Sacramento Kings: Lineup expectations for the 2020-21 season
A fresh NBA season brings fresh challenges, from lineup decisions to entire roster alterations. So with preseason underway, Luke Walton and the Sacramento Kings must accelerate this process and figure out exactly what their best lineups will be.
While I’m almost certain Walton will retain most of his starting five from last year, Sacramento’s new acquisitions may offer a new dynamic that could be worth investigating.
I have conceptualised the four squads I think are most likely to appear on your TV screen this season.
Starters: De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley, Richaun Holmes
De’Aaron Fox captains the team from the point guard position while veteran Harrison Barnes locks down the small forward role. No surprises here.
Buddy Hield will move back into the starting lineup at shooting guard. This changes the dynamic of the starting five and allows for the Kings to get off to quick starts via Hields flame thrower.
After a great 2019-20 campaign, Richaun Holmes retains his place at center. Reportedly unfazed whether he starts or not – he may be interchangeable with Hassan Whiteside against certain matchups.
At power forward, Marvin Bagley absolutely must start, there are no two ways about it. He has a lot to prove this season so I can’t imagine many advocating for him to come off the bench. His pace in transition will be crucial for the run and gun style of play.
The strength in this lineup comes from its variety. They will be quick in transition with Fox and Bagley galloping up the court. They have decent size, although interior defense against the top teams will be a challenge. Shooting is certainly not an issue here. Hield, a career 41 percent 3-point shooter leads the pack, with Barnes (37%), Fox (32%) and Bagley (29%) are all able to stretch the floor.
Who knows, maybe Holmes will extend his range this season too. Appearing on a live ‘ask me anything’ Holmes indicated that the 3-ball is on the way.
"“Short answer, yes, this is the season where I make threes. Stay tuned, it’s coming”"