It’s difficult to look at the success of the Phoenix Suns this season and not think about how over the last decade they were driving in the slow lane right alongside the Sacramento Kings. After all, they both went years with no playoff appearances, several missed draft picks, a couple of good draft picks, both passed on Luka Doncic (sorry I had to), no real impact trades, and ultimately didn’t inspire much hope for their respective fan bases.
It has been the Suns and Kings fighting for a decade to be the ruler of the bottom feeders and competing for the higher draft pick. The Suns finished with a 34-39 record last season. The Kings finished with a 31-41 record.
It all changed last offseason when the Suns swapped Ricky Rubio for Chris Paul. (They also signed Jae Crowder.)
Paul is an 11-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive player, four-time assist leader, and six-time steals leader, 2006 Rookie of the Year, among other accolades. So yes, CP3 is a great basketball player. And he joined a squad that already had talent in Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and the surprising Cameron Payne. We knew the Suns would be better, but this level of success has been eye-opening.
Adding Paul under the coaching of Monty Williams catapulted the Suns to a 51-21 record and a trip to (at least) the Western Conference Finals. Though his status moving forward is now in question because he is in COVID protocols, the 36-year-old Paul put on a show in the final game in his last game, pouring in 37 points to go along with 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in the series-sealing win over the Denver Nuggets. And he proved throughout the season there is plenty left in the tank averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds. Paul is under control and constantly analyzing his opponent. He knows how to attack poor defenders and take advantage of drop defenses.
He put a once-flailing franchise on his back that has largely the same roster as last season. With Booker able to fill it up in the scoring column and Ayton’s ability to collect double-doubles and protect the rim, it hasn’t been solely Paul’s numbers. A large part of it is simply his presence. Paul’s impact has been defined by Phoenix media as his leadership, production, ability to close and his willingness to hold himself and other on the floor accountable. The Kings haven’t had leadership combined with production and accountability throughout their entire 15+ year playoff drought.
Sure, there have been plenty of guys brought in to mentor the young guys. Go down the list: George Hill, Garrett Temple, Vince Carter, Kent Bazemore. The problem was they weren’t one of the top 3 players on the roster. With Paul, the Suns added a guy who is beyond his prime who can teach young players how to play the game correctly, but also be one of the go-to players throughout a game and in crunch time because well, he’s a future Hall of Famer. He is the second-leading scorer on the team and tied for third in the league in assists this season. Combine that with his long list of accolades (minus a championship, of course) and his vocal nature, and the rest of the team has fallen in line behind him as their leader.
Paul is the identity of the team the direction.
The closest the Kings have come to a rotation player establishing a team identity in the De’Aaron Fox era was Iman Shumpert and his mantra of The Scores, and he averaged 8.9 points and 3.1 rebounds.
So, what can the Kings learn from the Suns quickly shifting into a higher gear and speeding away from them in the fast lane? Well, it is a reminder that things really can turn around that quickly. But maybe it could be emulated? There are no guarantees it is possible or that it would work in Sacramento. The main reason being there aren’t exactly a ton of guys like Chris Paul out there. Additionally, Richaun Holmes could be gone so the front court likely won’t have someone to come close to what Ayton does unless Marvin Bagley can take an enormous leap. Considering the similar paths these two franchises have been on, however, it should be up for discussion. What that would look like is signing a veteran who has experienced some success, has some grittiness, commands respect and still can be one of the top producing players on the roster. Having someone like this to really take De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton to class, provide on-the-court training and kick the entire team into gear might just be what gives the Kings a taste of the playoffs and something to build on in the coming years.
The Kings backcourt is the future and Fox is making great strides, yet the question of leadership is always swirling around him. Haliburton has a ton of upside, but is only 21 years old. Both need to improve on the defensive end, and while Fox can look unstoppable in some games, he has a tendency to not be able to maintain that level of play over long stretches. Someone who has done it consistently and can do it right alongside of these guys could be the answer.
Paying an aging veteran well into their 30s a lot of money and banking on that to propel a cellar dweller instead of another long-term prospect in their 20s might not be the most popular idea among fans. Yet, if it could happen to the Suns, then why couldn’t it happen with the Kings? Well, the Kings don’t exactly have much of history in the making good moves category so that is a good reason. It is also sort of obvious that yeah, signing a great player should solve it all. In Basketball Hell, we aren’t really allowed to dream big like that. In the spirit of hope though, it is at least worth discussing it considering what we are watching go down in Phoenix.
With this being said, let’s take a look at some guys over 30 years old who could fit the mold this offseason for the Kings.
Free Agents
Kyle Lowry The 35-year-old is coming off the final year of his deal and is an unrestricted free agent. He’s an NBA champion, considered a highly intelligent basketball player with leadership qualities and a toughness to his game. He knows how to read opponents and take advantage of their weaknesses, much like Paul. There are rumors about the Miami Heat wanting to add Lowry and there is speculation the Lakers will be after him. Despite his age, he won’t be cheap.
Mike Conley The 33-year-old had some injury issues this season with the Utah Jazz, but was highly effective and a key part of the successful season for the team. He averaged 16.2 points, 6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals. There are rumors Conley wants to remain with the Jazz, which makes sense. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have max contracts, however, so there could be some luxury tax considerations for Jazz ownership should they want to re-sign Conley. He is an unrestricted free agent.
Goran Dragic At this point in his career, most would not consider Dragic at the level of Lowry and Conley, and certainly not Paul, but the 35-year-old does have a history of success with the Miami Heat and has an NBA championship. After Dwayne Wade retired, Dragic reportedly stepped up how vocal he was with the team to fill the leadership void. He is known to be a good teammate and to speak up when its needed. Last season, he did have some health issues and saw his lowest scoring average (13.4 points) since the 2011-12 season, but managed 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. Dragic has a team option from the Heat next season the final year left on his deal (he’s set to earn $19.4 million). If the team declines his option, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
DeMar DeRozan Stepping off the point guard train for a second, DeRozan is the younger than the above-mentioned guys at 31 years old and is still putting up 21 points per game (to go along with 6.9 assists and 4.2 rebounds). The shooting guard/small forward is clutch and would certainly be one of the top producers on the Kings roster. He saw success with the Toronto Raptors and has been coached by Gregg Popovich for the last three seasons. He is an unrestricted free agent, but given his still highly efficient production, he won’t be cheap.
Chris Paul You may have heard about this guy. He needs to decide soon if he is going to exercise his $44 million player option for next season. Given the success of the Suns, you would imagine they would do what they can to keep him, but maybe Paul has other plans in mind like playing with Fox and Haliburton. Am I right? No? Ok.
Trades
John Wall Risky, risky of course. When you are the Kings you might just have to take big risks though to create the right change. Let’s get the two big problems out of the way: He’s owed $91 million over the next two seasons and only managed to play in 40 games this season. When he played though, Wall looked like his old self averaging 20.6 points, 6.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals. The Houston Rockets are in rebuild mode and likely don’t want to retain that sort of money. Most teams won’t, and it may leave a window open for the Kings to offload the Buddy Hield and/or Harrison Barnes contracts. Wall is often considered Fox’s most comparable player. Worth it for the injury-prone 30-year-old? Maybe, maybe not.
Kemba Walker Risky, risky of course. Oh, and he was just traded from the Boston Celtics to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Maybe the Thunder would want to flip him though? Walker hasn’t really proven to be the guy who can put a team on his back and march them into the playoffs, but he falls into that category of over-30-productive players who need a change of scenery. Going through the rebuild in OKC doesn’t seem like a place where Walker would expect to make an impact. The Kings are though, right? Right? He averaged 19.3 points, 4.9 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.1 steals last season for the Boston Celtics. Of course, it was a disappointing season as he only played in 43 games due to injury and didn’t turn out to be the guy to get the Celtics over the hump. Walker is owed $73 million over the next two seasons (a player option on the last season).
Draymond Green Green certainly does not fit the mold of the other guys on this list in terms of skillset and position, but he is the type of guy who could turn things around for the Kings. With Klay Thompson coming back, chances are the Golden State Warriors want to give Steph, Klay and Draymond one last chance together, but he is also owed $52 million over the next two seasons. Now 31 years old, Green is still a highly efficient basketball player when it comes to defense and understanding how to manipulate opponents. He’s also an extremely vocal leader and a champion. He averaged 7 points, 8.9 assists and 7.1 rebounds this season in 63 games.
To be clear, I’m not necessarily advocating that the Kings try to replicate what the Suns did this season. Mainly because none of the guys listed here are Chris Paul (other than Chris Paul.) Also, because the money and/or trade assets may not check out in deals for a lot of these players. Not to mention signings and trades like this have to really click for them to work and with the dysfunction the Kings have illustrated for over a decade the odds (and luck, and reputation) just aren’t in the team’s favor. I am actually more in the boat of going out and signing/trading for guys like Marcus Smart (though with Walker gone, he might not be going anywhere) who get after it on defense to surround Fox and Haliburton with that sort of mindset.
Whatever the move is, the Kings really can’t afford to miss on a gamble at this point either.
Following the Suns path, if possible, is worth consideration though. And it’s not like the Kings are going to go out and get one of the elite players who are in their prime. The Kings do have assets in their draft pick, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley, Harrison Barnes and Holmes (depending on what happens with him). And the whispers of the big swing-for-fences move have continued around Sacramento. If Fox and Haliburton truly are the future and can be All-Stars then the Kings may already have their guys.
Of course, it is easier said than done, but adding an aging third star who can still produce at a high level and also lead them? Who knows, it might be just what this franchise needs.
I think one of the biggest factors is the Paul/Monty relationship. I don’t think any roster move like what’s being suggested will matter with Walton around. What good is a star mentor mentoring if they’re alone on an island of accountability without the coach’s and FO’s backing?
This is an excellent point.
the Kings answer/need is to get rid of Vivek/Marina/Luke and all. That’s probably the only trade/move that gets Kings moving.
Because teams just get rid of their owners all the time?
I’m not really a fan of the guy’s attitude at times, but Draymond Green is exactly the kind of player the Kings need. He’s an excellent glue guy, makes those around him better, doesn’t demand the ball, wears his heart on his sleeve, is a vocal leader, and is an all league defender. A player like him could do wonders for the Kings and the locker room.
I think the Suns kind of have that guy in Jae Crowder. He’s kind of their muscle and enforcer. Draymond is just a better version of him.
I would have passed on the notion in the past, but I wouldn’t mind if Monte targeted Green in trade. Harrison Barnes alone works numbers wise, but the Warriors would want more.
With all due respect, the likelihood of the Kings replicating the Suns is nearly impossible because Chris Paul is a special player. That being said, Draymond and maybe Conley would probably have the biggest impact of any of the players listed (other than Paul of course). I don’t see how they Kings pull off either move but I’d be happy obtaining Draymond, especially if they can keep Holmes too.
I’m thinking Draymond would cost the Kings a future pick along with Barnes.
There might be others out there that fit that bill. One guy I’ve always liked, if only he could stay healthy, is Justise Winslow. He has a team option at $13M this offseason, but if for some reason they delince, I’d be all for going after him on the cheap this free agency.
I’m with you on that. I don’t think I’d move this year’s pick though. All things considered, I won’t be disappointed if Barnes is moved this offseason (as long as the move makes sense). Looking forward to the lottery on Tuesday, it’s not likely we’ll move up but you just never know!
Agreed. Besides CP3 himself, none of those guys are at Chris Paul’s level. Could they push the Kings to 44 wins and a 7 or 8 seed? Maybe.
Almost all the guys listed are semi-ball dominant point guards. Feels like forcing Hali or Fox to take a backseat for the next year or two probably isn’t super helpful long term, if the return is what is mentioned above. I just don’t see any of those moves really pushing the Kings over the top and mult rounds of the playoffs, based on the Kings current core pieces on the roster.
Absolutely agree. Unless there is an extremely high chance of this team making a Suns-type leap, I don’t see why you’d make a big move to obtain another ball dominate guard that’s also going to cost $$.
Draymond would really give the team a kick in the balls.
putting Draymond with Hield and/or Bagley would not work. Draymond is an anti-hero (one I really like) who does not put up with teammates who take plays off on defense. I think Hield and Bagley sort are who they are. Conflict to the max. So if the Kings make an offer for Draymond, I’d rather keep Barnes and try to do it somehow with Hield and Bagley instead.
I mean, trade Hield and Bagley.
I will try to be realistic.
CP3 is staying with Suns.
Green is staying with duds. and I would not give up a future pick for him. He fits well there but not as well here.
Look asymetrically – don’t try to copy Suns move by move but look at other non PG additional options. CP3 was expendable- OKC was clearing the cupboard. They wanted to dump salary and had intention of wining.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns for four players and a first-round draft pick on Monday. The Suns sent Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque and a 2022 first-round pick to Oklahoma City
– are there other parallel situations out there? Who wants to clear space? Unfortunately, Detroit, OKC, Orlando and Houston have dumped everybody already. Look for SF, PF and C, not PG.
I like the idea of Dragic. I think he plays in a manner where aging and losing a step is less noticable.
I also think that he’s a perfect fit for the Mavs.
Also like the idea of Bringing in Dragic. He earned his chops playing behind Steve Nash. I actually really wanted the Kings to draft him in the second round his draft season – go figure.
This is Jimmy Butler
He has the grit/leadership to fill in at the wing
Don’t need another PG
Agreed that we don’t need a PG. What this team needs in my opinion is toughness and grit, much like Butler but at the frontcourt positions.
Holmes is all heart and energy but sadly he’s too small. We needed that big (not Whiteside) who can lay some wood. That was Alex Len. And we needed that wing who can scrap and be a pesk. That was Bazemore. And we let both go for the minimum and for Whiteside/GR3. Both Len and Baze are available again this offseason.
Some older 4s who could be available, which I think would be the starting spot best used to occupy the enforcer role are PJ Tucker (aging vet yes, but gotta start somewhere), James Johnson (a healthy version this time), a trade for Larry Nance. Marcus Smart as the 3rd guard please. For a 5, the aforementioned Len or Steven Adams who I believe is gonna be way cheaper than his last huge contract.
Also, Vivek can finally get Andre Iguodala as he’ll probably have his player option declined.
****correction***
I forgot Adams signed an extension with the Pelicans, so no go.
But Buddy and Bagley for Adams and Hart (sign and trade) please.
Yes please on Josh Hart!
Paul is a singular talent far superior to the rest mentioned. Beyond the relationship with the coach, the positional diversity he walked into on the roster and the exceptional injury circumstances that likely aided this Suns run, non of this was clearly projectable or likely. Its a result I think informed by how the season played out for many contenders, and the singular player at the helm possibly being the greatest at his position not named Curry ever.
This strategy is entertained because similar to the Suns we have an erratic owner and are often poor at commiting to an ethos in team construction that reflects our league position and likely record. But mimmiking the approach with a chasm of separation in player is more of a dart throw than tanking for the number one pick. Let alone less assuring longterm. As even in the Suns case the ways they will leverage this into repeated success is filled with unknowns as much as in how long Paul can keep this up.
This team can say playoffs but without more moves beyond adding one of these names, its still a rebuild. They are more likely to be in the bottom 10 than the top 16. Its decisions should maximize that fact.
OT: Someone is going to overpay for Cameron Payne this summer, and it had better not be the Kings.
So weird watching our brothers in misery, Suns and Clips, play in the WCF. Meanwhile, we’re getting the band back together for one more 30 win season.
Maybe the whole band comes back. Holmes’s agent is going to have the come to Jesus talk with him. He will see the light and leave. More assets gone for nothing in return.
And this is why, yet again, it is so hard to be a Kings fan.
If Holmes goes, good for him.
Love Holmes and many other players on this team.
But as long as this team is run by morons, part of me hopes my favorite players go to greener pastures.
Holmes would be great in Dallas, Charlotte, Miami.
And if he goes there, I’d be happy for him, and I wouldn’t feel bad for the Kings/Vivek.
Holmes would be a great fit in Miami.
Like you, hate that the Kings might lose him but, I hope he has a bright future somewhere.
Look at the game today…not even about CP3. They went 8-0 in the bubble and have an absolute superstar in Booker. They also have the perfect playoff roster. Guys can all switch, shoot, put the ball on the floor and play defense. It’s not about finding Paul it’s about finding Bridges, Johnson, Payne and internal progession.
Not saying CP3 isn’t amazing – he is! Just that they were already tracking to be a really solid team…we…are not. We’re going to be worse next year (relatively if nothing else). No cap space and no real assets to try and flip (assuming we’re trying to keep our “core” and not blow it up). Maybe Wright but he’s not moving the needle for anyone.
Agreed, CP3 has been the icing on the cake that was already a solidly constructed roster. IMO, they would have been a playoff team without him and they just might be a title contender with him.
Remember three years ago or thereabouts when Booker was perceived as a guy that put up stats but would never be a bonafide star? Pepperidge farm remembers. It’s ass boggling how fast the Suns and Hawks have turned things around.
I feel the same way.
The Suns have a dynamic team. I think Paul puts that dynamism to action.
I’m surprised at how many teams have regressed to isolation offenses in the playoffs.
The Jazz were quite dynamic in the regular season, but lost a lot of their dimensions in the playoffs (probably because of Conley going down).
But the Suns look really good. They pass, they change up their offense. They have an assortment of role players with unique strengths.
Adding a Chris Paul to the Kings will not turn them into the Suns.
First off thanks for the article Blake. I literally
only have a rooting interest in this site not so much the Kings anymore.
As far as a move the kings need to do to emulate the WCF version of the suns. Basically start over and draft better and make smart moves from the start.
One quasi star past his prime or some disgruntled star that takes too much to get here is just a lateral move.
Basically why I have zero interest in the product going forward is the fact that we know thru actions not words that the goal is the 10th or 8th seed. That is all. It’s all about breaking the shit streak not actual structural change that it takes to become an actual basketball franchise.
We are a small market team but it’s being run like a g league team. Until they get the ð¤ð¼-con to realize that he’s a really really shitty GM. And give over all control and decisions, to anyone other than himself. And hire competent people not yes men top to bottom. Until then it’s a ride we all know the end of already.
This a thousand times.
The sad thing is, I believe that a sizeable part of the fan base will also see that as success and celebrate it as such. And ownership and the FO will slap each others back and congratulate themselves for a job well done and hold the course…
None of the top tier talent will come. They all know who runs this franchise and how it’s run. I can’t blame them either.
If acquiring Chris Paul is the secret to success, why didn’t the Kings have the foresight to try and trade for him too? I find it hard to believe that the Suns roster was THAT much better than the Kings, and had that many more significant trade pieces (than the Kings). Can someone please explain….
They drafted, signed and traded better. SImple as that. They flipped Ariza for Oubre and then Ourbre in package for CP3. They signed Crowder to a steal of a deal. They drafted Ayton, Johnson, and Bridges in just the past 3 years. Those three alone are better than any combination of drafted Kings in the past decade.
They built a team around their star in Booker.
Their cap sheet is clean. They currently sit at 20th in payroll going forward with every key contributor sans Payne and and Craig going forward.
There is a reason why their GM just won executive of the year.
Bravo.
Thanks. So to put it lightly the Kings aren’t anywhere near emulating the Suns. Embarrassing…….
I hear DeMarcus Cousins is available.
I would actually like that if the Kings decide to keep Bagley around. Bagley might actually learn some post moves from him.
Two players standing on the offensive side of the floor waiting for the other team to score is not going to help.
The only minor difference with these two situations is Chris Paul actually wanted to work for that organization.
Marty, are you okay?
I think there might be a problem with the execution of this idea, no one on that list is as good as Chris Paul, so you’d be chasing an improbability with a lesser player.
Grow through the draft, if we have a chance to snag a star due to strange circumstances then great, if not. Keep building through the draft.
No aging vet please, CP3 is unique.
Simple offseason:
Trade Buddy to NYK for Knox and Dal 1st (21st).
Sign Derrick Jones Jr 4/44
Sign Holmes 4/52
Draft Sengun at 9
Draft Isaiah Jackson at 21
Roster:
Fox, Wright
Hali, Davis
Barnes, DJJ
Bagley, Jackson
Holmes, Sengun
Respectfully disagree with you.
There is no way to sign DJJ for over $10Mil, and you suggest the FO to sign him for 4 years?
I would rather keep Mo Harkless for cheap.
However, I like you idea of trading away Hield.
I’d love to get him for 6-7 per but don’t think that happens(specifically in sac). I think his defense is there and it’s much easier to improve the outside shot than develop defense, plus he plays a premium position. I think he could replace Barnes the following year as our starter at the SF.
I mean, that’s definitely a roster that would have us in the fast lane to *checks notes* 31 wins! So I suppose that’s probably what they’ll do or something like that.
Hate to tell you this. That’s not a playoff team in a healthy West. Sorry. It’s just not. a 9-10 sure. Bounce after a couple games and they extend Walton 3 more years for getting the playin.
Who are they leapfroggin to get in the Top 8, Realistically?
Denver? No. Clippers? No, Utah? No, Lakers(Healthy)? No, Portland? No, Memphis? No, Dubs(Healthy)? No, Suns? No, Dallas(Healthy)? No, and probably not even a healthy Twolves team.
Plus, paying over 90 mil for 4 players on a non-playoff team is just Kangz and Dumb. So, that’s probably exactly what they’ll do.
I never claimed it was a miracle fix to the playoffs, but it locks down young players with good potential to be ready for the all in at some point.
I’m not someone that wants to mortgage the future for a 6-8 seed spot for a year or two.
Kno to Knox.
make note he isn’t in my top 10 for the roster, I just think NYK will want us to eat the 6 mil to get the 1st from them
Ben Simmons has issues, but trading for him would probably help the Kings if the price is low enough (trading Fox or Hali would be too high of a price).
I would trade Hali for Him. I think Simmons needs a change of scenery. I don’t see Hali’s ceiling as All Star. Sorry, I don’t see it. A nice player. But, a real Alpha Dog Number 2 on a playoff team. No. Not saying Simmons is either. He definitely didn’t show up enough against Atl.
If Simmons doesn’t fix his shooting issues, I think Hali will be better than him long-term.
Fun Fact for everyone laughing about Simmons’ shooting:
Simmons’ TS%, with the exception of his rookie season (.557 TS%) has always been better than the highest TS% reached by Fox (.565 TS%, this season).
Refusing to take any shot other than a dunk or a layup will certainly help TS%. If Simmons was playing forward (or small center) this would be something yo could work with; as a point guard, not so much
Certainly, volume does come into play. Simmons takes 15 shots per 100 possessions, and Fox is nearly double (26.2 per 100).
Still, I think there’d be better balance at both ends of the floor with a Haliburton-Simmons pairing than Fox-Haliburton. I think Haliburton could fill some of the vacuum of Fox’s absence.
He may have reached a point where he won’t even go for dunks & layups. There was a play where the only player between Simmons & the hoop was Young. Instead of dunking it over him, Simmons passed the ball.
I think he may have reached that point with that particular roster under that particular coach.
TS% based on not actually shooting ! He is a guard not Wilt or Shaquille !
I do like the idea of him as a power forward here in a faster offense. He definitely needs to add floaters or a middy for next season. My only worry is come playoffs, the paint will be locked down.. That said, if we offer Buddy straight up and they take it, I’d do that.
(Dreaming here) People have been saying we are a lock for Cade lol…
Fox, Wright, Ramsey
Hali, Davis
Cade, Barnes
Simmons, Metu, Woodard
Holmes, Jones
That lineup just seems tooo good to be true to buy in as a Kings fan. I won’t get my hopes up lol
How hilarious. Kings fans here would turn on any of those listed in a heartbeat. Move on to the next subject. The Kings are not a franchise that interests winners. The fans are too cowardly to demand it.
It’s moot. Kings don’t have a chance at most of those players regardless. Maybe, Dragic and Wall. But, they have both been so injury prone the past 3 years, it’s not even worth it.
Rational and reasonable observation
Keep Haliburton. Everyone else is on the table. I could see Ben Simmons being “banished” here. If you can buy low, then buy low.
I think Shaq is right…he needs to be aggressive and attack the rim, and if he
can do that, he’ll make the Kings better.
SImmons should have been option 2 at worst. Esp, when Embiid was out. I mean he was awful tonight. 4 shots in 36 min? Cmon. I realize he rebounded well, assited well. But, cmon Big Man. If you’re taking it to the hole with that 6’11 athleticism and explosiveness, Who’s stopping you.? Brown should be ashamed, as well. Play to the man’s strengths. Sure, he can’t shoot outside 10-15 feet. But who the hell is going to stop that guy if he’s coming at you full speed? Crazy mismanagement.
If you’re talking about Brett Brown, he was fired after last season. Doc Rivers coached Philly in these playoffs. The problems w/Simmons weren’t just about the offensive scheme. There was a play where the only player between Simmons & the hoop was Young. Instead of dunking it over him, Simmons passed the ball.
That was ridiculous. I literally yelled at the TV, “what the fuck are you doing?”
The smallest guy in the league was the only player near him, and couldn’t possibly have stopped Simmons from putting the ball in the hoop.
I don’t think that Simmons will ever be a good shooter, but this postseason has really shown that this goes beyond lack of proficiency, and gets deep into a mental issue that he is going to have to address. It’s like the yips, but worse, because he’s not even trying to throw the ball to first base anymore, metaphorically speaking.
When your second-best player can’t finish the game for you, that’s far too big of a problem to go unaddressed. I really hope he can figure out how to get past the block he has.
Are you kidding me? Getting Simmons during an overreactionary dip like this is precisely what this franchise has to do. It’s how it got Webber, and the only way any All-NBA talent will ever find itself here. Trade Fox for him straight up, move Hali to the starting one (where he belongs anyway), acquire a couple more shooters, and watch a team play hard defense and move the actual ball. Take a fucking real risk for once, or stand by and watch the Lakers do it yet again. Simmons isn’t all of the sudden the biggest POS in the NBA. Holy crap, the small town shortsightedness.
Ben Simmons sucks. He never was a superstar. The overreaction was annointing him a superstar (all-star) in the first place. It is not an overreaction now after his epic fail vs the Hawks, which was not that hard to anticipate
Just like Bogi was exposed as a scarety-cat and lightweight while Young and Huerter sealed the deal gloriously, Simmons was further exposed as an apathetic and highly flawed player. The 76ers have one superstar in Embiid, not two.
You cannot be great in the NBA when you are afraid to shoot. And you cannot be an superior set up man when you cannot use the threat to score to set up your teammates….
This is called Basketball 101.
The ultimate Kangz move would be to trade for Ben Simmons, and give up the farm in the process. Seth Curry was more of an impact player for the 76ers than Simmons, what game were you watching?!
Simmons was afraid to shoot, afraid of the moment, deer in the headlights, and you want to acquire him for Fox, who is equal or better than Trae Young by the way, and will be just as dominant when he gets to the playoffs.
Thank Goodness McGenius is in charge and not you!
Of course this team needs to take a risk, but your do not take “fucking real risk for once….” to use your words for the sake of it, you take a calculated and intelligent risk, one based in prudence and foresight, not the chronic gamblers roll-the-dice mentality…
This is called Common Sense 101.
Now if the 76ers want a package of Buddy and Bagley for Simmons, then we can talk and make him a point forward. Heck I will even throw it Kyle Guy 😉
This is what I was kicking around last night and would I trade Fox in this scenario. Is that giving too much value for Simmons right now? Maybe Fox and earliest second for Simmons and Maxey?
Theres some logic to it for both teams¦still don’t know if I’d have the stones to do that one, but understand the idea of swinging a huge move like this. You would have to really be projecting Hali as being the fulcrum and lead of an offense unless you luck out in draft. Not sure I’m there but maybe¦.
Love that idea. But, it makes too much sense for the Kings. The additions of Maxey, Portis(Unrestricted) and Simmons would put the Kings Top 10 in Defense. I would try to unload Barnes, Bagley and Hield. Free up space to sign unrestricted Gary Trent.
Hali/Wright
Maxey/Davis
Trent/Harkless
Portis/Metu
Simmons/Jones
That’s a damn good defensive team. Not alot of 3 pt shooters. on the floor, though.
I do like the idea of making a play for Bobby Portis. He gives you a ton of positional versatility, and is about as far from a pushover as you’ll find.
I am a big fan of Portis as well, but with year he had and especially if the Bucks make or even win the Finals, he is getting PAID.
A big who defends, shoots, and plays tough? That’s $20 mill per year right there just like Jerami Grant got.
Sadly, out of our price range.
I agree, $20 mil sounds about right for him right now. If the Kings can clear out some money, I think I’d rather throw it at Portis than Holnes, even as much as I love Richaun.
Agree 100%
And it’s obvious. Portis can just do so much more.
Portis is a big old stiff, IMO. And his numbers in Milwaukee this season are a massive outlier to his career. We’d probably get the crap version.
I’d much rather have Holmes, especially at the numbers you’re talking.
Would have to respectfully disagree.
Portis is a better scorer, outside shooter, rebounder (per-36), and can do better handling bruising bigs. Their passing is the same but Portis just has 17-20ppg-10rpg potential.
I love Holmes, but If Holmes is looking for $15 mill and Portis $20 mill?
Also, on your outlier take, I feel it’s a product of Portis finally being coached correctly. He’s had some stinkers.
Portis is 26 and is on is fourth team. It can’t all be coaching.
He’s getting the Giannis bump. Career TS% of under 54% and he’s suddenly 60%? RPM has him as a severe negative on defense, even in Milwaukee. He’s wedged right between Alex Len and Dewayne Dedmon in overall RPM this season, and that was a large improvement over prior years.
I certainly wouldn’t want to be the GM giving Portis $20 million per year to play on their basketball team.
Adding – I wouldn’t be comfortable giving Holmes $15m per year either.
I’d go maybe $10 million per year for Holmes and a Whiteside deal for Portis.
He’s been on 4 teams but he’s played for Fred Hoiberg, who was hated by Bulls fans, David Fizdale and an interim coach in NY and Scott Brooks in a horrible Wizards team last year. Not exactly great situations, so yes playing with Giannis should make him better but that should be true for every player, so you should take a risk on a guy like this to see if he can continue his new style of play.
That just shows our difference in what we value because Portis is a shooting big who has developed a reputation by analysts (Inside the NBA guys) as a good defender on a playoff team. By reputation alone he’s gonna be worth alot.
For Holmes the mid-level starting salary is $9.5 million a year and everyone is already saying he’s gonna ask for a bit more than that so that’s where my $15 million came from. Thats why Kings fans are worried that we won’t be able to resign him unless we shed salary because we can only offer him the mid-level money at this time. Holmes is gonna wait for every dollar and based on his production, I think he’s getting more than $10 mill for sure
We’ll see. Does Portis’ reputation extend outside Milwaukee? Because he’s not statistically close to being a high level defender at his position.
And again, what performance increase he’s had this season is quite possibly Giannis related, since his numbers are a heavy outlier to the rest of his career.
Portis could absolutely pull some dollars on the market, I just hope some other team gives him the offer.
Did you know Simmons is taller than Holmes?
Move Simmons to C and surround him with shooters like any other playmaking center.
On defense he can defend anyone and he’ll outrun the opposing C.
It’s an easy solution that’s made difficult in Philly because of Embiid.
Anyone who says play him at PF is headed down a path of endless frustration.
Seriously, play him like the Heat play Adebayo or Denver uses Jokic. Go small with shooters and versatile wings.
It’s an easy solution. It’s taken the Sixers three years to choose and who knows if they ever will?
Like you said, they’ve basically misused Simmons because they have Embiid. He’d excel in a Draymond Green type roll.
For me that’s only going halfway.
I’d play him at C, and after watching nearly every single game of his career, I would not consider that a liability AT ALL.
I take your word for it, Marty. You know more about the Sixers and Simmons than anyone on this site.
He’s a liability on the perimeter so there is only one place for him.
His entire life he’s bullied smaller defenders and stormed the lane based of his superior athleticism and size. He can’t do that with Embiid down there, so he disappears, or he slips it to Harris who now is doubled by Ben’s defender, and so Harris can’t drive as much because Embiid is there.
Personally I’m heavily biased because I don’t like them building abound Embiid but that’s an unpopular opinion for sure.
>> I don’t like them building abound Embiid
Wait, what?!?!?
I’d prefer a perimeter team with a slop center like Holmes. But again that’s opinion.
In a perfect world I’d trade Embiid for Lillard+, move Simmons to C, then sit back and enjoy the show.
Building around Embiid is better than building around Fox IMO, but I think there’s a ceiling – and it isn’t a ring.
And frankly, for all the talk about Draymond being a real pain in the ass to be around if his team underachieved, Embiid might actually be that type of guy.
Agree with every word. I would trade Embiid if possible, if it were me. To be fair though, if they had a true PG like Chris Paul, they would immediately stop running it through Embiid which would probably reduce his awful turnovers.
The memory of the intense Simmons for Chris Paul discussions in Philly probably are what sting the most today, for me.
One of my friends is a huge Ben Simmons fan. I have told him time and again that they cannot commit to both because Embiid and Simmons dont support each other.
I used to say Simmons and whatever for Beal (prior to Westbrook going there.) You can kill that dream because I dont think Simmons could net him or a Lillard type guard now.
I like the idea of Simmons at C here but we would need a bad ass rebounding PF. Idk where you would look for that.
100% spot on. If we have any opportunity to trade for Simmons without mortgaging our entire future, then we go trade for him.
Simmons is 24 and in a year that was arguably a “down year” for him as the 76ers built their offense more around Embiid (who is a legitimate MVP caliber player) – Simmons still had:
+ 14-7-7 on 58% true shooting and with a 2.4 A/T
+ Was All Defensive First team with a 2.4% steal & 1.7% block rate
+ Was the #17 overall player by RPM
+ Had a 2.7 BPM that was almost 2x higher than any Kings player
+ Had a 1.3 OBPM, which was a career low, but 4th highest on the Kings
Now, because of what really amounts to one bad playoff series, where his limitations were on display, but also greatly exacerbated by a mental block (he took Gallo at will when he wanted, but played too passive) and personnel issues (no Green, meant more lineups with Thybuelle and a 2nd non-shooter) people are greatly overreacting.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t even a pattern, Simmons has been in 6 other playoff series and during them:
+ The 76ers are 16-11
+ He’s averaged 15-9-7 with 1.4 steals
+ He’s shot 57% from the floor and 59% on FTs (65% before this season)
And even in this series, he still played great defense. Trae was much worse against Simmons and while Ben passing on a dunk and his unwillingness to aggressively drive on Gallo was bad, his defense on Trae was great. He had him so bottled up, that the Hawks started running the offense through Huerter at the end.
Yes, you have to design your roster around Ben. He is not someone who just fits seamlessly into any roster design. But he is 100% worth the effort.
And while he clearly had a bad playoff series, people tend to way overreact and often create bad narratives out of small sample size playoff matchups and young men who are still growing as people and players. I still remember when “Kobe wasn’t a leader” until he was, “LeBron wasn’t clutch” until he suddenly was hitting clutch shots en route to rings, “the Warriors were too soft” until they won multiple championships, or even two weeks ago “you can’t win with Playoff P” who is now playing phenomenally and leading the Clippers in the WCF.
Shoot, Giannis is two years older than Simmons and showed tremendous growth this offseason. Simmons is 24 and is getting crucified for his offensive performance. He will never be a great shooter, but it would not surprise me at all if he spent all summer in the gym and came back hitting 70%+ on his FTs and hitting that little FT line jumper that Giannis feasted on when Griffin was playing back too far.
So yeah, if we have a chance to acquire Simmons at any reasonable price, we do it and don’t overthink it. We couldn’t even make the play-in without him. With him, we are a playoff team and if 3-4 years from now we are struggling to make it out of the 2nd round, then we work on fine tuning the roster from there.
I’m sorry but if Brett Brown, Doc Rivers, playing with an MVP in Embiid, playing with a tough teammate in Butler, dealing with national media scrutiny for years and not making it past the 2nd round multiple times has not motivated Ben to look to shoot even twos and of course especially 3s yet in tight playoff games then I don’t think it’s gonna happen ever especially not in little ole Sacramento over here.
Kobe and LeBron were already alphas, and PG has played and performed well in big games before, so alot of his criticism is just recency bias. Simmons in his past two series, vs the Raptors and this series has been relegated to corner cutting and weak side dunk duty. He had the whole offseason after that hard breaking loss to the Raptors to be motivated and get better and then another offseason after missing the whole postseason also year to work on that free throw jumper and nada.
Ben is great on a playoff team but like Draymond last year, he’d be exposed even more on a team devoid of talent like the Kings.
I dont think Walton would be the guy to do this but Simmons would have to reinvent himself. He is an afterthought in the half court for Philly. He actually set some good screens in the PnR during these playoffs too. If he learned a floater, took some hook shots, and played more like a traditional big, he could still be better.
I am looking at the Thad Young/Lamar Odom type comps but Simmons is more fluid and faster. The way he played defense in these playoffs was fun to watch too.
That’s the thing. He has all the mid range stuff in his arsenal, the hook, short fadeaway, floater, everything, it all was there in the regular season, but yep, his confidence is shot and to me That’s 50% of a player right there. A player who needs to be motivated vs a player who has that already engrained in him.
I want no part of Simmons. He’s Wiggins 2.0. Confidence wise not talent wise.
I think Simmons has a confidence issue, but I think some of this is on the coaching staff.
Regardless, I think a lot of the talk about Simmons right now focuses on what he can’t do and specifically what he can’t do at only one end of the court. It’s also fun to hear fans who really don’t know pontificate on players’ offseason work habits.
I don’t think Philly’s braintrust is dumb enough to fire sale the guy based on fan outrage, but if they do, I hope McNair is smart enough to get in the mix.
Honestly Philly is a different beast. Fan opinion does matter there, in my mind I understand if you see differently.
But even the organization should see that they put everything into Ben. They coulda had Harden, and Ben let them down. Maybe they actually do wanna cut bait.
Houston’s owner nixed Simmons for Harden, so that wasn’t an option.
I hope McNair is watching too. If we could pair him with Fox and Hali, I would be excited.
I know he passed on that dunk and only shot 4 times but he still had 13 assists, 8 boards, and played great defense.
I think if you can move Fox for him, you could pull an additional asset and really balance out the roster a bit. I don’t see the Kings going that route, but not sure how else they pull Simmons and his large salary.
From a $ perspective, trading Bagley & either Hield or Barnes works (though I assume the Kings would have to include their 1st rounder to even have a shot at getting Simmons).
Hield for Simmons works on TradeNBA and they save 10M. If we need to, add picks or salary filler? Wright?
At the very least.
Totally agree Landing.
Simmons is not Webber at the point Webber was traded for.
As much as Kings fans complain about the intricacies of the team and each player’s flaws (I do it too), I find it hard to believe Ben Simmons would not get the same hate he’s getting now from Philly here in Sac and especially on TKH.
And fans would be longing for a closer or someone who would want to take that last shot and we should just ignore the fact that that was Fox all year? Should we hope that Hali becomes that guy when it actually looks like he is LeBron-lite in that he’ll make the right play but won’t force a shot, which is not a critique at all?
Give Fox what Morant, Mitchell, or Trae has and he’d be getting same love.
I wouldn’t trade Fox or Hali for Simmons due to Simmons’ flaws, but adding Simmons would help the Kings since they had 1 of the worst defenses in NBA history last season.
Of course. But yup, just not for Fox or Hali
IF the Kings were to land #4 and Suggs fell into their laps, or Davion Mitchell was there from them at #9, would you then move Fox for Simmons?
Yikes that’s so specific because 1st of all Suggs isn’t getting past 3 imo, but if he did, I’d take him as BPA and trade Delon and/or let TD walk, and worry about the guard rotation in future, but no I would not trade Fox for Simmons.
Mitchell is an even harder pass because if I didn’t do it for Suggs why would I do it for Mitchell?
Now would I trade Haliburton for Simmons? I would. I love Hali, but their ceilings are the same imo. Ben has already reached his, and what Hali brings in shooting, Ben will trump him in defense. So why not take the proven commodity rn who can guard 5 positions?
I know I value Fox higher than most here but Fox is best Kings player I’ve seen be developed here who didn’t have an attitude problem. I was too young for the glory years.
I value Fox on the level of Trae, Ja, and Spida. I just think having a scoring guard like Fox, sets us up for years to come. He just needs pieces around him.
I’d be comfortable with Hali as the primary, but I think Fox’s 4th quarter prowess is a bit overstated. Maybe with Simmons in tow, your defense either puts you comfortably ahead in the 4th – and perhaps you aren’t getting smoked at home by Washington, Detroit and Minnesota.
I mean, Simmons is apparently this huge liability, but the Sixers were 42-16 when he played this season, 7-7 when he didn’t. 35-22 when he played last year, 8-8 when he didn’t.
The guy’s a three-time All-Star and is now first-team NBA defense for two seasons in a row – and fans of one of the worst defensive teams in league history don’t like him?
Of course Simmons is gonna have a better record, because he has the better team around him and better coach, so to say he would make THIS team better is a bit iffy for me.
And I see your point but one great defensive player isn’t going to make Buddy better or Holmes and Bagley more effectively in not getting bullied in the paint. Simmons can’t rotate to every shooter, because that’s a team defense type problem. Would we be better defensively? Yes I agree but not by much.
And yes we lost to bad teams, but we also won 7 of 8 multiple times and Fox closed some of those games for us. What Fox does offensively for this team would balance out what Simmons would do defensively in my opinion. So Simmons would be more of a distributer? Fox averaged more assists than Ben this year. Take away shots Fox would get and you’re passing to Buddy, Barnes, Bagley and Holmes. That is not Curry, Harris, Embiid and Danny Green.
The “catch-all” stats rate Simmons as a better player than anyone on the Kings roster, but everyone has a different opinion on the value of those particular numbers.
I’d simply argue that those Philly players you named have been better for having Simmons on the roster, as much as Simmons has benefited from them.
One player statistically made his team better last season (in record, NetRtg, etc) and it wasn’t De’Aaron Fox.
It would be nice to have Fox’s ability to break down a defense in the 4th quarter of a playoff game (I have my doubts that he’d have that type of success against defenses in those situations), but I still don’t see him actually getting us there without additional help.
I disagree. Webber was a one time all-star and 24 years old when he came to the Kings from Washington. Simmons is a 3 time all-star and a first team all-defense and is also just 24. Both needed a change of scenery. I think the comp is pretty fair.
Mmm respectfully disagree with you too.
Webber was a young scoring/passing big in an era that still valued dominant bigs.
Simmons is a non shooting/non scoring PG (he’s not moving to center or PF for anyone in my mind) in an era that values shooting an offense from your ball handlers.
While the accolades are there for Ben, Chris and his skillset were more valuable in his era.
Not saying defense and passing isn’t valuable but for KD, his offense carried the Nets for a must win game, but Ben’s defense and passing cannot do that.
I think the biggest point of the comparison here is looking at making a direct swap out at a position that helps our other players. I think what you’re looking for a player that is a direct upgrade at the same position made available for factors other than what he brings to the court. Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s off-court issues or maybe the team is looking to go a different direction. EIther way, these are the kinds of trades I think you’d have to look at if the players came available, and be willing to include whatever picks you need to sweeten it (other than this years. I’m convinced we’re getting the #1 and Cade Cunningham which changes all of this, but still).
Buddy — CJ McCollum, Bradley Beal, Khris Middleton, Ben SImmons or Jimmy Butler
Bagley — Sabonis, Myles Tuner, Kevin Love, Porzingas or Draymond Green
Barnes — Tobias Harris, Trade for picks and sign DeRozan, another wing I’m missing? Isaac?
The point is this. I don’t want to trade these guys for young potential or middling picks. Take a big swing like Chris Paul, but not for a PG unless it’s Lillard or Doncic, and then I’d give nearly ALL the picks for one of those guys. The only things I want to keep locked down are Fox and Haliburton. Otherwise? Let’s shoot high. Maybe this 6 seed! (Jokes)
Would rather have Simmons than Fox as well
Truth be told, one is a legit 3 time all-star and DPOY candidate, the other is neither. It ain’t rocket surgery.
If Philly called and said Fox for Simmons, I’d do it and hand the keys to Hali.
While I agree that Ben is legitimately those things, if the Kings made the playoffs with Ben for the next 4 years, Kings fans would have the same complaints Sixers fans have now. Can’t shoot, benched in the 4th because of free throws, doesn’t have the dog in him.
My opinion is, swap Fox with Morant or Young and the Hawks and Grizzlies are in the same spot with a closer as their lead guard.
Also, trade Fox for Simmons right now and where would the Sixers be? A reminder that Fox eats Trae Young every game and most smaller guards for that matter.
I guess my main point is, how fans are so quick to jettison Fox, when they also constantly complain about the supporting cast and coach around him. Give Fox another All Star and capable vets and role players and then see what happens. Fox is not the issue with this team.
I am not one of those folks that want to get rid of Fox. I do think Fox’s playstyle will translate to playoff basketball a lot better. Look at Booker and CP3, they are thriving in the mid-range game and to me, Fox has that.
Simmons has to have incredibly low trade value. A max contract, questionable motor, and ZERO jumpshot. I do think if he came here and played in a faster environment without a big like Embid in the middle, he would play better. I like him as a PF in the half court and a monster in transition.
A pairing that would be good would be Alex Len at C. My favorite would be Brook Lopez. Myles Turner would be fantastic on paper.
Definitely agree that Simmons would look even better on a fast team, but again, in the playoffs where everything slows down, the problems will remain the same.
Much like Giannis is still learning to score in a more half court style. But one thing is different, Giannis keeps shooting, but Simmons has given up already.
Giannis is a different breed! I have never seen someone back up and then run full speed at the defender lol.. Simmons will def need some of that tenacity and he has shown it before but in the regular season.
This is also why I think Simmons value has to be low. A swap of him and Buddy would do wonders for both teams.
It would take a hell of a lot more than Buddy to get Simmons. His value isn’t that low.
I would add the pick if we dont move up. IDK, that team is cap strapped and Simmons is owed a lot of money. I liken it to the Arenas/Lewis trade or Wall/Westbrook. Maybe I am really low on Simmons but the jumpshot is really important to me.
Exactly, Giannis is a whole nother level.
Which means Ben would continue to stand no chance against smart half court defensive coaches.
“Sure, there have been plenty of guys brought in to mentor the young guys. Go down the list: George Hill, Garrett Temple, Vince Carter, Kent Bazemore. The problem was they weren’t one of the top 3 players on the roster. With Paul, the Suns added a guy who is beyond his prime who can teach young players how to play the game correctly, but also be one of the go-to players throughout a game and in crunch time because well, he’s a future Hall of Famer.”
THIS and precisely THIS. I remember having the same exact argument on these boards a few months ago about bringing in an aging all-star level talent to mentor the Kings. This is an absolute must to build a winning culture. Perhaps the Kings could flip Bagley or sign one in the off-season.
“In particular with New York and Phoenix both teams brought in a wealth of veteran knowledge with Derrick Rose and Chris Paul respectively. Suddenly both teams start winning when they’re brought aboard. Both were also learning how to win and young teams.” Kings players don’t need to learn to win – The Kings Herald
I mentioned above in a reply that the main issue is the obviously lack of toughness in our personnel and offered a few players that could come in to change that.
Now to problem 1B. Buddy needs to go. Can’t dribble out of a paper bag, plays soft on D and on O. The epitome of a finesse player who should be coming off the bench as a 6th man. I was really hoping for a Buddy for Horford deal since they need the shooting but OKC was smart to take the 1st rounder. Moving on.
Buddy for Derrick Jones and Zach Collins if Powell leaves and they make a move off McCollum to get a different Robin for Lillard.
Buddy, Bagley and 2022 1st rounder for Porzingis and Tyrell Terry. He’s still a unicorn. Just gotta bet on health. A good bet when you’re trading a specialist and a walking injury as well. The ’22 pick will hurt but the time to hope for hits on picks is running out for some. Also, Bagley and Luka LOL
Buddy for Kevin Knox and 2nd rounders. If anyone can get Buddy to play defense it’s Thibs. If not, Thibs has always and valued no defense shooters like Korver, McDermott, and Bullock and has done well. If and when they do strike out on FAs this summer, they’ll need to fill out the roster with a Buddy type.
Buddy, Bagley and 2022 1st rounder for TJ Warren, Jeremy Lamb and Goga Bitadze. Bitadze is not overtaking Sabonis and Turner. Warren will be getting PAID after this season and Indiana has other priorities.
Buddy and Bagley for Gary Harris and Mo Bamba. Disappointments for disappointments.
Buddy and Bagley for Josh Hart (sign and trade) and Steven Adams. Soft and fragile for toughness and rebounding? Yes please.
I like your trade idea for Steven Adams.
Barnes for Kuzma + Harrel
Hield for Knox and two second picks
Do it Monte!
Kuzma is the opposite type of player we need, high volume shooter and poor defender.
Louie King is better than Knox at 1/5th of the price. And Knox is another guy not interested in defending.
That there are people out there who like Kuzma is so odd to me. Dude is LA hype and not much else.
I would pretty much stop watching entirely if this organization made a serious effort to acquire Kuzma or Knox, especially at the magic beans prices you’ve suggested. Kuzma can score, but is crap defensively, and Knox, simply put, isn’t an NBA player.
NY has multiple 1st rounders in 2021. I’d rather have one of their 1st round picks and draft one of Edwards, Boston, Mann.
Interesting read, and presentation of possibilities. As you said, it’s tough to try and make a one-to-one comparison of the two franchises, or any two for that matter. Booker is a scorer who doesn’t have a decent counterpart in Sacramento, but there are other definite similarities.
Of the possible go-get-em candidates, I think I like Derozan and Draymond the best. They both can play at the wing, with Derozan also getting time at SG, and Draymond playing PF and even center in some lineups. Either would bring toughness and solid defense, and each should have a number of productive seasons left in the tank.
My assumption is that a deal for Green would involve HB heading out, and I doubt he’d object to relocating back to the Bay Area. With Klay coming back and Curry healthy, it would likely put Barnes on a playoff team from jump. If Barnes is to go, I’d prefer to do right by him if at all possible.
Conley could be another possibility, but I’d put him a step or two below Green & Derozan, mainly because he doesn’t plug a positional hole in the current roster. For the right deal, you could do a lot worse than having him in-house.
The Wall deal doesn’t work for me unless we get some really solid assets back, like CWood, and/or a number of first-rounders. If you’re committing to Wall for another two years, it’s essentially a concession that you don’t expect to make the playoffs, since he’s often injured, and isn’t even as good as Fox at this point.
Suns are a lot different. They went years with no pg. then all of the sudden, added Rubio and improved. Then upgraded to Paul who finally tied it all together. (good mention of Crowder also who has been a winning player his entire career) Kings already have three point guards. They should look to improve but the solution will probably be different. Draymond would be a nice addition.
Random thoughts, if the Kings are ever going to grow its optimistic at best find leadership via trade or in a veteran free agent. Chris Paul is the exception rather than the rule
The young talent on this roster has to decide that they are sick of being regarded as after thoughts, soft and losers. Yeh I get the need to sign veteran free agents who are professionals, like Garrett Temple, and Kent Bazemore, and not guys who quit on the team when they lose a few games Trever Ariza, and George Hill.
I saw someone suggested a Draymond Green deal, I think he is almost a unique fit with the Warriors, if he played for the Kings they would need him to score and I’m not sure he could do that, and I don’t think the lack of culture could deal with his personal style
If only the Kings could get Simmons for Bagley and Hield, I’d love to know what the 76ers will be offered for him if he is indeed available
If looking at the Kings roster if you were to magically add some good NBA star players it would bump Fox and Halliburton down and the talent roster. How many star players would it take to make the Kings a reliable playoff team?
Don’t think Dragic is an NBA champion but I get the point being made.
I’m not really a fan of spending a bunch of money on another point guard.
I do, however, like the idea of Derozan or Draymond being the type of vet we bring on. Defenders who can play a specific role on offense would be great at the right price.
Obviously for Derozan we’d need to clear space somehow – and he probably would rather go to a team with a real chance to win. But worth a shot.
Badge Legend