NBA: Positive takeaways for the 6 teams eliminated from the bubble

Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox is the real deal

The bubble was a microcosm of the Kings’ whole season – there was a little buzz that they might be able to make a run, but it quickly became clear that they aren’t ready to take that next step.

There is a lot of uncertainty with Sacramento’s roster. Bogdan Bogdanovic is a restricted free agent after this season, Marvin Bagley can’t seem to stay healthy, and they promptly sent Buddy Hield to the bench after giving him an $86 million contract in October. But for all of the uncertainty, one thing is for sure – De’Aaron Fox is a star.

Fox quietly averaged 26 and seven on 50 percent shooting and nearly two steals per game in the bubble. He’s taking giant leaps every year as a player but the clock is ticking for Sacramento to prove to him that he should stay there long term. Fox will be a restricted free agent at the end of next season and will have no shortage of teams trying to throw money at him.