Sacramento Kings season report card: Jack Cooley
By Tyler Watts
Sacramento Kings big man Jack Cooley saw limited action on his two-way contract. Today, Cooley is given a grade for his performance this season.
The Sacramento Kings did not make the playoffs this season, but they took some essential steps in building a young core to improve in the future. The team used the 2017 Summer League to strengthen its roster by signing two players to two-way contracts. One of those men was Jack Cooley.
Today, Jack Cooley’s 2017-2018 season goes under the microscope. He will receive grades for offensive and defensive contributions to the Sacramento Kings before giving him an overall mark for his season. Without further ado, let us jump right into it.
Offensive grade: D+
First, it is worth mentioning that Cooley played a total of 174 minutes with the Kings. He only played in seven games and averaged 12.4 minutes a game. That alone depresses his grade. Cooley was with the team for plenty more games but was a DNP-CD.
Related Story: Should Jack Cooley return to Sacramento next season?
There are two main reasons Cooley did not receive a failing grade. One, he averaged 2.0 offensive rebounds per game. That ranked second on the team just behind Kosta Koufos’ 2.1 in seven more minutes per contest. Cooley shot 48.1 percent from the field which was fourth on the Kings. Offensive rebounding and good shot selection are two traits of a winning team, and Cooley provided both in limited action this season.
Defensive grade: D-
Cooley brings hustle, energy, and rebounding on defense. He blocked zero shots this season and for a big man that is not a positive. Cooley is also not equipped to matchup on the majority of modern power forwards making center his best position as far as matching up man to man. His lack of rim protection hurts him that area. Still, Cooley could not receive a failing grade after earning 12.4 rebounds per 36 minutes on the season.
Overall grade for the 2017-2018 season: D
The marks are challenging for a player who got such little run this season. Cooley played well in the G-League and was a significant part of the Reno Bighorns making the playoffs. His rebounding ability and shot selection earned him a D grade this season while playing for the Kings.
Final thoughts
Jack Cooley played limited minutes this season for the Sacramento Kings, and that impacted his report card. Overall, Cooley earned a D grade for this season.
It will be interesting to see what happens with him this offseason as he enters free agency. Stay tuned for more information on that as it becomes available.
Next: A look at 7 upcoming free agency decisions for the Kings
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