NBA Trade Rumors: Kings in the market for a small forward
NBA Trade Rumors: Despite their strong start to the season, the Sacramento Kings are still in need of a true small forward
Though the first 30 games of the 2018-19 NBA season, the Sacramento Kings are 16-15 and tied for the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Even though the Kings have showed signs of improving over the last two seasons, not many expected them to make this kind of jump this year.
Nevertheless, there’s an argument to be made that the Kings could make a mid-season push for the playoffs if they wanted to. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this team become buyers as we draw nearer to the NBA Trade Deadline, and all this team would need in order to sneak into the top 8 (assuming they continue on this pace) is for a team like the San Antonio Spurs or Los Angeles Clippers to slip a little.
And considering how those teams have looked (the Clippers as of late, and the Spurs overall this year), it’s not that far-fetched of a scenario.
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The Kings, if they are buyers at the trade deadline, will be in the market for a true small forward. At the moment, the Kings are playing Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic at the small forward. Neither of those players are true small forwards.
"[via ESPN, H/T Real GM]According to Zach Lowe, “the Kings are one of those teams who are obsessed with ‘Well, we don’t have a real 3. We need to get a real 3. Shump’s our 3, but he’s a fake 3”, while adding that a lack of length is an issue for Hield and Bogdanovich in defending the position long-term."
In an attempt to get their players to play at their most natural positions, it would be great for this team to add a true small forward. Perhaps a player like DeMarre Carroll (if he hits the trade block) and/or James Johnson would fit the mold.
Neither of those players would be cheap (you’d think), and it would take a real roll of the dice from management to bet on this season. Otherwise, making moves for either of those players (or even another one off the radar) wouldn’t really make much sense.
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The Kings have been much better this season, and a pleasant surprise, but they have to figure out whether they have enough to make a real push towards the playoffs or not.