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Three Goals For Malachi Richardson This Season

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Malachi Richardson #5 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 12, 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 - FEBRUARY 12: Malachi Richardson #5 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 12, 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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What goals should Malachi Richardson have for this upcoming season? This article will state three objectives that the second-year pro should keep in mind.

The Sacramento Kings have a bevy of young talent going into their new season. And Malachi Richardson is one of the players on the list.

This season is key for Richardson. With so much youth on the Kings’ roster, Richardson needs to find a way to stand out in order to be part of Dave Joerger’s rotation of players. Here are three goals Richardson should keep in mind this season in order to make his way up the depth chart.

Goal #1: Soak In As Much Knowledge As Possible

Richardson, as well as the rest of the young players on the Kings, have an incredible opportunity ahead of them. Getting the chance to play with well-respected veterans who are motivated to guide the youth of the team in the right direction.

With players like Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, and others, they bring a ton of valuable knowledge that the young Kings need to soak in.

For Malachi, he needs to take advantage of this opportunity. He needs to learn from these vets on what one has to do in order to have a successful NBA career. If anyone knows what it takes to stay in the league, the veterans on the Kings do.

Goal #2: Improve Perimeter Shooting

For Malachi to find his niche with the Kings, he will need to be a reliable perimeter shooter. The Kings do not have a legit 3-and-D player right now, but Richardson does have the ability to eventually become that if he can make his jumpers consistently. His shooting percentages were not great last season, but there is high potential in his shot.

Richardson’s shooting stroke is quick and effective when he gets his feet under his shot. If Malachi can make more progress in improving his jumper, he could be a future stand-still sniper for the Kings going forth.

Goal #3: Embrace Change, Play Big

The Kings seem pretty set with Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic being the team’s two guards, leaving Richardson as the odd man out. Fortunately, Sacramento is thin at the small forward spot, opening up an opportunity for Malachi to get minutes if he can get acclimated with the position.

For Richardson to be successful playing the three, the first step he needs to take is getting bigger in size. Getting stronger will help Malachi in being able to handle his own against other wing players on both ends of the floor. He seems to have known this already due to his muscle increase this offseason.

Overall, shooting guard is not really in the books for Malachi, at least with the Kings. But he still has a chance to play a significant part in the team’s rebuild if he can prove to play the small forward position efficiently.

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