RHJ would make for nice insurance. But if anything, seems like we are likely to shed a wing or two this season as opposed to adding.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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October 16, 2020 10:54 am

Josh Jackson at the minimum would be a sneaky good signing by the Warriors. IMO, the Kings should pass on all of these players mentioned. There are no difference makers for them on a roster that has most of its rotation complete.

RobHessing
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October 16, 2020 10:56 am

Let me throw a wrench into all of this…
Fox needs shooters and floor spacers around him. Barnes moves to the four, Bogi to the three, Hield the two. Holmes starts at center as a rim runner.

Now, this will create gaping holes on the bench, as the present group of Joseph, James, Jeffries, Guy, Bagley, Parker, Bjelica and #12 / 2nd round picks will scare the chicken right off its bones. But if you’re looking for a way to put your best players on the floor with Fox for the greatest amount of time, here is how you do it.

This team seems destined to lose a ton of games regardless. Might as well look reasonably good for 32 of the 48 minutes each night.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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October 16, 2020 11:24 am
Reply to  RobHessing

I think the first part of your second paragraph sums it up. That is a scary bench that will give up what ever kind of cushion the starting five MIGHT have made.

If the Kings are intent on keeping Bogi and Buddy (which I don’t think they should do) I still like Buddy off the bench as an offensive spark, just as long as Walton uses him correctly. Also I still like Namanja starting with Fox to help spread the floor. If Bagley is healthy and can step up, I like Namanja and Bagley together on the floor more than I do Bagley and Holmes.

RobHessing
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October 16, 2020 1:25 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I spent last season with the sound off. This season, when the bench comes in, I can watch with the picture off.

eddie41
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October 16, 2020 2:19 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

you’re forgetting Harry Giles.

RobHessing
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October 16, 2020 2:41 pm
Reply to  eddie41

UFA Harry Giles?

eddie41
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October 16, 2020 7:44 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

Obviously the same Harry Giles. Have you all given up on the possibility of resigning him?

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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October 16, 2020 4:56 pm
Reply to  eddie41

Vlade are took care of Giles.

SelecaoKOJ
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October 16, 2020 11:46 am

Let the blow up commence. This is just my take. When the 2021 season starts this team will look radically different. I am predicting 5-6 players will be traded. Mcnair and company know this current team is nowhere near being a playoff contender. The West will be a monster next year. Especially, with the the Dubs back. Pels, Grizz and Suns also improving. Who are the Kings clearly better than? The Wolves, Spurs? Kings would benefit by sacrificing the next 2 seasons. Picking up Top 5 picks in the next 2 very strong drafts. Thus, building a real core for success in the next decade.

deepshot22
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October 16, 2020 12:50 pm
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

This is my take as well. Except that sadly (and honestly), the Kings ARE NOT clearly better than the Wolves or Spurs, which means the Kings may very well be the worst in the West. In a year with a talented draft like that coming in 2021, great! There is no reason to take a whiffle ball bat to a baseball game. Overall, I’m in your boat.

Adamsite
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October 16, 2020 2:13 pm
Reply to  deepshot22

I feel pretty confident the Wolves with be better. KAT, Russell, and the #1 pick should be better then the current construction of the Kings. The Spurs might begin a rebuild if DeRozan walk. If so, the Spurs are down near the bottom as well.

eddie41
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October 16, 2020 2:27 pm

Josh Jackson is enigmatic. Phoenix took off in the bubble without him, and as soon as he goes to Memphis, they start losing. Talent is there, not sure what the deal is. And I thought Wesley Iwundu was doing okay for Orlando. Why are they letting him go? Anyway, Hield can play some 3, and the Kings might find another wing in the draft. If the mock drafts have any accuracy to them, Naji Marshall can be drafted at #35, adding some playmaking to the group.

andy_sims
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October 16, 2020 4:26 pm
Reply to  eddie41

He really seemed like he was going to become an amazing player his rookie year. I’d guess it’s a combination of stupid mistakes on his part, and, you know, playing in Phoenix, but if a team can get his head straight, the investment will pay off bigly.

9sac8
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October 16, 2020 6:15 pm

We should give Josh Jackson a look. I still somewhat believe in the kid’s abilities and talent.

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