A Royal Pain
Fansided

Frank Mason rising out of the shadows: Emerging as an NBA presence

By Eric Clark

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Frank Mason III #10 of the Sacramento Kings brings the ball up the court against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 22, 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 - NOVEMBER 22: Frank Mason III #10 of the Sacramento Kings brings the ball up the court against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 22, 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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Frank Mason is better and more NBA ready than anyone thought. He is emerging as an immediate role player for the Sacramento Kings.

The Sacramento Kings drafted De’Aaron Fox fifth overall, and while Fox has massive upside, the recent play of Frank Mason has been catching people’s eyes around the league. Mason looks like the unquestioned steal of the NBA draft. Kings fans love what he brings to the team.

The former Kansas Jayhawk and Naismith Player of the Year winner continues to make savvy, jaw-dropping instinctive plays that are beyond his years.

The memorable play

There was a specific play Mason made Wednesday night in Cleveland that jumped out and let me know that he has a bright future in this league. Dwyane Wade (Yes, this is Dwyane Wade we are talking about) received the ball and immediately attempted to back down and test the smaller Mason. Mason, however, defended Wade to perfection. He forced Wade to lose his handle on the basketball. Without giving it a second thought, Mason dove for the loose ball and forced a turnover by securing the possession. The Kings did not come out with the win, but a play like that does not go unnoticed.

Grit. Toughness. Poise.

Mason brings grit, toughness, and poise to the court on a nightly basis. He also possesses the ability to create his own offense and finish strong at the basket.

Do not let his small stature fool you. Mason is the real deal. The NBA is not too big or too fast for him, and he has proven it on a nightly basis. Mason does not play like a  rookie, and his game forces opposing defenders to play honest. He is a highly instinctive and cerebral player who always seems to be one step ahead on the court.

Mason absolutely victimized Jrue Holiday with a nasty hesitation move Friday night. Holiday was frozen in place and left with no choice but to helplessly watch Mason blow by him and sink an uncontested teardrop.

For Holiday, it was a play to forget, but for Kings fans, it was a thing of beauty. It was the kind of action that can send shockwaves throughout the league. The type of play that shows that a player possesses that “it” factor and plays with a certain edge to their game. It shows that they have those intangibles that you cannot teach. Mason possesses the ability to be clutch and rise to the occasion when the game is on the line.

Next: Michael Porter Jr. could be a steal for Sacramento

Make no mistake, the NBA has been put on notice. Frank Mason is as real as it gets, and what we are seeing is only the beginning of something much, much greater.

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