Center- Kosta Koufos
First, I will start off by saying Koufos may shortly be disqualified from this rotation. He started the first preseason game next to DeMarcus Cousins and in place of Willie Cauley-Stein. It was just the first preseason game and things could change as we head toward the regular season, but since I was working in conjunction with Rafe’s article, Koufos still qualifies for this rotation.
Kosta Koufos is not a flashy player. He does a job, plays a role, and does not try to do too much. Koufos does not need to start or be the team’s superstar. There is an endearing quality in that for me. I enjoy watching Koufos play because he is going to just play his game and not try to do anything spectacular.
The advanced metrics rate Koufos very highly, as well. I think the fact that plays his game and does not try to be some other player is a big factor in those rankings. He has rated as an above league average player in every season since 2011-2012 according to win shares per 48 minutes. All stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference unless overwise noted. Koufos can be on my team anytime and should have a successful season with Kings this season regardless of his starting status.