The Sacramento Kings begin their campaign tonight against the Houston Rockets. What will the starting five for the purple and white look like in tonight’s game?
The Sacramento Kings’ new era of proud will start tonight as the team plays against the Houston Rockets.
As the Kings begin this campaign with a revamped roster, it raises the question on who will be part of Dave Joerger’s starting five for tonight’s contest. With that being said, here is my quick take on the situation.
Point Guard: George Hill
There is no doubt in my mind George Hill will be the starting point guard for tonight’s game. The nine-year veteran has proven throughout his career he is capable of facilitating an offense while playing solid defense on the other end.
There is a good argument made that Hill is the best player on the Kings right now. Due to this fact and his previous success makes him a shoo-in to start tonight.
Shooting Guard: Buddy Hield
I think the Kings go with Buddy Hield at the two-guard spot. Sacramento has needed a reliable scorer to fill the shooting guard role, and Hield has shown throughout his tenure with the Kings to be the guy.
Last season, Hield gave the Kings optimism of becoming the team’s sharpshooter as he made 48% of his shots from the floor and 42.8% of his shots from the perimeter in 25 games. Because Hield is one of Sacramento’s better shooters, it makes good sense to have him start tonight next to Hill.
Small Forward: Garrett Temple
Starting Garrett Temple at the wing seems to be the right move here. The seven-year veteran would bring a defensive presence at the position while being a solid spot-up shooter as well.
It would be ideal for Sacramento to have a 3-and-D guy starting at the wing, and in my opinion, Temple fits the role more than any other guy on the roster. Although Temple’s pure position is two-guard, his versatile makes him able to handle his own at the three if being called upon.
Power Forward: Zach Randolph
Starting Zach Randolph at power forward tonight will give the Kings a physical presence and an asset on both ends of the floor. His newly developed shooting range and ability to bump opponents around is an advantage for Sacramento.
However, there is news that Z-Bo is questionable tonight due to an oral injury. So if the situation comes where Randolph sits out tonight, then Skal Labissiere should be the guy to take his place.
Kings injury report:
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) October 18, 2017
Bogdan Bogdanovic (Sprained Right Ankle)-OUT (listed as day to day).
Zach Randolph (Oral Surgery)-QUESTIONABLE
Center: Willie Cauley-Stein
No doubt that Willie Cauley-Stein is the Kings’ starting center for tonight’s opener. Last season, Cauley-Stein continued to gradually improve his game as he showed promise of becoming a solid two-way player.
This season will be key for Cauley-Stein as he will be given many chances to show he can be a core part of the Kings’ rebuild. One of these opportunities, in my mind, will be given the reigns as the team’s number one big man throughout the year.