A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: Best Rotations- Small Ball

By Tyler Watts

Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) high fives forward Rudy Gay (8) after a basket against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) high fives forward Rudy Gay (8) after a basket against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Ty Lawson (3) during player introductions before the game against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Ty Lawson (3) during player introductions before the game against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Point Guard- Ty Lawson

Ty Lawson gets the call at point guard in the best small ball lineup.  Lawson is coming off a bad season and signed on a very cheap contract with the Kings in hopes to rebuild his value.  The Kings were in the same position last season and that worked out well with Rajon Rondo.  No guarantees, this time, around with Lawson, but I am hopeful that he can return to form.  Below is a highlight video to give you a glimpse at what I hope Lawson returns to.

Traditional Stats

Lawson’s stat line just two seasons ago read like this 0.9 threes, 3.1 rebounds, 9.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.1 blocks, 2.5 turnovers, and 15.2 points per game in 35.5 minutes a night.  He shot 43.6% from the field, 73.0% from the free throw line, and 34.1% from three point range.  That is a pretty big stat line and proves that Lawson has the talent to be a fantastic contributor.

Advanced Metrics

The advanced metrics rated Lawson’s play very highly before last season.  His career average offensive box score plus/minus is positive 2.5.  Even with a career average of negative 1.5 defensive box score plus/minus, his career cumulative value over replacement player (VORP) is 10.6 over his seven-year career.  If you view win shares, his career cumulative offensive is positive 30.4 and defensive is positive 8.5 creating a career win shares per 48 average of 0.130.  That is well above the league average of 0.100.  Lawson rates as both an above replacement player and above league average player making him a great candidate to run the point in our small ball lineup.  He needs to play better than he did last season.  If he returns to his previous form, he should be a fantastic value and contributor to the Kings this season.

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