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Sacramento Kings free agency: Garrett Temple has option

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and Vice president Vlade Divac pose for a photo with Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings after he is honored with the Annual Oscar Robertson Triple- Double Award prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and Vice president Vlade Divac pose for a photo with Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings after he is honored with the Annual Oscar Robertson Triple- Double Award prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Temple’s choice goes beyond the court

Temple is an excellent role player who had arguably his two best seasons during his current contract with the Kings, but his decision has a lot to do with off the court implications as well.  He has won the Oscar Robertson Triple-Double award in two consecutive seasons.  Temple joins Corliss Williamson as the only other player to do so.  The award goes to the King who demonstrates the best both on and off the court.  Temple also is active in the community and just a leader of this young team in every sense of the word.  You can read more about his social efforts here via the Kings official website.

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That bond with the Sacramento community could be a significant factor in Temple’s decision.  Yes, he could make similar efforts in any NBA city, but there is a comfort in knowing your surroundings.  The relationships are already in place in Sacramento, and he could look at it is unfinished business in many ways.  I believe Temple wants to be with the Kings to continue to lead this young team and his off-court activism as well.  He has eight million other reasons to stay, but his leadership roles may be the deciding factor.

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