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Kings signing PJ Dozier for remainder of the season, waiving KZ Okpala

Okpala will undergo season-ending surgery on his knee.
By | 27 Comments | Feb 25, 2023

Sep 26, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard PJ Dozier (35) poses for photographs on 2022-23 NBA season media day for the team. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

In the aftermath of last night’s incredible double OT win over the Clippers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Kings are making some roster moves around their wing depth.

First, Woj reported that the Kings are waiving KZ Okpala. He added that Okpala needs season-ending surgery in his knee. He’s been on the injury report with a knee issue since before the trade deadline.

Woj also reports that the Kings will fill the roster spot by signing PJ Dozier for the remainder of the season. Dozier was with the Kings on a series of 10-Day contracts before the trade deadline.

In the long run, this move is unlikely to have a major impact on the Kings’ season. Okpala had been brought in as a defensive specialists, but struggled to defend without fouling and was a complete non-factor on the offensive end. He had already fallen out of the rotation prior to his injury.

Dozier is a fine replacement as deep wing depth. He’s a decent defender and has more scoring ability than Okpala did. Still, I wouldn’t expect to see heavy minutes for Dozier outside of garbage time or some other depth crisis due to injuries or illnesses.

The other looming question is if the Kings will make any other roster moves. Players must be signed before March 1st to be eligible for the playoffs, so the Kings have just a few more days to potentially add some additional players. With KZ gone, Alex Len would be the next most likely player to be waived if the Kings want to add another player from the buyout market.

I like the move to add Dozier for the rest of the season. He has a good reputation and seems like a good locker room presence. As for KZ, it’s unfortunate that he didn’t work out as the Kings hoped, and we hope he has a speedy recovery from surgery.

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BuffaloDiaspora
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February 25, 2023 11:19 am

I would have preferred a buyout move, but meh

murraytant
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February 25, 2023 11:37 am

need the right guy to buy out. Most of the buy outs were in spots of current Kings strength.
Some dumb almost “inappropriate” Kings questions:
should the Kings have drafted Jaden Hardy instead of trading for two second rounders? and should Sasha come here next year and where does he fit?

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 25, 2023 11:22 am

I’m cool with it. KZ was obviously done for the season. I know Dozier had a connection with Jordi in Denver and that was a factor in his two 10-day deals and he has been killing it in the G-League as of late. The Kings must have liked what they saw in those days. I’d like this signing even more if Dozier has a TO or partial guaranteed for next season.

murraytant
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February 25, 2023 11:31 am

KZ did play some defense but on offense, he was a liability. Edwards basically replaces him- and KZ would not have played anyway due to surgery.
Brown and Monte- want more length and athleticism- KZ was that but… Dozier, sort of that. Edwards, for sure that. I like the cautious approach- bring in and test Edwards, then release KZ.
Noel might be bought out- replace Len?

Kings are going with what they got.
oh ….the Kings defense gave up an almost record 175 points last night. Fourth most points scored in an NBA game.
But… Kings got 176 in one of the most memorable games in Kings history. I have been a season ticket holder from 1985 and this ranks high on list of memorable games. The superlatives are many.
The Kings believe that they can win. They believe that they can beat anybody, not just on any given night but on any night. They do not have the best roster or most talent or experience but have a high belief in themselves. Fascination transformation.
I always have secret ambition and hidden optimism but have to hide it because people think I am nuts. Most of the time- like the last 16 years- they are right. Nuts.
But I put huge money on Kings over/under this year and it will pay off. I hoped for top 6, expected top 10 and play-in., But this?? not in my wildest dreams.
Still not over and I still am fearful of the curse but feeling better.
It’s the Fox and the Ox and then take a turn. Last night good Monk (not bad monk)
Keegan learned how to dribble.

the duds are pathetic: James Wiseman was going to be the next Embiid until he was not. They traded him for a hurt guy. A second overall for an undrafted injury list guy. Kuminga (now labeled “JK”) is an al star despite not making the rising stars game. Now Patrick Baldwin (labelled “PBJ”) is a sure-fire rotation contributor. Their commentators think “all will be well” We can win this thing.” They suffer from recency bias- that is, the belief that the recent past guarantees the immediate future.

Klank makes 12 threes and just talks about himself. Fox and Monk talk about their teammates.
Entitlement vs. humble hunger

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 25, 2023 11:40 am
Reply to  murraytant

James Wiseman was going to be the next Embiid until he was not. They traded him for a hurt guy. 

I’d argue that the trade was more about saving the Dubs tens of millions of dollars in tax. Wiseman was never going to do anything for them, so might as well get out of his deal.

I’m not sure if there is anyone left in the buyout market that could do anything more than Len could do. At least Len is big man insurance in case Sabonis has to miss time. He could platoon with Holmes, Metu, and Lyles. Maybe Ibaka is marginally better at this point? Maybe not?

UpgradedToQuestionable
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February 25, 2023 12:25 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

And still – Holmes can’t crack the rotation.

So very disappointing.

Kingsguru21
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February 25, 2023 4:03 pm

I know I keep saying this…..but I’m still surprised no team out there wouldn’t take a shot at Holmes. I think they will this summer despite everything that’s been reported. I think there were teams that wanted him but to make a deal work wasn’t actually available.

Example: Tobias Harris for Harrison Barnes and Holmes. Maybe the Kings do that (and HB agrees to a S&T to Philly) but they weren’t breaking up this group now.

Kingsguru21
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February 25, 2023 4:06 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

And that doesn’t include other potential moves out there as well.

I think OKC, for instance, made a mistake not making a move for another big (Holmes or whomever). But I mean, if you trade Poku + Bazely what are you really losing? (Besides Will slobbering over Poku during your telecasts.)

RobHessing
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February 25, 2023 1:12 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Yep. The Dubs had 131 million reasons to dump Woseman.

murraytant
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February 25, 2023 4:50 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

yes, they dumped “James” because of trying to save money but if he indeed was the next Embiid like they bragged, they would play him and do something else. Bottom line- another bad second overall draft pick. This time it is the duds.

Kosta
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February 25, 2023 11:32 am

KZ got one DPOG, though!

(wishing you the best, KZ)

comment image:large

Klam
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Nostradumbass 18
Nostradumbass 19
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February 25, 2023 11:34 am

OT: Looks like we got a national televised game added.
https://twitter.com/James_HamNBA/status/1629560709368676354

UpgradedToQuestionable
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February 25, 2023 12:30 pm
Reply to  Klam

Kings fell to NYK 112-99 at MSG on 11 December 2022.

Today: Kings tied for League 7th best record (Brooklyn) and Randle/Brunson Knicks (who added Josh Hart) at 9th best.

Should be a good contest!

Kingsguru21
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February 25, 2023 1:05 pm

De’Aaron didn’t play that night. That’s the good news.

Jman1949
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February 25, 2023 1:00 pm
Reply to  Klam

Anybody know if we’ll get blacked out locally because of the national broadcast? I remember having problems related to the NBATV broadcast of the game with the Grizzlies.

Kingsguru21
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February 25, 2023 1:02 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

TNT games are televised locally in market. NBA TV is not.

Jman1949
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February 25, 2023 1:09 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Thanks

murraytant
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February 25, 2023 4:53 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

is there a poem for that?

Jman1949
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February 25, 2023 5:10 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Well, Guru put the fact out—
The game will not be blacked out!

BabalooMagoo
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February 26, 2023 7:08 am
Reply to  Jman1949

Only if comcast is your carrier… ducks

andy_sims
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February 25, 2023 5:17 pm

Well, just so long as the number of players we have using only initials remains intact, I see no downside.

UpgradedToQuestionable
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February 25, 2023 6:20 pm

Is it true that they would only give the roster spot of KZ to a player who must also go by initials and that they also considered RJ Hampton and couldn’t get CJ McCallum so they stuck with PJ Dozier?

Just wonderin’…

Klam
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February 25, 2023 6:49 pm

Gotta take advantage of injuries for tomorrow’s game.
https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1629612289912602624

NowLoveThemOnceAgain
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February 25, 2023 8:19 pm

FWIW When I was at the second Kings-Mavs game a few weeks ago and was watching warm-ups, Alex Len was draining 3 pointers back to back. True, it was warm-ups, but I believe he is a solid third center who has alot of experience.

aplumley
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February 25, 2023 11:18 pm

An obvious upgrade over a guy that was done for the season.

Reyes
February 26, 2023 7:50 am

This is a smart move considering KZ had a season ending injury. Replacing him with Dozier is just meh, barely moves the needle.

Note 1: I am sad Mike Brown’s bet with the Nigerian guys didn’t work out, KZ and Monkee not been with the team anymore.

Note 2: I really liked Jeremy Lamb last year, I am surprised he is not playing in the NBA anymore for the vet’s minimum. His agent must suck…

Reyes
February 26, 2023 7:57 am
Reply to  Reyes

I guess his agent doesn’t suck 😂

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_A._Schwartz

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