A Royal Pain
Fansided

Should the Sacramento Kings Still Believe in Ben McLemore?

By Tyler Watts

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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Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Summary

Ben McLemore had a down season last year and it soured many Kings fans on his potential.  He struggled in almost every area last season, but his per 36 numbers were nearly identical to the previous season.  He is still just 23 years old and oozing talent, athleticism, and potential.

Let us not forget that growth for an NBA player is not always linear.  Some players have a bad season and the next season bounce back to new career heights.  I truly believe McLemore is capable of that.  He needs to prove to the new coaching staff that he deserves the minutes and produce when he gets them.

Next: Sacramento Kings: Power Forward Rankings

He may never become that superstar the Kings hoped for when they drafted him, but if he can be a starter or solid 20-25 minute per game rotation player for the next 10 seasons in Sacramento, then I would call his selection a success.  Ben McLemore can still reach that level, but now is the time he needs to step up and earn it.  Here is to hoping he takes a big leap this season and becomes a piece the Kings build around for the next decade.

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