The Sacramento Kings have big men who are displaying immense talents. This article examines their on-court exploits and why you should be taking notice.
Ok, ok, I get it. The Sacramento Kings haven’t had exactly what you would call a solid season. At times, it’s been hard to watch, maybe you have even shut your TV off at halftime or maybe you have even turned your back on the Kings. On the flip side to all this noise, maybe you’ve been loving watching the Kings new era grow into something we haven’t seen since 1951.
Have you seen our rim protectors? They’re more than glass cleaners, they are large and in charge! Time to turn your attention back to the Kings! Sacramento has a couple of the most athletic big guys in the league today. These guys know when to put their arms up, defend the rim and put second chance points up on the board but wait there’s more: they can even get double-doubles (WCS).
The Arsenal
The Kings’ arsenal includes Willie Cauley-Stein, Kosta Koufos and Georgios Papagiannis. These guys have stepped up their game since the roster changes this past February. The last ten games, Willie has been an invaluable instrument to the Kings scoreboard. He’s averaged 11.7 points, 1.4 assists and 10 rebounds. Georgios is learning the ropes in Sacramento and he’s doing a great job. He has averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds in the last ten games. Finally, our original big man under the glass, Kosta Koufos’ game time has been light lately due to planned rest but he has averaged 6.5 points, 1.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds these past ten games.
Hooks for Days!
Koufos knows how to use his height to take a jump and hook that ball in for a quick two-piece every time. He’s committed to getting possession of the ball and feeding it to his teammates on the perimeter. Hopefully, we get to see Koufos a couple more times as the season winds down. I miss those hook shots and can’t wait to see more next season.
Young With Experience
Believe it or not, at only 19 years old, this isn’t Georgios Papagiannis’ first rodeo in professional basketball. His professional career began overseas in Greece at 14 years old. Papagiannis’ game has developed tremendously since the start of the season. He’s been playing more minutes in the game and building his confidence and drive to the bucket.
The Big Gun
Willie Cauley-Stein has been the Kings’ big gun most of the season. He’s not your average big guy, there are so many facets to Willie. He’s able to drive, block, rebound, assist and take jumpers. Cauley-Stein, also, possess amazing dunking ability. Below is a highlight video to give you a glimpse into his great slamming ability.
His athletic ability is off the charts for a big guy. Willie’s skillset has caused major roadblocks for opponents and scored major wins this season over top seed teams in both conferences for the Sacramento Kings.
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Stop, Block and Drop Buckets
Currently sitting at the 13th seed in the NBA Western Conference the Kings may not have a solid record but these big guys under the hoop are solid and growing! Coach Joerger has been experimenting with different roster combinations and no matter what happens these glass cleaners are sure to stop, block and drop buckets next season and I can’t wait to watch!