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The Sacramento Kings need a new backup point guard

The current depth behind De'Aaron Fox isn't cutting it.
By | 83 Comments | Sep 7, 2020

Credit: Kimani Okearah

The Sacramento Kings are only one season removed from Cory Joseph’s lucrative $37 million contract and only one unequivocal conclusion remains: Sacramento needs a new backup point guard. 

The notion of signing a backup guard for $37 million definitely needs additional context. De’Aaron Fox is the centerpiece of this roster, so committing a significant sum of money to his backup forces you to analyze the move more critically. Why would the Kings splash such cash for a backup?

When Joseph initially put pen to paper last summer, I felt optimistic that his defensive identity and intensity would diversify the backcourt. The Kings typically don’t house solid-to-elite defenders, so when a player of Joseph’s caliber booked his flight to Sacramento, how could I not be intrigued? Based on Joseph’s previous seasons, he established himself as a premier perimeter defender. The potential influence that Joseph could’ve bestowed upon Fox would have seen Fox’s defensive development reach new heights. 

Fast forward to the conclusion of another disappointing season, Joseph’s name makes an appearance on the list of discouraging outcomes from the once-promising campaign. Though Joseph wasn’t culpable for all the stains this season caused, he owned a sizeable slice of the mishaps. 

Joseph didn’t envision a starting role when he signed his contract, but Fox’s early season ankle injury pushed him into that spotlight. The Kings signed Joseph to lift the defense but instead, he became tasked with a weighty portion of the responsibility to keep the team’s head above water until Fox returned. 

Predictably, Joseph’s offensive limitations and substandard pairing with Buddy Hield resulted in an appalling on-court product. Joseph spent 74% of his 1705 minutes running the point, generating 108.3 points per possession which placed him in the 28th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. Not only that, but the offense turned it over 15.2% of the time when Joseph ran the point, ranking in the 27th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. The circumstances were far from favorable for the veteran, but evidently, he wasn’t right for the roster. 

Defensively, Joseph supplied a limited impact. When Joseph was on the floor, the Kings allowed 110.8 points per possession, ranking in the 53rd percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass. Just a season ago with Indiana, his involvement led to the Pacers placing in the 94th percentile with 105.1 points per possession allowed. Indiana certainly had better defenders, but Joseph’s individual numbers declined from last year too. 

Joseph’s steals per game: 1.1 to 0.7

Defensive field goal percentage overall: -1.6% to -0.6%

Defensive field goal percentage on two pointers: -0.6% to 3.7%

Defensive box plus/minus: 1.7 to 0.1

Defensive win shares: 2.9 to 1.1

These numbers include the production, or lack thereof, when Fox returned as well. Joseph distinctly struggled, but the shallow depth behind him didn’t help Sacramento either. 

Yogi Ferrell, as fun as the name chant is, has seen his production steadily dwindle since his days at Dallas. Sure, his minutes have fallen too but it’s not a shocking consequence when you analyze it. There’s no need to lay all of Ferrell’s numbers out as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the ones worth highlighting aren’t satisfying. 

Now seeing 10 minutes a game, which were often garbage time minutes, Ferrell scored 4.4 points a game on 42% shooting (3.8 attempts), 30.4% three-point shooting (1.6 attempts) and 1.4 assists. 

Ferrell’s gaping decline in effective field goal percentage stands out the most. Last season, Ferrell had an eFG% of 52.1 that placed him in the 68th percentile, per Cleaning the Glass. This season, Ferrell fell to the 16th percentile with an eFG% of 46.9. Yeah, pretty bad. 

Supplying a sufficient backup behind Fox has become an issue since he was drafted. George Hill wasn’t signed to be a backup right away, but he tumbled to that role anyway and we know how that dilemma unraveled. Last season saw Frank Mason feature in a more prominent role with Ferrell presenting competition, but Mason didn’t look too promising either (naturally, Mason was this season’s G-League MVP). 

Kyle Guy turned in a fantastic rookie season with Stockton, but limited NBA minutes still leaves more questions than answers for the sharpshooting youngster. 

So where do the Kings go from here? 

We won’t have an idea of this team’s direction until a new general manager comes in. Until then, we can only assume Luke Walton will maintain head coaching duties and if last season wasn’t transparent enough, not much will likely change. Joseph probably doesn’t return to form and the same can be said about Buddy Hield and others. 

On the bright side, Ken Catanella’s contract magic allows Sacramento to trade Joseph a little easier, as the final year of Joseph’s contract is partially guaranteed, so it’s essentially an expiring deal. But that will be easier said than done. 

Looking towards the draft

With the Kings slated to pick four times in this year’s draft, there’s a good chance that at least one point guard is selected. 

The Kings could attempt to draft a point guard with the #12th pick as names like Cole Anthony and Tyrese Maxey jump to mind. But the big question with that is should the Kings really be picking a guard when the wing is a more pressing need? If a guy like Devin Vassell or Pat Williams is at 12, surely you pick them instead, right? Especially considering that drafting a point guard would mean them playing backup minutes to start, it may not be the best utilization of that pick (though if Maxey is available, he’s worthy of extra consideration).

Holding three picks in the second round, the Kings would be better suited to take a point guard there. There should be a plethora of options to pick from with names like Malachi Flynn, Cassius Winston, Devon Dotson, Payton Pritchard and more available. I wouldn’t be upset if the Kings utilized two of their second rounders on a point guard either. 

Who’s available in free agency?

Bear with me here. The available names in free agency aren’t the best, but it also doesn’t help that the Kings are massively struggling financially due to the ongoing pandemic. The financial troubles may seriously restrict who the Kings can target. 

Veteran options:

Shabazz Napier, UFA: The 29-year-old veteran held ball-dominant roles during his time with Minnesota and Washington this season. Napier struggled with his shot in Minnesota, but bounced back in Washington with a 3P% of 35.8. Napier also averaged over 10 points per game in 24 minutes, so he could bring an offensive spark. He made $1.9 million this season, so he’ll definitely make more now.

D.J. Augustin, UFA: Augustin has spent the last four years with Orlando, providing quality shooting in the 2017-18 and 18-19 seasons. This year was a slight down year for the 32 year old, but he looks to have one more good contract in him that may scare Sacramento off. Michael Carter-Williams will also be a free agent, so Orlando should be competing to retain Augustin’s services.

Reggie Jackson, UFA: Jackson spent time with Detroit this season before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers later on and is still playing in the playoffs. The nine year veteran still brings good spot up shooting to the table, with an overall 3P% of 39.3 this season. The downside to signing Jackson is you won’t get much effort defensively or someone who can make the right reads with the ball.

Younger options:

De’Anthony Melton, RFA: The second year player is one of the better names available at point guard. He’s spent his two seasons playing for two different teams, but Memphis, an actual young team, holds the leverage of one of their younger assets. Melton finished this season averaging 7.6 points on 40.1% shooting and 28.6% from deep along with 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals. He fares better on catch-and-shoot triples (32.7%), but the 22 year old needs to enhance his playmaking skills to a new level. 

Kris Dunn, RFA: The 26-year-old has four years of experience, but after a solid 2018-19 campaign, Dunn suffered from a down year. His minutes, (30.2 to 24.9), 3P% (35.4, 2.2 attempts to 25.9, 2.1 attempts) and assists (6.0 to 3.4) all decreased. A chunk of that falls on the shoulders of Jim Boylen, so I’m not positive if Dunn will bounce back under Luke Walton. Dunn would provide good perimeter defense as well, with a defensive field goal percentage of -1.5 on three pointers. 

Jevon Carter, RFA: The 24-year-old Phoenix Sun hasn’t experienced a breakout or “prove it” season yet, so that’s something to consider for a more prominent role. But on a positive note, Carter’s shooting percentages look very appealing on paper. He went from 30.3 FG% (4.7 attempts) and 33.3 3P% (2.6 attempts) in Memphis to 41.6 FG% (4.2 attempts) and 42.5 3P% (2.5 attempts) in Phoenix. Both are significant increases, but the attempts don’t make it a significant difference. If Carter can be snagged for cheap, he could be a decent third stringer as he possesses defensive upside too. 

I’ll write deeper dives on each potential target as free agency approaches, but Sacramento’s current backups won’t cut it. If they can somehow get Joseph’s contract off the books this season, it would be a major money-saving move that could allow the team to chase other players.

 

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RobHessing
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September 7, 2020 8:48 am

I would posit that reserve point guard is more important than any wing you’re going to draft at 12. The right reserve point guard, be it Anthony or Maxey or Kira Lewis would probably be 5th-6th in minutes behind / alongside Fox, and would make every player on the roster better by maintaining an up-tempo approach when Fox is out. I just don’t see Williams, Bey, Nesmith, etc. having that level of impact. And I just don’t think that you’re going to fill the void by drafting the next Frank Mason in the 2nd round.

Have I mentioned lately that when it comes to the draft, I know nothing?

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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September 7, 2020 10:22 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Yeah, I could see the Kings drafting a PG with the #12 or even in the second round. I think the issue is still Joseph’s deal. I still fell a Buddy to Philly move could happen. Maybe attach Joseph’s to that deal?

A package of Buddy and Joseph for Horford and Richardson works. Attach any picks where you wish to sweeten the deal. Kings eat Horford’s deal and get a wing in Richardson, then draft a backup PG at #12?

SuperShaka
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September 7, 2020 12:16 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I’ve been wondering if a deal including Buddy, Joseph, and Bjelica would be too much for Horford, Richardson, Mike Scott, the 21st pick rights and Philly’s 2021 1st?
Then draft a wing and a point guard this year, trade Jabari Parker and a mid second rounder or two for an experienced back up PG.

Carl
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September 7, 2020 1:41 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

A package of Buddy and Joseph for Horford and Richardson works. Attach any picks where you wish to sweeten the deal.

But why? Richardson is a middling offensive player at best, and sure, he’s a good defender, but so is Joseph, in theory. Horford to me is dead money. This is what it looks like:

20-21: Horford: $27.5m, Rich: $10.9m. Total: $38.4m
21-22: Horford: $27m, Rich: $11.6m. Total: $38.6m
22-23: Horford: $26.5m

20-21: Joseph: $12.6m, Hield: $24.4m. Total: $37m (Minus $1.4)
21-22: Joseph: $2.4m, Hield: $22.5m. Total: $25m (Minus $13.6m)
22-23: Hield: $20.5m (Minus $6m)
23-24: Hield: $18.6m (Plus $18.6m)

Grand Total: Hield + Joseph: $2.4m less. Obviously Buddy has a number of incentives that likely push his deal over the top in terms of salary, but I don’t see why you make this deal. It doesn’t make the team meaningfully better (IMO) or more flexible financially, and it also doesn’t work as a salary dump.

To even consider the deal, I think the picks have to be specified. I personally don’t think a late first in a bad draft is enough.

Last edited 3 years ago by Carl
Adamsite
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September 7, 2020 3:19 pm
Reply to  Carl

I think Philly would definitely be sending picks to the Kings in that trade. Anyone eating Horford’s deal would need pick compensation.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 8:20 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Yeah, I don’t think anybody is suggesting taking on Horford without being compensated well to do it.

b-merrihew
September 9, 2020 12:39 am

I agree. Philly is in a cap hole. Al Horford is a good player, but anyone that trades for him will be a merciful trade. As in dumping bad contracts to take him off their hands.

shawndeon
September 8, 2020 5:36 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I would take Tyrell Terry at 12. Dude is an elite shooter

eddie41
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September 7, 2020 11:11 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Kira Lewis is intriguing. Malachi Flynn is probably the purest pg in the draft, plays smart basketball like Monte Morris who Denver picked in the 2nd round after Frank Mason. If I were to look at trade possibilities, I like the idea of Lonzo Ball playing with Fox.

anan1234
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September 7, 2020 11:30 am
Reply to  eddie41

I like the Lonzo idea as well. Tough to find a path for him to the Kings though. Interested in seeing what his offer sheets are in free agency.

RikSmits
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September 7, 2020 12:18 pm
Reply to  anan1234

I’d love to have Lonzo Ball here. The tantalizing idea of adding his dad to Bagley senior on the sidelines is must-see television. We should have a Kings reality TV show.

Embrace the clownesque clusterfuck! Go Kongs!

anan1234
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September 7, 2020 1:31 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Yeah Lonzo’s dad has left him alone for a while. They must have had a falling out or maybe Lonzo had a conversation with him telling him to back off and let him do his own thing. Bagley’s dad I might need a refresher on. What’s the problem with him again?

BeTheBall
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September 7, 2020 9:16 pm
Reply to  anan1234

Bagley dad is also a loudmouth who enjoys seeing his name in print. Just not as fame-whorish at Lavar.

cbrody
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September 7, 2020 8:50 am

As I was reading the article I started thinking is there a single player at any of Luke’s three coaching spots that improved when Luke took over?

It’s hard to assign too much credit for his time with the Warriors.

I can’t think of anyone who improved on the Laker rosters. I’d say it’s the opposite. Ingram earned the most improved player the year he gets away from Luke. Pretty sure the same happened with Russell.

I guess you could say Holmes improved but I’m not sure how much credit goes to Luke.

I’d say Buddy is well on his way to winning most improved player for a playoff team next year.

andy_sims
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September 7, 2020 9:19 am
Reply to  cbrody

I’d say Buddy is well on his way to winning most improved player for a playoff team next year.

You’re saying that the Kings will be in the playoffs next year as Buddy bounces back, oh wait I see what you’re saying.

Shit.

CoreyBrewersD
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September 7, 2020 10:39 am
Reply to  andy_sims

So we need to trade him for one year somewhere so he can regain his value? How does that work within the CBA?

SuperShaka
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September 7, 2020 12:20 pm
Reply to  cbrody

Julius Randle comes to mind but that’s about it.

b-merrihew
September 8, 2020 11:56 pm
Reply to  SuperShaka

The Knicks have 3 PGs and they hate them all! Dennis Smith has herniated discs, Elfrid Payton could make the All Star team, if he could shoot, and Frank Ntilikina is a great defender that can’t drive to the basket.
That’s not making me feel too “fuzzy” inside.

Last edited 3 years ago by b-merrihew
shawndeon
September 8, 2020 10:20 am
Reply to  cbrody

Alex Len had the best 10 game run of his career. Holmes stepped up. You could say Fox too once he put the ball in his hands.

The problem is most people ask who played better under Walton and then say he doesn’t deserve credit for the players who played better.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 11:16 am
Reply to  shawndeon

I guess it depends on how charitable you want to be. 10 games is 10 games. I kinda doubt it was the best 10 game run of Len’s career but I’m not willing to put in the leg work to find out. Either way, we’re dealing with extreme small sample size. Holmes was pretty much the same guy he’s been for the past couple year. Shooting efficiency up a bit. He just got more minutes to show it. Fox definitely continued along his development path though.

Wonderchild
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September 8, 2020 12:26 pm
Reply to  shawndeon

In most cases, the players who played better this season did so despite Walton, not because of him. There were exceptions of course, but not many. The first game against Houston, for example, was a great showcase for Joseph on defense where the Kings basically played a box plus 1 against Harden and the Kings squeaked out a win.

Another example were the limited Bjelica at Center minutes. Most of those lineups have positive net ratings. That is definitely linked to coaching. Link here

b-merrihew
September 9, 2020 12:55 am
Reply to  cbrody

That’s a little brutal. Ingram got away from LeBron and he was the #1 option in NO. Russell was immature and filmed Nick Young (and he had Nick Young) filmed him on cheating his girlfriend. Then he was isolated by his teammates. After traded, he was the #1 option on the losingest Nets team.
I think that by the Kings won 31 games is a big win. They fought hard mostly every game…
The injuries were killing them on a young team. Young teams lose like mad in the NBA, 31 isn’t bad with all the issues.

Sacto_J
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September 10, 2020 9:54 am
Reply to  b-merrihew

You can’t hide behind bad spelling / poor grammar, Peaches, we know its you…lol

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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September 7, 2020 10:07 am

Raul Neto on the vet minimum. Next.

I can GM the shit out of this team.

Marty
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September 7, 2020 10:36 am

Great article.

eddie41
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September 7, 2020 10:38 am

I don’t think Cory Joseph deserves that criticism. He played well. The problem was more Fox being injured and the misuse of Hield. That being said, a 4th pg (after Fox, Bogdan, Joseph) should be one of the things on the Kings’ wish list in the draft. There are many in this draft. Choose well.

Adamsite
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September 7, 2020 10:43 am
Reply to  eddie41

I agree with the misuse. I am so sick of Hield bringing up the ball with Joseph on the floor. That shouldn’t happen. Joseph is more than capable of running the offense. At the very least he is better at it than Buddy.

Klam
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September 7, 2020 6:11 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I am so sick of Hield bringing up the ball with Joseph on the floor.

comment image

Last edited 3 years ago by Klam
anan1234
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September 7, 2020 11:15 am

Yeah really like CoJo and what he brings but I do feel the backup should have better pace and more offensive abilities. Cojo would be a nice situational defender while we have someone else as the main backup.

Reggie Jackson I would pass because I don’t think he’ll play his best here. I like Jeff Teague, DJ Augustine, and Raul Neto. Ish Smith is a 2021 free agent unfortunately I think he could have been the ideal backup with how fast he is.

Kangz_Landing
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September 7, 2020 11:46 am

Cojo was also misused this season, so I believe he is absolved of a high percentage of the blame. The blame goes to coaching. He has not regressed. He has always been the same dependable player, dependent on the pieces and system around him. This team is severely lacking of secondary ball-handlers and playmakers in the absence of Fox, so Cojo ended up being the one having to dribble 10-14 seconds off the clock before settling for a mid range jumper or passing the ball away. That is not his strength. You can blame this pick and roll and isolation heavy system. Walton is to blame for allowing Cojo to be utilized as the lead ball handler in the pick and roll whenever Fox was hurt or for the 2nd unit because this trash offense depends on it. Yes Buddy gets criticized for his decision making, but Walton and his offensive philosophy puts the players in that position to fail.

I support Cory’s misuse with the fact that in his 1st three NBA stops he played with ball-dominant guards who could shoot and score (Lowry, Derozan, Collison, Oladipo) and the Spurs who moved the ball like magic. So Cojo was never asked to be a primary ball handler for a second unit or even when he was filling in due to injury. Playing for playoff teams always makes one look good, but they are playoff teams for a reason, THEY ACTUALLY KNOW HOW TO PUT THEIR PLAYERS IN POSITIONS TO SUCCEED.

The Kings do not have a free flowing system where Cojo and other vets like Barnes and Bjelly can read and react, something that they succeed at when the Kings do actually move the ball consistently, rather than being asked to dribble the ball, or post up and find openings in the defense and find open teammates all by themselves.

Watching the playoffs and seeing the ball whip around for an open corner three with ease on numerous possessions reminds me of the shock I have when I see the Kings do the same on the rarest occasions. Every half court possession consists of either Fox, Cojo, Hield, or Bogi dribbling the ball out for 5-10 seconds, taking a screen and then making a move or setting up Barnes in the post for an iso.

Cojo is perfectly fine as a combo guard on or off the ball, but he handled the ball WAY too much because Walton asked him too. I’m not saying Cojo is a perfect player who cannot be upgraded, if he was a better scorer and had better vision then he would actually look exceed in this system, but that’s not his game, so I am saying he exists in a system and with a coach where his flaws are highlighted thus causing more overlook of his actual strengths and contributions to this team.

NinjaFetus
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September 7, 2020 4:03 pm
Reply to  Kangz_Landing

Came here to support this ^^^

If we are going to blame a good portion of Buddy’s misuse on the coach then the same should be for other players as well. When Joseph sighed, we were told we were getting a backup defensive minded combo guard. Joseph having to play point guard as much as he did wasn’t expected or planned and not why he was signed. I’m not saying we couldn’t use another point guard who could shoot, but I don’t think Joseph was trying to be more than he was presented as. If Fox is able to play the overwhelming majority of games whenever next season is, I would expect Joseph’s numbers to go back to what they were on his prior teams.

rff
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September 7, 2020 12:43 pm

When I was watching Lakers/Rockets yesterday I was thinking that if the Rockets are eliminated from the playoffs they may be open to trading Westbrook. How about Westbrook for Buddy? From the Kings perspective they would get the superstar game changer they so desperately need and Buddy would fit the Rockets offense perfectly alongside Harden. Fox at the 1 and Westbrook at the 2 would be a small back court but the way Westbrook plays I think it could work.

RAP87
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September 7, 2020 12:57 pm
Reply to  rff

Talk about a spacing nightmare with those 2 on the court at the same time. yeessh!

BestHyperboleEver
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September 7, 2020 3:16 pm
Reply to  RAP87

Could you imagine a Fox, Brick, Bazemore, Bagley, Holmes lineup? There would be no reason for a defender to ever leave the paint except to reset their 3-seconds. It would honestly be difficult to find a worse star pairing for Fox.

MyNeighborTurturro
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September 7, 2020 1:22 pm
Reply to  rff

It’s intriguing, but I’d like to see this team get younger, not prickier.

ajonez81
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September 7, 2020 4:25 pm

Suck it up Kings fans and management, commit to losing and playing young players for two or three years. We don’t need any vets or free agents. Stop half-stepping and messing up a real rebuild. We don’t need an 8 seed, we need superstars. And the only place this franchise can get those is draft. No trades for vets either. Won’t take much to strip this down and start over, the little talent we have is overrated.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 7, 2020 5:08 pm
Reply to  ajonez81

It’s been said a lot, but I really think they could pull off a quicker rebuild than that if they really committed to it. If they REALLY wanted to get ballsy, I think they could actually set themselves up for a bright future AND potentially compete for the 8th seed by targeting overpaid vets on short deals.

On a somewhat-related note, there’s some scuttlebutt that the Nets maybe be interested in moving #19 to unload Prince.

RAP87
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September 8, 2020 8:39 am

If that is true, the new GM should pounce on that deal. Been hearing the Kings are looking for wings and getting a player like Prince plus the 19th pick seems to be a no brainer.

Target Poku with the 12th pick, Tillman with the 19th pick, Malachi Flynn with the 35th pick, and Bane with the 43rd pick.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 8:43 am
Reply to  RAP87

I would be pretty giddy with that draft outcome. I doubt Bane makes it to 43, but it isn’t out of the question.

RAP87
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September 8, 2020 8:48 am

Agreed. But this draft class seems to be so flat it wont surprise me that guys who are projected to go in the 1st round would end up in the 2nd round and vice versa. I still think Bane goes to the latter end of the 2nd round though but who knows. It will be a really interesting draft to say the least.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 9:15 am
Reply to  RAP87

Yep, I think there are going to be a lot of €œreaches€ and €œfallers€ because of that.

Jman1949
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September 8, 2020 9:01 am

comment image

Wonderchild
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September 8, 2020 12:35 pm

Kings could also use the 43rd and/or 52nd pick to buy in to the late 1st. I’d imagine at least one team in the late 20s would not want the extra guaranteed contract to deal with.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
September 8, 2020 8:45 am

That would mean they are looking to dump salary. Kings would need to absorb Prince’s $13M or send back minimal salary. Maybe Nemanja’s partially guaranteed deal gets it done.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 11:25 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Either way is fine with me. I’d try to find a way to get Claxton thrown in as well.

Last edited 3 years ago by BestHyperboleEver
b-merrihew
September 9, 2020 1:12 am
Reply to  ajonez81

“The Process” was the most soul-sucking embarrassment in NBA history. All the playoff teams have experienced veterans with strong leadership. The Kings have decent talent that doesn’t play well together. Their most experienced player is Harrison Barnes! Geez louise!!
The Zach Randolph and Vince Carter experiment was predictable….it sucked.
The front office has to stop doing dumb things or “settle,” they can’t get what they want and settle for someone that doesn’t work out.
The young teams are all losing and losing teams as free agents.

rff
rff
September 7, 2020 5:56 pm

Aren’t you guys tired of supporting a team whose aspiration is the 8th seed along with a first round exit? I know I am. The Kings need players that compete, that hate to lose. All-Star free agents won’t sign here (they are about winning). I know I mentioned Westbrook earlier, say what you will about his game but the guy competes and when he’s in MVP mode is better than anyone the kings have on their current roster. If the Lakers eliminate the Rockets the kings owe it to us fans to at least give Houston a call and dangle Buddy.

BeTheBall
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September 7, 2020 9:28 pm
Reply to  rff

I’d rather focus on players who aren’t past their prime….and can shoot.

rff
rff
September 7, 2020 10:12 pm
Reply to  BeTheBall

The Kings need a all star caliber leader and as much as we all all love Fox, he is a long ways away from being an all star.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 8:17 am
Reply to  rff

I don’t think Westbrook gets the Kings much beyond the 8th seed aspiration stage. At most you’re looking at a 1st round exit with limited ability to improve from there. As usual, it isn’t about the first move. It’s about thinking 2, 3, 4, etc moves down the road.

Also, I find watching Westbrook play painful. I can only handle so many contested mid-range pull-ups.

shawndeon
September 8, 2020 5:35 am

He definitely could have been better but a lot of the defensive issues could be corrected by getting a decent defensive center. Holmes clearly isn’t the answer and is quite frankly a 20 minute a night guy. Joseph’s numbers are elite when playing with Dedmon or Len, slightly above average when Holmes is on the floor. I would hold onto Joseph and get another shooting point.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 9:17 am
Reply to  shawndeon

I don’t think Joseph is a difference maker either way. There’s no real reason to pay $12 per (is that right? Of the top of my head.) for his role, but he’s fine at performing that role when the context is right.

shawndeon
September 8, 2020 10:10 am

Purely financial no. But he’s in the final year of his deal so its not like he’s killing the cap wise for a couple years. Plus his contract is a midrange deal that has value for salary matching. I’d hang onto him into the season.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 11:04 am
Reply to  shawndeon

I’m open either way. I don’t think he’s going to be part of the next good Kings team, so I think you try to figure out how to squeeze the most value from his deal. If that’s as a make-weight this offseason, fine. If it’s as a psuedo-expiring (if isn’t technically expiring, but the 3rd year has a 2.4MM buyout), fine.

As I’ve said, before I think the Kings would be smart to plan on taking advantage of other teams’ desire to clear cap space for the 2021 FA class by making sure they have the expirings/cap space to “help out.”

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 8:34 am

Bring Shane Larkin back to the US of A!

ZillersCat
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September 8, 2020 9:26 am

I suppose the Kings could use another like Fox, but they wouldn’t be happy as a backup. When you start to get players as starters and reserves of equal skill level. Equal to being a starter. That is a nice problem to have and you would be a playoff team.

I think the Kings need a starting Power Forward. It is also nice to have a problem with two good players at the 2 guard spot. I can live with that. My priority would be a starting 4. Or Tillman.

Last edited 3 years ago by ZillersCat
Mattholomew88
September 8, 2020 9:27 am

They should draft payton prichard out of oregon! He is the next jwill white coc. He would be great at the back up pg!!

shawndeon
September 8, 2020 10:06 am
Reply to  Mattholomew88

You sure you don’t mean Nico Mannion?

shawndeon
September 8, 2020 10:04 am

Grant Riller. Malachi Flynn. Tre Jones. Devon Dotson. Ashton Hagans. One of them will be available in the 2nd round. Unless you’re getting Tyrell Terry or Cole Anthony you should wait until the 2nd to pickup a point.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
September 8, 2020 10:11 am

What do folks think of Abdoulaye N’Doye? I love his size at the PG position and I think he could potentially cover 3 positions. He could also be a possible draft and stash.

shawndeon
September 8, 2020 10:28 am
Reply to  Adamsite

He’s 22. Athletic but I don’t know. Dudes a coin flip. He’s take with your last pick guy

Adamsite
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September 8, 2020 10:34 am
Reply to  shawndeon

I just like that fact that he is 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, shot 40% from three and a 50%FG. He could be a playmaking wing or backup PG. I’d take that gamble. The only thing he doesn’t have going for him is his age.

shawndeon
September 8, 2020 10:48 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I worry about his level of competition. I mean it’s solid but it’s not Real Madrid.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 10:59 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I like him as a #53 stash. Kind of a lottery ticket where you can dream on a Siakam style ceiling.

Chent
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September 8, 2020 10:50 am

I really like Halliburton but we would have to move up to get him. I’m not sure if this gets it done, but would New York have any interest in packaging Julius Randle + 8 for Hield +12 + future second rounder? picking up an elite shooter + a PG at 12 (Kira Lewis, Tyrell Terry, Tyrese Maxey) seems like a good deal, but obviously it would depend on how much they value the guys at 8. I think that would be a great outcome for the Kings though, Halliburton/Randle.

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September 8, 2020 10:52 am
Reply to  Chent

I think we can get more for Hield than that, and I’m not positive Haliburton makes it to 8.

Adamsite
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September 8, 2020 11:02 am
Reply to  Wonderchild

Yeah, I don’t think he falls out of the top 5.

Wonderchild
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September 8, 2020 11:04 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Chicago is in a good spot to trade their pick at 4 since there’s a clear dropoff from the top 3.

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September 8, 2020 11:08 am
Reply to  Wonderchild

Chicago kind of baffles me. I don’t know what they would really want. They appear to have their starting 5 for next season so I don’t know what they would be in the market to trade for. My guess is they just take BPA at #4 and roll with it.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 11:24 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I mean, they theoretically have 5 guys they could reasonably put into a starting lineup, but it isn’t a good starting lineup. I’m assuming we’re talking about White, Lavine, Porter, Markkanen, Carter. I mean, there isn’t a high level facilitator there. White and Lavine are both ball-dominant ISO guards that don’t pass especially well and don’t defend well, so they don’t really work well together. Porter is, of course, in his last year and generally unreliable in terms of health. They clearly need to be thinking beyond 2020-21, when Porter will almost certainly be gone anyway.

So they may just take the best player available and go with it, but they are a team that is a number of moves away from being good, so I wouldn’t be surprised if on of those moves involved the #4 pick.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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September 8, 2020 11:29 am

Reading what you just posted makes me think the Kings are very much like the Bulls.

I mean, they theoretically have 5 guys they could reasonably put into a starting lineup, but it isn’t a good starting lineup.

they are a team that is a number of moves away from being good

b-merrihew
September 9, 2020 12:17 am

Lavine has to run a system. A system that doesn’t run every screen for him. Big contract, big risk. If he were on Utah or Miami, he may start playing team ball.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 11:08 am
Reply to  Wonderchild

I’m not sure I agree with that tier drop off. Personally, I think the top 10 is pretty flat. Basically, I think there are about 3 tiers in this entire draft. 1-10ish, 11-40ish, 40-60ish.

That said, and knowing that we don’t know anything about the new Chicago FOs vision, they’re in a pretty good spot to grab something they need. Halliburton, Hayes, and Avdija are are excellent theoretical fits for their current needs.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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September 8, 2020 11:10 am

I could easily see them taking Haliburton at #4

Wonderchild
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September 8, 2020 12:39 pm

Agree they are a wild card because of the new GM/coach there. They also have a young core that doesn’t really fit together. So they have as much chance to blow things up as they do drafting BPA.

BestHyperboleEver
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September 8, 2020 1:00 pm
Reply to  Wonderchild

Depending on who you consider their young core, I think they theoretically fit together well. I would probably say that young core is Markkanen, Carter, and White. The ones that don’t fit if we’re talking about playing together are White vs Lavine. The front court of Carter, Markannen, Porter match up really well. Ultimately, that team’s issue is a lack of development and a lack of efficient facilitators. Personally, I don’t see any reason they wouldn’t try to sell highish on Lavine this offseason. Draft Avdija to play behind Porter for a year. Use the return from Lavine to either draft or acquire a young PG prospect. Maybe throw a bunch of money at Van Vleet.

Wonderchild
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September 8, 2020 1:21 pm

Ya that’s kind of what I meant. Porter is ideally a PF at this point, so he doesn’t fit but he’s an expiring now so it doesn’t really matter in regards to their rebuild.

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September 8, 2020 1:30 pm
Reply to  Wonderchild

If they get really impatient with that rebuild, I’ll take Porter + a pick off their hands. But really, they’re in a position where they should just be waiting his contract out.

b-merrihew
September 9, 2020 12:11 am
Reply to  Chent

I read that Knicks #1 priority is trading Randle. So, that would work, but Randle is a headache. He’s the anti-team guy. The Knicks would love to have Buddy. That team can’t score.

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September 8, 2020 11:00 am

This doesn’t necessitate you have to get rid of Joseph. I think he’s best utilized playing with Fox (+ 4.9 NetRTG in 2 man lineup data) or another playmaking guard. He also works well in 3 guard lineups along with Fox (both with one of Hield/Bogdan/Ariza/Baze all had + NetRTGs last season).

I think if you get rid of one Bogdan or Hield for some wing depth and/or future draft picks, draft or sign a young PG to take backup duties behind Fox, and then slot Joseph to be the backup SG, this could work.

Last edited 3 years ago by Wonderchild
Inthestarz
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September 8, 2020 12:20 pm

Kings may need a new starting guard as well.

Draft at 12 should absolutely be BPA, if that’s Lewis or any other PG in that potentially lottery range

We could potentially use more playmaking next to Fox, or possible trade bait in Fox or the pick

Draft BPA

Though Riller would be nice at 35

Inthestarz
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September 8, 2020 12:22 pm
Reply to  Inthestarz

If I didn’t want to rebuild, I’d try to outbid for Van Vleet though, baller

b-merrihew
September 9, 2020 12:31 am

I got to watch Elfrid Payton this year. He is a very good PG…..he just can’t shoot. Hence, he moves around the league hoping they can teach him to shoot. He’s competitive and plays good defense and passes very well. If you could live with 10 ppg and 40% pct, he’s your huckleberry.
DJ Augustin is a wise veteran that runs the Magic team. I think the Magic is going to sign him again, but he’s a player.
And, I bet that Kyle Guy has been in the gym improving his quickness and skill set. He was an animal at UVA. I said to myself that he is a great player, but he needs to get a real NBA man body. Maybe, this year he breaks out to 2nd team rotation player.

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