NBA Restart: How reworked rosters will shape the Western Conference
By Kyle Craib
11th: Sacramento Kings (⇆)
The “Swipa” is back in the lineup.
De’Aaron Fox, after suffering an ankle sprain in practice over the break, has since completely recovered and played in the team’s final scrimmage game. Fox shook off some rust in this one, playing 19 minutes while getting re-acclimated with the league.
Still, on the injury list, 2018 second overall pick Marvin Bagley III remains out for the season with a foot injury. With his absence, fellow forward and sharpshooter Nemanja Bjelica will likely pick up minutes and slot in with the starters. Bjelica has been good in his time with the Kings this season, averaging 11.9 points per game and shooting 42.4 percent from behind the arc.
A collection of Kings players, including Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, Jabari Parker, and Alex Len all had delayed travels into the bubble, but are all back and healthy.
Sacramento has started to build something that the team has not seen in years; stability. If the Kings can continue to build around this young group, the future is going to be bright in Sac-town. However, for now, it’s not going to be enough to crack the top eight.