Should the Sacramento Kings Still Believe in Ben McLemore?

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) shoots the ball against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Washington Wizards 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) shoots the ball against Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Washington Wizards 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

What to Watch For

Ben McLemore is the player I am most excited to see in camp and the preseason.  I see the talent, athleticism, and potential in him still, but can he put it all together?  It is a new coach, new system, and some new supporting cast members.  Early reports are that he is confident according to the Sacramento Bee and he worked hard all summer.

This could be the make or break season for McLemore.  If things finally start clicking for him, he can still realize his potential in Sacramento, but if not he will be out the door.  Things I will be watching for are reports from the coaching staff about McLemore, if he is getting the minutes in preseason games, and if he is producing not only stats but performing his offensive and defensive assignments.  The competition for minutes will be strong with the additions of Arron Afflalo, Garrett Temple, and Matt Barnes, so if McLemore is seeing big minutes on the court that will be the first sign that better things are ahead for him.

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