What type of impact will Nemanja Bjelica make with the Sacramento Kings this upcoming season? I give my opinions on the issue.
When the Sacramento Kings were striking out in the free-agent market, Vlade Divac remained calm at only going after players who fit the team’s agenda. So even when Vlade did not get Zach LaVine or Jabari Parker to sign with the team, he did not panic. He just found different guys who fit the profile.
Vlade did get a feather in his cap for landing two players who left other teams to join the Kings. The addition that I think will help Sacramento the most is Nemanja Bjelica, a possible solution to the team’s hole at small forward.
The Small Forward Hole Filled?
Will Bjelica fill the need for the Kings at small forward? Some are counting on him playing at the position just as an insurance policy. Both Justin Jackson and Iman Shumpert can play the position too, but Bjelica brings unique skills to the table.
The first skill is shooting and the second is handling the basketball. Throughout his basketball career, Bjelica has played as a versatile forward. So he definitely can be an option for the Kings if they do not have any legit threes. Ideally, however, if Jackson can develop himself into a solid starter, it then solves the Kings’ biggest weakness.
Bjelica Fits Positionless Basketball
When Vivek Ranadive purchased the Kings and gained control of the franchise, he talked about getting players who can play basketball well while worrying less about their positions. Positionless basketball is what he wanted for the Kings.
The Kings are gathering a bunch of players who can play multiple positions and roles with the team. Bjelica is just another example of a guy that fits this mold that Vivek is looking for in his players.
Nemanja played point forward very well for the Serbian national team. He also was the Euroleague MVP in 2015. The purple and white are starting a history of getting players who are used to success and they have the awards to prove it.
Bjelica Brings Size To His Position
For the last couple of seasons, the purple and white have been beaten by teams whose players are bigger and stronger than them. One of Dave Joerger’s sayings is “You cannot teach size”.
Joerger is right. For coaches, they run plays to create a mismatch or get an open shot. If the team already has an advantage by being stronger and bigger at the small forward position, they will score pretty easily. All the guys who likely will play at the three this year for Sacramento will be better than the options the team had last season, in my opinion. This should result in better play from the overall team.
Bjelica Has Experienced A Lot
Bjelica has basketball experience outside of the NBA. He started his career in the Austrian League and then played in Europe. He also has played on the Serbian national team as well as Fenerbahçe.
Bjelica then played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for a couple of years before signing with Sacramento. Bjelica has more experience than a lot of the other players the Kings have on their team.
With many players on the Kings having less than three years of professional experience, this is a nice move by Vlade to sign a veteran player. Nemanja must like the future plans Vlade has because he was on his way back to the Euroleague before signing with the Kings. Thumbs up for Vlade for getting Bjelica to sign as he will open up the floor for everyone with his three-point shooting.
Final Thoughts
Bjelica is another player who can shoot the long ball and has the ability to be a ball handler/playmaker for Sacramento. With this addition, Joerger has another talented and versatile player which gives him more flexibility on his depth chart. Although Bjelica’s main position is a stretch-four type of player, he also has the chance to play small forward and help take some of the pressure off Justin Jackson.
Vlade was wise enough to give Nemanja a three-year contract with only two years guaranteed. Giving the team flexibility that we need for the future. That is a good move for the team and a great move from Vlade.