The Sacramento Kings will open preseason play on Oct. 1 against the Phoenix Suns, here’s a few things to keep an eye out for.
The Sacramento Kings will open up their five-game preseason slate on Oct. 1, on the road against the Suns. With several new faces on the team and an evolving play style, there’s a lot to watch for during Sacramento’s exhibition games.
First, and perhaps most importantly, is how well the Kings embrace a faster play style. Sacramento Kings Head Coach Dave Joerger said he wants the Kings to play faster. This is in part to the team wanting to play to point guard De’Aaron Fox’s speed.
It’s important for the Kings to learn to play fast. If they’re able to quickly embrace and do well playing at a faster pace, the Kings could find themselves much improved on the offensive end.
Not to mention that Sacramento must do whatever it takes to help Fox develop if he’s going to be the franchise’s centerpiece.
It’ll also be important to see how Joerger sorts out the point guard position. This is something that’s been discussed by A Royal Pain at length, and for good reason.
Frank Mason III played decent at times last season but never convinced the franchise he can be the high quality reserve they need, hence the signing of Yogi Ferrell.
Mason was a rookie second-round pick last season and he’ll have his chance to prove he deserves to be the primary reserve point guard. Of course, he’s going to have to beat out Ferrell, which is easier said than done considering Ferrell’s signing was widely regarded as one of the better signings the team has made in the last few years.
538's CARMELO projections have Yogi as a $55M player over the next 5 years or about $11M per season. This is the first offer I have ever seen the Kings make or have accepted below CARMELO value. Normally, we are offering way, way more than the player is worth. Congrats Vlade pic.twitter.com/I2NNvfAAWe
— Chris H. (@SPTSJUNKIE) July 20, 2018
Ferrell is more than just a good contract too. He’s a solid player who can run an offense and has two years more experience than Mason does. This battle could be one of the more important ones to watch early on.
Another thing for fans to watch for this preseason how the Kings sort out their big-men. Will Willie Cauley-Stein dominate minutes at center? Or will Harry Giles swoop in and push him for minutes?
There’s also a question as to who starts at power forward. Will they got with Nemanja Bjelica or trot out Marvin Bagley? Joerger said he wants to get Justin Jackson some time at the four as well so it’ll be curious as to how Joerger sorts everything out.
Theres no shortage of things to watch for in the preseason for Sacramento Kings fans. These might be some of the biggest things to watch for, but this doesn’t hit on everything. Watching Marvin Bagley and Harry Giles play for the first time is a draw in itself.
As is seeing if Justin Jackson’s summer league breakout was legit, or whether or not Skal Labissiere’s added muscle will translate to on-court success.
At the very least, preseason action means the NBA is officially back and that’s something everyone can get behind.