Sacramento Kings: The 5 Core Players of the Future

Which players on the Sacramento Kings are part of the Core 5 that the team is building around?

I will say these players are the future of the Sacramento Kings for years to come if it works out like everyone hopes it does. The Core 5 will be the players who will not be traded unless some big deal comes along. These are the players being pushed the hardest in the gym, in practice, and in games.

#1 Marvin Bagley III

Marvin Bagley III was the second highest draft pick the organization has ever had. Only once have the Kings ever had the number one pick which was back in 1989. Marvin was the number two pick and Vlade Divac has all his chips riding on him.

Marvin will develop as quickly as he can handle adjusting to the NBA. He will play this season as much as Dave Joerger can find situations for him to succeed early in the year. As Marvin’s efficiency increases, so will his playing time on the court. The Kings do not have to rush him though since they have many players at his position. This is a nice luxury the team does not always have.

#2 De’Aaron Fox.

De’Aaron Fox was the Kings’ easiest draft pick since Vlade took over as the general manager. The Kings knew who they wanted with the fifth pick in the draft, and Fox knew what team he wanted to play for. Done deal.

Fox has shown glimpses of what he can do for the Kings. His speed on the court is blinding at times and what Joerger needs to utilize more of this season. Fox needs to learn when to turn on the speed and push the pace. The purple and white need to run at a faster pace so they can get easy buckets before the defe

se can get set.

De’Aaron’s perimeter shooting was mediocre during his rookie campaign as he shot a hair over 30%. The percentage needs to be higher and he will achieve that goal. Fox was not afraid to take clutch shots at the end of games, and as a result, he did hit a few of them. I like his swag without being too cocky. He just believes in himself and it shows up in his play.

#3 Buddy Hield.

Buddy Hield is the main piece that Sacramento got in return for trading DeMarcus Cousins. It does not seem like a fair trade, but in reality, it might be the Kings who got the better end of the deal. Buddy has shown us he can shoot the three-pointer and has gained the power to occasionally create his own shot. Every team has to have a player or two who can get you a bucket on his own. Buddy proved last season that he could be one of those guys.

The rate of progress Buddy made last season has me believing he will become a valuable piece to the core group. Hield’s reputation for being a tireless worker is another reason for his improved play.

#4 Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Bogdan Bogdanovic just plays hoops. He has a natural flow to his game the same way Steve Nash did. He always seems to be in the right spots and making the right plays. For being new to the NBA, but not professional basketball, Bogi played very well in his rookie season.

The Sacramento players are showing a pattern of being solid and putting in the work at the gym and practice. Bogi, as most people use his nickname, is another guy putting in the hours at the gym too. Bogi will be the guy that is the glue to the team which will result in everyone on the court playing better around him. Bogi stands to play major minutes with Buddy and De’Aaron.

#5 Harry Giles III.

Harry Giles can play either the center or power forward spots and is being touted as the second coming of DMC, but with a better attitude. How can you not love Giles’ energy and fire? When Harry refuses to back down from anyone or anything, it rubs off on his teammates as it showed during summer league.

With the purple and white showing a toughness we have not seen since the team made the playoffs, all I can say is bring it, Harry. Doug Christie and Bobby Jackson are still around the organization. They can tell you about how toughness can improve a team.

How it all fits together?

This would give the Kings a core of players who could anchor the home team for years. All of these guys are young with Bogdan being the oldest at 26 years of age. He also has the most professional experience as he played in Europe for years.

This is a great position for any team to be in. Having good young players who already have time playing in the NBA. You could also switch a player or two in this core group as well. Maybe it is Willie Cauley-Stein who steps up over Giles? Whoever is performing at an NBA level has a chance to be part of something special in Sacramento.

This is the plan Vlade Divac and Dave Joerger have been working on for the last couple of years. It could pay off this campaign or maybe the season after this one. But the plan is a good one and the team is putting in the work. I am sure the team is heading for better days with better play.