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Mike Brown is searching for a reliable backup center

The Kings desperately need to find someone to fill in for Domantas Sabonis when he heads to the bench.
By | 45 Comments | Dec 20, 2022

Dec 16, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown on the sideline against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Domantas Sabonis has been phenomenal for the Sacramento Kings this season. He’s a ginormous reason that their identity of pace, sharing the ball, and making quick decisions has been a successful route through the first quarter of the 2022-23 NBA season.

Sabonis leads the Sacramento Kings in minutes per game (33.4) and has participated in every game played up to this point. The Kings are a positive 115 in the 969 total minutes they’ve tallied with Sabonis on the floor. His All-Star candidacy is obvious, but it’s the minutes where he sits that Sacramento has struggled to maintain or expand on leads. As Coach Mike Brown said following their loss to the Charlotte Hornets, “I can’t run Domas 40 minutes every night.”

The backup center position is wide-open, as evident by all three of Chimezie Metu, Richaun Holmes, and two-way player Neemias Queta seeing minutes in that role throughout Sacramento’s last two games played.

“You just have to get a feel for each one and see who’s going to hold onto it. Most importantly by how hard they are playing every single second they’re out on the floor because, again, there’s not a lot of minutes there,” Coach Brown said at shootaround on Tuesday morning. “It’s not like I’m going to play that person with Domantas (Sabonis), so that person is literally going out there for six minutes (a half). Now, if we’re playing as good as a team, I’m going to let that person roll but you got to be locked in and you got to be competing your tail off for that short amount of time that you’re out there.”

All of Sacramento’s backup center options have had undeniable shortcomings up to this point. Coach Brown has stated that he wants the player who fills that spot to bring consistent energy, not pick up too many fouls, contain their matchup without the help of double team, protect the rim with verticality, box out, and put pressure on the rim offensively.

Chimezie Metu is their best above the rim lob threat on offense, but his rotations when attempting to protect the rim, pick-and-roll coverages, and individual defense can be underwhelming at times.

Richaun Holmes got a chance at the beginning of the year, but his defense wasn’t getting it done. He’s averaging 5.4 fouls per 36 minutes this season and quick decisions don’t seem to be his strong-suit on the offensive end the floor.

“There were some things I was looking at [with Holmes] to where I wanted to see somebody different there. I thought Chimezie (Metu) was good to start, but trying to sustain the level that he was playing at, I’m not seeing it right now and so I went to Neemias (Queta),” Coach Brown said. “We’ll give Neemi an opportunity and if Neemi doesn’t work out then I’ll go back to another guy. It’s my decision based on what I’m seeing.”

Queta, who is on a two-way contract, played a mere total of 9.6 minutes throughout two games and managed to pick up three fouls during that time which would expand to an average of 11.2 fouls per 36 minutes. It’s as extremely small a sample size as you’ll find, but he just looks to be still adjusting to the speed of the NBA game.

Alex Len, who missed a few games with a substantial non-COVID-related illness has yet to be given an opportunity outside of garbage time this season and maybe he’ll be the next player Coach Brown attempts to play in that backup five spot. Again, it’s just a handful of minutes that need to be filled where the Kings can survive while Sabonis gets some much needed rest.

“I need to find a guy in that spot who’s going to defend, run the floor, spare Domas for six to eight minutes a half, and play as hard as he can while trying to follow the gameplan,” Coach Brown said. “Not fouling, boxing out, doing all the little things that need to keep that group solid for those six to eight minutes. We’ve found it in spurts, but I want to get to the point where it can be a little more consistent so I’m going to keep searching until I feel like that person is there.”

Between Metu, Holmes, Len, and Queta the solution to those roughly dozen minutes per night could very well already be on the roster. There is also a chance that all of these options just are not able to do what Coach Mike Brown wants from them during their allotted amount of time.

It shouldn’t cost much to trade for a quality backup center, but it’s reasonable to question if the Kings should be spending any assets, even if they’re minor, on such a small role. What’s clear at this point is that the answer is unknown and it’ll be up to the coaching staff and front office to decide if moves are needed to fill that void or if someone currently rostered can step up.

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murraytant
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December 20, 2022 7:50 pm

it seemed like the 5 position was the deepest at the beginning of the year but depth does not equate to utility.

Kosta
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December 20, 2022 8:07 pm

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Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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December 20, 2022 8:44 pm
Reply to  Kosta

All Kosta jokes aside, the Kings need that kind of lunch pail center behind Sabonis who gives you consistency every night. As many of you know, I’m on the Plumlee bandwagon. Go get him for next to nothing and give Sabonis some much needed support.

AnybodyButBagley
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December 20, 2022 8:57 pm
Reply to  Kosta

Kosta realistically works. Not sure it does today but, the Kosta they had is the man they need.

ukca375
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December 21, 2022 10:53 am
Reply to  Kosta

He’s playing for the London lions whom I’m watching tonight

Klam
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December 20, 2022 8:09 pm

Oh man. Hope everything is okay with Sabonis…
https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1605375618861785090

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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December 20, 2022 8:47 pm
Reply to  Klam

3 games in a row, at over 40 minutes each, start to add up. I’m afraid little nagging injuries will continue for Sabonis unless someone else can relieve him with reliable minutes.

Hobby916
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December 21, 2022 7:31 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Grabbing all of those rebounds hurt his hand!

AnybodyButBagley
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December 20, 2022 8:55 pm

Brown knows that Sabonis is the key to the wins. He has worked him hard to establish a game plan and style of play. Now the problem is that nobody behind Sabonis is stepping up. Trading Holmes for someone serviceable is the ideal solution. If that doesn’t work out then there is not much left to move. Whoever they get for Holmes needs to be the one that fills the role.

Queta, Len, and Metu are not bringing anyone in return.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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December 20, 2022 9:07 pm

I think we should point out that Holmes has played a grand total of 140 minutes this season, and the majority of that was in October or more recently in garbage minutes. I’d like to see more of Holmes before I’m ready to wash my hands of him. The dude was the starting center this time last year and put in a lot of good minutes for the Kings. Maybe Brown has seen enough to know that he doesn’t fit the system, or it’s something else?

AnybodyButBagley
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December 20, 2022 9:16 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I don’t get it either?

Maybe Holmes simply doesn’t fit the system?

I do know that the same game plan used with Sabonis will not work with Holmes. I don’t think Holmes is garbage. I think he goes somewhere else and is good.

Maybe Brown doesn’t want to confuse the rest of the team by forcing a switch in a game plan when Holmes is on the floor?

SelecaoKOJ
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December 20, 2022 9:51 pm

He’s not 3/36 good. Never was. There lies the issue in moving him.

AnybodyButBagley
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December 20, 2022 10:05 pm
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

Ignoring his contract…he is good enough to play for six minutes a half.

Something happened.

Hobby916
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December 21, 2022 7:34 am

From what I have heard from James Ham is that Holmes is late to his spots, late to react on defense, which causes a breakdown in the system for everyone else. I don’t think the system works for his style, and changing the entire offense when he enters the game probably is not something the team wants to do.

Holmes might have value to a team that thinks his style of play will benefit them and their style. He just does not seem to fit the direction the Kings are going in right now.

Last edited 1 year ago by Josh Hobson
rockbottom
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December 21, 2022 11:13 am

Holmes is the best option . Adjust the Offense the few minutes he plays . High screen rolls and let him use his 6 fouls . He is the most physical and best and switching on wings ( not good but far better than the others ).

Greg
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December 21, 2022 7:34 am
Reply to  Adamsite

It seems from Brown’s postgame comments that his pet peeve is fouling. Holmes is averaging 5.4 fouls per 36 minutes this season (Queta was much worse, currently at 10.8 per 36). Metu, by comparison, is at 3.7 fouls per 36 which is lower than any season in Holmes’ career. (Part of that is that Metu doesn’t contest enough at the rim, probably why Brown moved away).

RikSmits
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December 20, 2022 9:08 pm

I think part of the problem is that Brown apparently wants the backup to fill Sabonis’ role, instead of playing to that backup’s strength.
Holmes can play, if you put him in a situation to succeed. I don’t think that is happening.

AnybodyButBagley
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December 20, 2022 9:18 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Holmes needs to play somewhere. When they picked up Sabonis the team moved on from him.

andy_sims
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December 20, 2022 10:43 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

I agree with you. If you run a pick & roll to play to Holmes’ strengths, I think he’d give you enough scoring to not get huge holes when Sabonis rests. Holmes just isn’t big enough to bang with the bigger centers, but oddly enough, he is a pretty decent perimeter defender, and ought to be serviceable in a switching defense.

That said, I think if Len had been available, he’d have given pretty good minutes when needed. He’s certainly big enough to protect the rim, and is actually a deft passer. If he’s switched onto smaller players, it probably ends badly, but I’d guess he’ll get a tryout once he’s back and ready.

The alleged terribleness of Holmes’ contract is overblown, and there is a market for him, just as there’s always been. It’s definitely a buyer’s market, though, and teams are less in dire need of making a move so early in a season, particularly while there’s so much parity.

We could use someone now, but I’m doubtful that many deals are available at the moment.

RAP87
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December 21, 2022 11:01 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Looks like DMC fits that bill in filling that role when Sabonis is out.

Wouldn’t shock me if we would see a DMC to the Kings reunion.

rockbottom
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December 21, 2022 11:17 am
Reply to  RAP87

Cuz fits none of those things . If you want to see a developing team destroyed than he is the guy . Malone even decided a No on him !

RikSmits
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December 21, 2022 11:18 am
Reply to  RAP87

I was so happy that no-one suggested a return of DMC.

Pass, like 29 other teams.

L-Train3.1
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December 21, 2022 12:28 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Well, actually, I did. Dearest DeMarcus would be perfect.

AnybodyButBagley
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December 21, 2022 5:08 pm
Reply to  RAP87

Cousins is a known quantity to Brown and this organization. DMC’s true talent is burning every bridge he touches.

SelecaoKOJ
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December 20, 2022 9:49 pm

The front office has done a great job recently. Signing Holmes to 3/36 was not a wise or smart decision. It will be very difficult to unload his contract.
Unless the Kings entertain moving Barnes, this team has no assets. No picks. Players like Len, TD, Queta, Lyles, Metu have minimal value around the league. If you’re willing to part with Murray, Huerter, and/or Monk. That might change the dynamic of what the Kings can go after.

The best hope is to pick up someone like Drummond. Noel, PJ Washington, etc.

SmallBallReject
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December 21, 2022 3:08 am
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

While Drummond, Noel, PJ Washington mkay be better than our current back up C options I would only be willing to give up our current back up C’s for any of them, not other assets. As with your current back up Cs you will need to run a different offence with Drummon, Noel, Washington, … which you could probbaly just as a easily (though it may not be very easy) do with Holmes, Len, Metu, …

HongKongKingsFan
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December 20, 2022 10:05 pm

Mike Brown need to play Alex Len.

I don’t care if he can run the floor.

Len got the size to stand in the paint and not letting opponent drive easily.

Also, Len can grab rebound.

andy_sims
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December 20, 2022 10:44 pm

He does all of this and more, when he’s not listed as inactive, as he’s been so much recently.

SmallBallReject
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December 21, 2022 2:19 am

“while trying to follow the gameplan” unless Jokic is available there will not be a C who can follow the same gameplan they use with Domas. Holmes, Len, Metu, perhaps also Neemi can be serviceable backup Cs with a gameplan adjusted to their abilities and shortcomings.

SmallBallReject
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December 21, 2022 3:14 am

PS Demarcus Cousins is probably somebody available who could play a similar role as Domas 6-8 minutes per half. Though I appreciate(d) Cousins’ talent and to a limited extent his passion, I don’t know if any NBA team, much less SAC with the history, wants to work with some of Demarcus’ rough edges (to put it mildly).

rockbottom
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December 21, 2022 11:20 am

We know that teams that need centers that had him no longer have any interest . Good clue !

SmallBallReject
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December 21, 2022 3:24 am

I think the headline makes most sense if you add “on the Kings’ current roster”. I don’t see trading for a back-up center as a sensible move.

TheBaker
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December 21, 2022 7:18 am

I thought Damian Jones played backup C excellently, and brought energy no matter how small the minutes. Shame to see him riding the pine in LA.

Kosta
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December 21, 2022 8:25 am
Reply to  TheBaker

Agreed.

eddie41
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December 21, 2022 10:01 am
Reply to  TheBaker

Davion has a good rapport with him also.

Putthegundown
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December 21, 2022 10:09 am
Reply to  TheBaker

Definitely a dumb move to let him leave.

andy_sims
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December 21, 2022 1:11 pm
Reply to  Putthegundown

Crazy that an unrestricted free agent can just do whatever he wants.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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December 21, 2022 1:47 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

Yup, and the fact that the Kings already had Sabonis, Holmes, and Len under contract. There really is no point in having a 4th center when your best player is going to average 35+ plus at that position.

eddie41
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December 21, 2022 10:19 am
Reply to  TheBaker

If he fits coach Brown’s system, it would probably be simple to get him back.

HandOfTheKings
December 21, 2022 10:51 am

comment image&ct=g

billoddity
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December 21, 2022 11:29 am

I think they need a legit power forward more than another center. This team has a bunch of tweeners, role players and small forwards play the 4 position. A Webber to Sabonis’ Divac would make this team incredible.

jwalker1395
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December 21, 2022 11:47 am
Reply to  billoddity

Who says no?

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L-Train3.1
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December 21, 2022 12:24 pm

Boogie is right there, ready and waiting.

RAP87
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December 21, 2022 1:17 pm
Reply to  L-Train3.1

He’ll be a King on the February 2023 trade deadline.

Bluejohn
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December 21, 2022 5:47 pm
Reply to  RAP87

Or he could be signed as early as Jan 5th (?) when teams can begin to sign players to 10 day contracts.

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