Sacramento Kings: Power Forward Midseason Grades

The power forward spot has been a point of contention for Sacramento Kings fans since Chris Webber was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2005. Names like Kenny Thomas, Jason Thompson, Carl Landry (twice), and Patrick Patterson have filled the roster. Even after 10 years, the Kings have been unable to find stability and reliability from that position.

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As the roster currently sits, four names fill the roster at the power forward slot: Thompson, Landry, Reggie Evans and Eric Moreland. While all feel like they could be solid rotation guys, none feel deserving of starters minutes.

In a perfect world a power forward that can help protect the rim or that can stretch the floor would be ideal. Upgrading the starting rotation would allow Thompson and Landry to anchor the second unit as a low post duo.

Jason Thompson: C-

This has been an interesting season for the longest tenured Sacramento King. Early this season, Thompson was becoming an impressive defender and was key to what the Kings were doing in their hot start.

Thus far this season, Thompson is averaging 5.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in close to 25 minutes per game. He play has been average at best over the first half.

Thompson’s PER has diminished over the past few seasons and has hit a career low 9.01 this season. His typical PER prior to this season had hovered around 15. While PER isn’t the defining stat for a player, it shows how his play has slipped. While Thompson has the ability to make a positive impact on this Kings team, he won’t become the player many hoped he would be as a lottery pick out of Rider.

Thompson has become frustrated in his time in Sacramento, including having sevens coaches in his seven seasons. He requested a trade and could be moved by Thursday’s trade deadline.

Carl Landry: C

Thus far this season, Landry is averaging 7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, playing 18 minutes per game. His anticipated scoring punch off of the bench just hasn’t come to fruition. Between nagging injuries and inconsistent playing time, Landry has been unable to find the form the Kings assumed he would provide when they signed him to a contract before the 2013-2014 season.

With George Karl taking over as the head coach, Landry may find his minutes and production improved. He could be a good fit for Karl’s system as a power forward that can space the floor, pass and dribble.

Dec 29, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings power forward Reggie Evans (30) reacts after being called for a foul against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Evans: C

Evans has seen his minutes fluctuate wildly this season. Depending on the opponent and the health of his teammates, Evans has played between 20-30 minutes in some games, to getting DNP’s in others. He has averaged 4.2 points and 6.8 rebounds this season in his close to 18 minutes per game.

At his best, Evans is an elite rebounder and provides reliable defense. He fits in as a back of the bench guy that can fill minutes at both center and power forward but is not someone who should not be played heavy minutes.

For what the Kings expected from Evans, his production has been fine. In a perfect world he’s an end of the bench guy that can contribute in limited minutes.

Eric Moreland: Incomplete

Moreland started his season in Las Vegas, playing for the Kings Summer League team. While initially it seemed Moreland may be a nice Summer League story that didn’t seem to have a place on this team, he worked hard and proved his worth. The Kings had to get creative with the roster and cap space to make room for Moreland, and when it finally happened, he suffered a labral tear that has sidelined him thus far this season. Another productive summer could see Moreland having a role on the 2015-2016 version of the Kings.