With a quietly successful offseason to go along with a team full of up and coming young stars, the best is yet to come for the Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings opened some eyes with their play this past season. They finished 39-43, good enough for 9th in the Western Conference, just missing the playoffs. What caught everyone’s attention, however, is how this young core came out of nowhere to become competitive. What has this franchise on the uptick? Let’s take a look.
The young lions
De’Aaron Fox took a big step this season, proving he is one of the top young point guards in the league. The Kentucky product improved his jump shot to go along with his already elite speed and athleticism, proving he can become a threat to score at every level.
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Add Buddy Hield, who averaged over 20 points per game and shot over 40 percent per game from 3 and you have one of the best young backcourts in the NBA, and they’re just getting started.
With other young pieces like Marvin Bagley Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovich, who are only scratching the surface and you have some promising young pieces to build around. The Kings also added Harrison Barnes midseason, via trade, from the Mavs to provide veteran leadership and stability while also still being in his prime.
Offseason moves
Early in the offseason, the Kings have been busy. Their first move was locking up Barnes long-term. The former Tar Heel brings an understanding on how to build a winning culture after being a part of the early rise of the Golden State Warriors. This experience will be invaluable for the young Kings moving forward.
Sacramento are also reportedly bringing in veterans Trevor Ariza and Dewayne Dedmon. Ariza is aging, however, has been one of the best 3-and-D wings in the league for years. Dedmon is a quality big man may not be a star but should prove to be an excellent role player for the up and coming franchise.
Can new head coach Luke Walton prove his Lakers stint was more indicative on the organizations woes than him as a coach? That remains to be seen, but if he can, there is potential for a home run hire. Walton showed a lot of promise as a future head coach while with the Warriors.
Now, am I saying the Kings are ready to compete for a championship this upcoming season? Of course not, however, this should be one of the more exciting young teams in the NBA this season. If the young guys continue to grow, there is no reason why this team should not push they’re way into the playoffs and show the league they are a force for the future.