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Arron Afflalo waived by the Sacramento Kings

By Tyler Watts

Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Arron Afflalo (40) 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 guard Arron Afflalo (40) 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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The Sacramento Kings waived veteran wing Arron Afflalo on June 23.  This article provides a look back at his time with the Kings and a reaction to that move.

According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, the Sacramento Kings are releasing Arron Afflalo.  Today, we retake a look at Afflalo’s time with the Kings and then provide a reaction to this move.  Without further ado, let us jump right into it.

Afflalo as a King

Arron Afflalo joined the Kings last offseason on a two-year deal worth $25 million.  I wrote about if he was worth that contract then and surmised that Sacramento overpaid slightly for his services.

Afflalo did not have a fantastic season in his only year with Sacramento.  He averaged 8.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 three-pointers made, and 0.3 steals per game in 25.9 minutes a night.  Afflalo shot 44.0% from the field, 41.1% from three-point range, and 89.2% from the free throw line.

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As you can see, he was efficient with the Kings, but the advanced metrics tell a different story.  Afflalo had a value over replacement player (VORP) of negative 0.6 and win shares per 48 of 0.043 (0.100 is league average) according to Basketball Reference.  Those advanced metrics say Afflalo was below league average and below replacement level last season.

Reaction

Arron Afflalo’s release was not a shocking move.  Afflalo was owed $12.5 million next season, but instead, the Kings exercised an option that expired on June 23 to pay him just a guaranteed $1.5 million.

Sacramento is clearly in rebuilding mode and had little use giving minutes to a 31-year-old Arron Afflalo on the wings.  The Kings will switch to giving young players minutes and try to develop them.  Waiving Afflalo also opens cap space for Sacramento to add veterans in free agency as well.

Arron Afflalo is a ten-year NBA veteran and should find work this offseason.  Teams are always looking for wings who can shoot, and he fits that mold.  To go along with his 41.1% from three last year, Afflalo shot 51.7% on corner three-pointers.  Expect him to find work on a contending team looking for a shooter off the bench.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my reaction to the Sacramento Kings waiving Arron Afflalo.  The Kings drafted Afflalo’s replacement in Justin Jackson.  Jackson profiles as a better defender despite not having Afflalo’s shooting stroke.  The young kid should see plenty of playing time on the wing for the rebuilding Kings.

Next: Sacramento Kings 2017 NBA Draft grades

A Royal Pain has you covered this offseason with all the Sacramento Kings content you desire.  We produced a ton of content about the draft you can check out on the site.  We will also be covering free agency and all those juicy rumors, so please check back with us frequently.  Thank you for reading.

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