A Royal Pain
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Free Agent Cop or Drop: Anthony Tolliver

By Rafe Wong

Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Tolliver (43) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 126-121. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Tolliver (43) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 126-121. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Should the Sacramento Kings keep Anthony Tolliver around for the 2017-2018 NBA season or let him walk?

Wait, He’s A Free Agent?

Technically, Anthony Tolliver isn’t a free agent. He is due to be paid $8 million next season but the Kings could terminate his contract by paying him just the $2 million guaranteed left on his deal (per Spotrac). If the Kings decide to take this route, Tolliver could be testing the free agent market.

Season Performance

For the season, Tolliver was a pleasant surprise for the Kings. He averaged 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 44.2% from the floor and 39.1% from the perimeter. Great numbers for a solid stretch-four.

Not only did Tolliver fulfill his role on the hardwood, but he also was an incredible leader for the young talent on the Kings’ roster. Throughout the entire season, Tolliver, as well as other veterans on the Kings, helped the team endure a lot of obstacles. They played a big part in making the team’s rebuild go pretty smooth in the later stages of the season.

Overall, Tolliver was exceptional for the Kings this season based on his performance and leadership. But with that being said, should Vlade Divac hold on to the eight-year veteran for another season?

Cop or Drop?

Apr 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Tolliver (43) is congratulated during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Kings won 123-117. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Anthony Tolliver (43) is congratulated during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Kings won 123-117. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

There is no question that the Kings should keep Tolliver going forward. A reason why the Kings’ young talent was able to flourish this season was because of the guidance Tolliver and the other veterans brought them.

If he was absent from the team this season, I don’t think players like Skal Labissiere or Willie Cauley-Stein play the way did post All-Star break.

Not only was Tolliver a positive influence towards his teammates, but he did very well in fulfilling his own role on the team. The Kings needed a power forward that could make three-pointers at a consistent level this year, and Tolliver did exactly that.

Final Thoughts

The Kings can keep Anthony Tolliver if they are willing to pay the $8 million left on his contract. In my opinion, that is a steal considering he was one the more valuable players for the Kings this season.

Bottom line, the Kings need to keep Tolliver for at least another year. On the court, he was efficient. Off the court, he helped the younger talent on the Kings try to improve their game. What is there not to love about Anthony Tolliver?

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