A Royal Pain
Fansided

Sacramento Kings’ Projected 2017-2018 Starters 2.0

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 5: The Sacramento Kings bench cheer on their teammates against the Utah Jazz on March 5, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 5: The Sacramento Kings bench cheer on their teammates against the Utah Jazz on March 5, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Buddy Hield
SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Buddy Hield /

Shooting Guard: Buddy Hield

There is no doubt about who should be the starting shooting guard for the Sacramento Kings on opening night. The Kings traded away their franchise player, DeMarcus Cousins, to secure 2016 lottery pick, Buddy Hield.

Hield played fantastically in Sacramento, and he deserves to start next season. Buddy Love played well enough to earn himself All-Rookie First Team honors with the Kings. He also displayed fantastic three-point shooting and the ability to score the ball at the highest level.

Most importantly, Hield is a building block on this young talented core. The Kings are hoping a starting five of De’Aaron Fox, Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Skal Labissiere, and Willie Cauley-Stein is the group that leads them back to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. Hield started 18 games last season and earned his spot, so no reason to limit his development and bring him off the bench. Let the 23-year-old begin the game and play a huge chunk of minutes. It will only help his development and improve the Kings chances of growing their young core together.

The real question is rather Hield or Bogdanovic is the shooting guard. They both are considered two-guards by most outlets, but in this NBA they both are just wings and are interchangeable based on the matchup. Expect to see both of them playing a heap of minutes on the court together for years to come.

For the full analysis on our reasoning, click here.

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