A Royal Pain
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Opinion: Are The Sacramento Kings Heading In The Right Direction?

By Jake Fitzgibbon

Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sacramento Kings objective this offseason was to add stability.

Head Coach

The offseason began with the hiring of Dave Joerger as the new head coach of the Kings. A move that was praised nationwide; a move that was the first step in bringing stability to a franchise so desperately in need of a sense of direction.

Assistant GM

On the 28th of April, the Kings hired Ken Catanella as an Assistant General Manager. This move also was praised nationwide and by the national media.

Ken Catanella brought with him an impressive resume, and his effectiveness is already being witnessed here in free agency with his sneaky good contract negotiations.

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NBA Draft

Next up was the NBA Draft where the Kings draft moves weren’t as widely praised.

Many national media folk and Kings fans questioned the Kings draft selections immediately. The Kings drafted two big men in Georgios Papagiannis and Skal Labissiere. They also took two guards in Malachi Richardson and Isaiah Cousins.

Free Agency

At first, these draft selections were puzzling. However, after the first week or so of free agency, these selections make more sense. The Kings wanted to add multiple young prospects during the draft and add some veteran pieces in free agency.

So far in free agency, the Kings have reportedly signed Arron Afflalo (2 years, $25 million), Anthony Tolliver (2 years, $16 million), Garrett Temple (3 years, $24 million), and Matt Barnes (2 years, $12 million).

These moves bring the Kings some veteran leadership in the locker room, something the Kings need for stability in the franchise.

Mar 19, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) on the court against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 99 - 89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) on the court against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 99 – 89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

These moves also bring the Kings a starting shooting guard in Afflalo, a solid backup guard who can play both positions and can defend at a high level in Temple, three-point shooting in Tolliver, and a gritty, tough veteran in Barnes.

Trades?

The Kings made solid moves in free agency to go along with their draft selections. They traded away the contract of Marco Bellineli who struggled last season, and the Kings are also actively looking to trade Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore, and Kosta Koufos.

What’s Left?

The Kings have filled many of the holes on their roster, however, there is still a gaping hole at the point guard position.

As of now, only Darren Collison and Isaiah Cousins are the point guards on the depth chart. It remains to be seen just how well Isaiah Cousins can play the point position, but that should become clearer during Summer League.

I think the Kings still need a point guard, Collison is certainly capable, but his legal troubles worry me and I think it would pay to find another option in case the Collison situation turns sour on the Kings.

As the free agent market is slimming down, particularly at the point guard position, the Kings best bet may be to acquire a point guard through trade.

There are options available for the Kings, it’s just whether other teams are willing to take what the Kings have, and the Kings may not have the “sweeteners” to get it done.

Next: Sacramento Kings: Out With The Old, In With The New

Jake’s Final Thoughts

So far, I think it’s safe to say that the moves the Kings have made have certainly helped bring some stability to a franchise in need of direction. It is early, and we won’t know for sure until the season begins, but the Kings are doing the right things.

They brought in a great young coach, an impressive front office piece, four talented prospects, and four solid veteran pieces who can all come in and contribute straight away both on, and off the court.

Based on the moves so far this offseason, it would seem that the Kings are indeed heading in the right direction.

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