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Sacramento Kings: 3 Options To Start At Small Forward

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings look on during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 9, 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 - MARCH 9: Iman Shumpert #4, De'Aaron Fox #5 and Justin Jackson #25 of the Sacramento Kings look on during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 9, 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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles down the court in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2018 in New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles down the court in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2018 in New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Nemanja Bjelica (6’10” / 234 pounds)

Many believe that Nemanja Bjelica is a stretch four. That may be the role that fits him best, but Bjelica also carries characteristics that make him a good option at small forward as well.

When analyzing Bjelica’s game, he can help Sacramento on the offensive end. Last season, he averaged 6.8 points a contest while shooting 46.1% from the floor, 41.5% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line. Bjelica also averaged 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game too.

Due to Bjelica’s ability to create space on the floor and make the three-pointer consistently, he does make a solid option at the three if necessary. Not only does Nemanja’s skill set make him a choice at small forward, but the Serbian star has had NBA experience playing the position.

Last season when Bjelica was with the Minnesota Timberwolves, his team needed him to start at small forward for 17 games when Jimmy Butler went out with a knee injury. For the year, Bjelica started a total of 21 games for Minnesota, and as a result, he averaged 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds a contest while shooting 44.3% from the floor, 41.6% from the perimeter, and 73.9% from the charity stripe.

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So with Bjelica having the traits of a small forward as well as experience playing the position, Dave Joerger should strongly consider him as a potential starter when opening night comes along.

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