After a season where the Sacramento Kings won just 27 games, Kings fans should be optimistic moving forward. The Kings have compiled a nice core of young players that could be part of the team’s future. Heading into next season, I expect the Kings to be right around 27-32 wins, but most importantly I will watch the development of these four key players.
De’Aaron Fox
De’Aaron Fox showed some flashes last season that gives hope that he will be the Kings’ long-term starting point guard. Offensively, Fox is a blur in the open court as he is one of the fastest players in the league with the basketball. His jump shot needs major improvement, but he showed the ability to knock down a mid-range jump shot, which will continue to get more consistent.
The one thing I would like to see this season from Fox is getting him in more pick-and-roll situations. With his speed and quickness, I feel like Fox can become really effective at playing downhill. Defensively, the upside is there due to his athletic ability. I think coach Joerger will help him with that side of the ball.
Willie Cauley-Stein
Willie Cauley-Stein is one of the guys I still have high hopes for. Physically, I think he has all the potential to be a defensive monster. He is a very similar player to Clint Capela, but the situation in Sacramento has not helped his development.
In his previous year, Cauley-Stein had his best campaign. He ended last season right around 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block per game. Not sure exactly what the Kings’ plans are for him, but if he does not make strides this season, I could see them moving him before the trade deadline. Personally, I would love to see Cauley-Stein develop into an elite rim protector next to Marvin Bagley III for years to come.
Skal Labissiere
Skal Labissiere is caught in a weird situation with the Kings. Marvin Bagley will most likely be part of the starting five next to Cauley-Stein on opening night. Which means Skal will have to earn his minutes coming off the bench.
Skal is just 22-years old, but he did not show any improvements from his rookie year. At 6’11” with a 7’3″ wingspan, Skal has all the physical tools you would want in a modern day big. Smooth jump shot and the ability to space the floor out and knock down shots combined with his physical ability, Skal could be a promising two-way big. His athleticism and length allow him to switch onto guards/wings and be effective in defending the pick and rolls. With Cauley-Stein’s Sacramento future up in the air, Skal has a great opportunity to show the Kings he might be a great fit in the frontcourt next to Bagley long term.
Marvin Bagley III
Most importantly, Marvin Bagley III. As the most recent second overall draft pick, he has the pressure of the franchise weighing on his shoulders. Bagley is expected to be the next big thing and a star for years to come. He did struggle in the summer league shooting only 38% from the field, which is concerning for someone who gets most of his buckets around the rim. But that should not scare fans.
I expect Marvin to struggle from the field this season as it takes time to adjust to the physicality and speed of the game. What I would like to see from Bagley is the ability to knock down mid-range jump shots. If he can keep defenses honest, he has the quickness to put the ball on the floor and use his athleticism to blow past bigs and get to the rim. Bagley needs to watch countless hours of tape on Chris Bosh and try to model his game after his.
Closing Thoughts
There is finally excitement in Sacramento with the young talent this team has been able to compile. Fox and Bagley are the two guys who will be a part of the Kings’ future for years to come. Skal and Cauley-Stein are both young and have major potential, but have not lived up to the hype. Next season will be huge campaigns for all of them. I will have a close eye on these four and cannot wait to see how coach Joerger utilizes them.