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Skal Labissiere out 2-3 weeks with left shoulder strain

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 2, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 2: Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 2, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Skal Labissiere is out 2-3 weeks with a left shoulder strain the Sacramento Kings announced to begin February.  We examine the fallout.

Skal Labissiere has been dealing with a left shoulder strain for two-plus weeks now.  The Sacramento Kings big man missed the Jan. 17 game before returning for four straight.  He appeared on the injury report in each game but still played.  Then, he missed the last two games with the ailment.  Now the news of the injury appears to be much worse.  Below is a Tweet from Jason Jones about Labissiere.

What the news means

I wrote a few days back about how this injury could linger the rest of the season if the Kings did not sit down Labissiere for at least a week.  Well, it turns out he will miss two to three on top of the four days he has already sat out.

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It is a blow to the Kings youth movement and Labissiere’s development.  Just when it appeared Skal would be playing significant minutes each game, he comes down with a serious shoulder injury.  Remember the big man needs those reps to continue his development.  Hopefully, Labissiere returns in after the All-Star Break and finishes the season with a flourish.

Who steps up?

Unfortunately, Sacramento does not have a readymade replacement for Skal Labissiere.  The Kings are forced to play veterans Kosta Koufos and Zach Randolph significant minutes at the power forward spot or play small ball.  The problem with playing small is Vince Carter is often the one receiving the time at the four.  Now, Sacramento could go with Justin Jackson and two-way player JaKarr Sampson, but it is not something we have seen happen frequently.  Perhaps the injury being over multiple weeks forces the Kings hand in that regard.  Stay tuned for updates on the shoulder and to see who steps up with Labissiere out.

Final thoughts

Skal Labissiere is out until at least mid-February with a left shoulder strain.  It is the same injury that has plagued him for two weeks already.  Hopefully, the extended rest heals the shoulder and Labissiere is ready to breakthrough after the All-Star Break.  Stay tuned.

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