Is Skal Labissiere Still A Part Of The Sacramento Kings’ Future?
![SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 31: Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 31, 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 31: Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 31, 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/4aef5fd90fd6a22a3c95b97df746b73a04ee7887e732b3cb6d8b59ebd2498f83.jpg)
Does Labissiere still have a future with the Kings?
Honestly, it is hard to say. Skal was rumored nearly all season as a potential trade fodder, and the Kings drafted Marvin Bagley III at second overall over the offseason. Add those together and it seems his future is murky at best. He still has loads of potential, but potential does not always metabolize and it is worth wondering at what point do you pull the plug on the Skal Labissiere experiment?
With that said, it is incredibly likely he finishes this season with the Kings barring a catastrophic season by him on all levels. He could still be traded, but it remains to be seen if the Kings are truly willing to move him. Another potential factor is Willie Cauley-Stein’s impending free agency. Should Cauley-Stein walk (by his own accord or the Kings’), it would behoove Sacramento to keep Skal on the roster as a potential backup to Harry Giles and Marvin Bagley, or even to have him take over as the starter if he has a breakout season.
This season is huge for both the Kings and Labissiere. The Kings need to know what they have in Skal, and he needs to prove he is worth further investment from the franchise. Will it happen this season? Only time will tell, but if Labissiere wants to be with Sacramento long term, this might be his last shot.