The Sacramento Kings had a lot of players this season who helped the team in a positive way. But which players stood out in front of the rest?
For the last few weeks, A Royal Pain has published multiple articles in which we gave an in-depth analysis on the current roster for the Sacramento Kings.
Without further ado, please enjoy this slideshow that contains our insights and grades on every player on the Kings currently.
Malachi Richardson
In the 9 minutes he averaged in 22 games, Richardson was able to make some impact in his rookie season. For the year, Richardson averaged 3.6 points, 1 rebound, and 0.5 assists per game. He also was able to shoot 41.2% from the floor, 28.6% from the perimeter, and 78.9% from the free-throw.
There wasn’t much to be excited about in Richardson’s performance this season, but the positive in Richardson was that he was able to display confidence on the court. Richardson wasn’t fazed when he put his foot on the hardwood. Despite having subpar shooting numbers, Richardson felt comfortable taking shots and had a good feel for his role on offense. Richardson was also able to showcase flashes defensively, but there is still room for improvement in that facet of the game for him
Overall, there were times where Richardson showcased his true potential, but most of the time he experienced the struggles of being an NBA rookie. It was a shame, however, that Richardson suffered his hamstring injury back in February because it sidelined him for the rest of the season. It’s pretty close to inevitable that if Richardson was able to get some run time with the team post All-Star break, fans would have seen more improvement in Malachi’s overall game.
Overall Grade: D
Click here to read the full analysis on Richardson
Langston Galloway
Galloway only averaged 19.7 minutes in the 19 games he played for Sacramento this season. In that span, Galloway averaged 6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He also was able to make 40.4% of his shots from the floor, 47.5% of his shots from the perimeter, and 91.7% of his shots from the charity stripe.
On the offensive end, Galloway was able to be an efficient shooter from the perimeter and the free-throw line, but that was pretty much his contribution on that end of the floor. Defensively, Galloway struggled immensely as he was ranked dead last amongst his teammates in defensive efficiency with a rating of 117.2.
Overall Grade: D+
Click here to read the full analysis on Galloway
Ben McLemore
Inconsistency was the theme for Ben McLemore last season. Offensively, his shooting numbers looked good as he shot 43% from the court, 38.2% from the perimeter, and 75.3% from the free-throw line. For the season, he averaged 8.1 points per contest in a span of 61 games.
On defense, McLemore was also inconsistent. He displayed moments throughout the season where he was able to use his Grade-A athleticism to contribute defensively, but his 114 defensive rating was part of the reason for a horrid perimeter defense by Sacramento this season.
Overall, McLemore did improve in both facets of the game this year, but the Kings and their fans still expected more from a player that has the potential to be a good two-guard in the NBA.
Overall: C-
Click here for the full analysis on McLemore
Georgios Papagiannis
When Papagiannis was given playing time, he showcased vast improvement compared to his play back in Summer League. His offensive game is still not suited for today’s shooting NBA, but he was able to expand his range as he developed a pretty reliable half-hook shot outside of five feet from the basket. For the season, Papagiannis was able to average 5.6 points per contest while shooting 54.9% from the floor.
Defensively, similar to his offense, Papagiannis did most of his defensive impact in the interior. For the year, he was able to grab 3.9 rebounds and swat 0.8 shots per game. The numbers won’t show it, but there were flashes of Papagiannis being a solid rim-protector for his team this year.
Overall, Papagiannis is an interior player for both sides of the court, but he continues to make progress in expanding his presence outside the paint. There wasn’t much to brag about in Papagiannis’ performance this season, but considering where he was when he was first drafted, there is hope that he can become a solid piece to the future of the Kings.
Overall Grade: C
Click here for the full analysis on Papagiannis
Kosta Koufos
The other greek player, Kosta Koufos, was another interior presence for Kings this season. Offensively, Kosta did most of his production in the paint but was able to develop a highly reliable hook shot. As a result, Koufos was able to average 6.6 points per contest while shooting 55.1% from the court.
On the defensive end of the ball, Koufos also did most of his damage in the paint. He was one of the few bright spots that the Kings had on their defense as he was a player that could rebound the ball and defend the paint effectively. For the year, Koufos averaged 5.7 rebounds a game while recording a defensive rating of 109.2.
Overall, Koufos did a great job in fulfilling his role for the Kings this season. He’s mainly on the court for his defense but was also able to surprisingly make a positive impact as a scorer.
Overall Grade: C+
Click here for the full analysis on Koufos
Arron Afflalo
As an offensive player, Afflalo was the ideal shooting two-guard. For the season, Afflalo averaged 8.4 points per game while shooting 44% from the floor, 41.1% from the three-point line, and 89.2% from the free-throw line. Great numbers for a shooter.
Defensively, however, Afflalo didn’t make much of a positive impact. The Kings’ perimeter defense struggled as a collective whole, but Afflalo was a reason for it. As a result, Afflalo recorded an abysmal 117.1 defensive rating for the year. Overall, Afflalo was efficiently on the offensive side of the ball but wasn’t as a defender.
Overall Grade: C+
Click here for the full analysis on Afflalo
Tyreke Evans
In his second stint with the Kings, Evans was able to average 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. The shooting numbers for Evans were not great, but his three-point percentage stood out as he was able to make 43.8% of his three-point attempts in the 14 games he played with Sacramento. As a defender, Evans was solid. When looking at the statistics post All-Star break for the Kings (when Evans joined the Kings), Evans was the leader in defensive efficiency with a rating of 109.3. Overall, Evans was able to put up points for the Kings on the offensive end as well as contribute in a positive way defensively during his second stint with the Kings.
Overall Grade: B
Click here for the full analysis on Evans
Skal Labissiere
There were not many moments for Kings fans to be proud of this season, but Skal Labissiere may be the player that keeps the hope bright within the Kings community. When the opportunity came for Skal to prove himself, he succeeded. He did most of his damage on the offensive end as he averaged 8.8 points per game while shooting 53.7% from the floor. Defensively, Skal got better over time as he became a more aggressive rebounder and handled his own in the post despite his lanky frame. Overall, Labissiere showcased to the fans of the Kings that he can play a vital role in the franchise’s future.
Overall Grade: B
Click here for the full analysis on Labissiere
Garrett Temple
For the season, Temple was able to perform well on both ends of the floor. As an offensive player, Temple was able to be a reliable shooter from time to time as he averaged 7.8 points per game while shooting 42.4% from the floor and 37.3% from beyond the perimeter. As a defender, Temple was active and aggressive which made him one of the better defenders on the team. Overall, Temple was solid on both ends of the floor, but his leadership is what made him such an asset for the Kings this season.
Overall Grade: B+
Click here for the full analysis on Temple
Rudy Gay
For the season, Rudy Gay was able to be a solid go-to piece on the offensive end of the floor. His average of 18.7 points per game while shooting 45.5% from the court and 37.2% from the three-point line attest to this notion.
Defensively, Gay was able to use his athleticism and length to his advantage as he was a solid defender for the Kings this season. As a result, Gay averaged 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. Overall, Gay’s season was cut short due to his Achilles injury, but when he was on the court, he was clearly one of the better players on the Kings’ roster.
Overall Grade: B+
Click here for the full analysis on Gay
Buddy Hield
When Buddy Hield was acquired from the News Orleans Pelicans back in February, there was little hope that he could be the savior for the Kings. Although he may not be a savior, Buddy showcased in his 25 games with the Kings that he can play a big role for the team’s future.
During his tenure with Sacramento, Hield was able to average 15.1 points and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 48% from the floor, 42.8% from the perimeter, and 81.4% from the free-throw line. Excellent numbers for a player that has the makings of becoming a sharpshooter.
Overall, Hield’s impact was mostly made on the offensive side of the ball as he did struggle as a defender. He may not be a franchise centerpiece, but he may be the long-term two-guard that the Kings have been clamoring for in a while.
Overall Grade: B+
Click here for the full analysis on Hield
Willie Cauley-Stein (WCS)
As the season progressed for Cauley-Stein, he got better on both ends of the floor. As a defender, Cauley-Stein was efficient as he showcased versatility, hustle, and aggression when defending opponents. As a result, he was able to get his rebounding numbers up and cause havoc towards his opponents.
In terms of his offense, Cauley-Stein was a pleasant surprise. Not only was he able to expand his game outside of the paint, but also showed that he has the ability to pass the ball efficiently for a player of his size. Overall, Cauley-Stein was excellent when given the playing time he deserved. His performance this season is another reason why Kings fans are hopeful of their franchise going forth.
Overall Grade: A-
Click here for the full analysis on WCS
Anthony Tolliver
Through the good, bad, and the ugly for the Kings this season, Tolliver was always a bright spot. On the offensive side of the ball, Tolliver was the ideal stretch-four for Sacramento as he averaged 7.1 points per game while shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc. As a defender, Tolliver was alright as he averaged 3.7 rebounds, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks in the 22.7 minutes he played.
Bottom line, Anthony was a solid contributor for the Kings on the court, but his leadership is what made him special. Whether it was him galvanizing the team during rough times or helping out the young talent that filled the roster, Tolliver was there for his teammates and was the ideal leader for the Kings considering the team’s current situation.
Overall Grade: A-
Click here for the full analysis on Tolliver
Ty Lawson
The Ty Lawson from the Denver Nuggets may be gone, but what Lawson did with the Kings this season was incredible considering what his previous season was like. For the year, Lawson averaged 9.9 points and 4.8 assists per game. Lawson was the player that Coach Dave Joerger would rely on when the Kings needed a spark in the game, and most of the time, Lawson delivered.
As an offensive force, Lawson was fantastic. His defense, however, was average. For the year, Lawson averaged 2.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game. Not bad numbers considering how much time he averaged per game (25.1). But Lawson’s size and athleticism limited him from being a huge asset on the defensive end.
Overall, Lawson’s performance for the Kings this season was a pleasant surprise. It’s going to be a tough decision for Vlade Divac this summer on whether he should resign the backup point guard for another season in purple.
Overall Grade: A-
Click here for the full analysis on Lawson
Darren Collison
Darren Collison yet again was an efficient point guard for the Sacramento Kings. As a scorer, Collison was ideal. For the season, he averaged 13.2 points per game while shooting 47.6% from the floor and 41.7% from the perimeter. Collison was also efficient in distributing the ball as he averaged 4.6 assists per game.
Although Collison was excellent on the offensive side of the ball, he was almost the opposite as a defender. For the season, Collison was ranked 13th amongst his teammates in defensive efficiency with a rating of 114.8.
Overall, Collison played his offensive role to perfection as he was able to get his teammates involved in the scoring as well as himself. But on the defensive end, Collison struggled and will need to improve in this aspect of the game in order to take his performance to the next level.
Overall Grade: A-
Click here for the full analysis on Collison.