A Royal Pain
Fansided

Sacramento Kings: Vlade’s Moves Heighten Playoff Chances

By John Kelly

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 8: Bogdan Bogdanovic #8, Harrison Barnes #40 and Alec Burks #13 of the Sacramento Kings face the Miami Heat on February 8, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 8: Bogdan Bogdanovic #8, Harrison Barnes #40 and Alec Burks #13 of the Sacramento Kings face the Miami Heat on February 8, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings’ chances of competing in the playoffs this season increased when they completed the trade for Harrison Barnes and others.

The Sacramento Kings’ front office finally got their guy. Weeks ago, reports came out that the purple and white had high interest in the seven-year forward in Harrison Barnes, and last Wednesday, Vlade Divac was able to get him. Welcome to Sacramento, Harrison!

This was a trade that the Kings needed to make. Giving up Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph while taking on Barnes’ massive contract this season and next (player option) works for both teams.

Barnes is a perfect fit for Sacramento. With a ring on his finger from his days with the Golden State Warriors, he can fill in for Iman Shumpert as the wise mentor. He is also another high character guy with a strong work ethic who knows how to win. Coming from Rick Carlisle’s stern coaching style to now a fast and free-flowing system that Dave Joerger runs should see Barnes flourish in Sacramento.

Kings Give Up Shump For Burks

SACRAMENTO, CA – FEBRUARY 8: Alec Burks #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on February 8, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – FEBRUARY 8: Alec Burks #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on February 8, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Although the Kings lost their veteran mentor in Iman Shumpert, Alec Burks is an upgrade in terms of on-the-court play. He gives the Kings another option at the guard spot to run the halfcourt offense, as well as a guy who can play various roles on the team.

It is unknown whether Burks will remain a King after this season, but he is mainly here to help the Kings make a playoff push THIS year. Meanwhile, Shumpert gets a chance to help a legit contender win a championship.

I hope Iman plays great and gets another title. His leadership has helped young players grow as people and a team. Shumpert should get nothing but respect from Kings fans. Thanks, Iman. And the best of luck going forth.

Playoffs Become A Realistic Goal

A good argument can be made that the Kings’ overall roster improved after the deadline. Which means that the team’s ceiling and playoff chances increased. Dave Joerger must get these new players acclimated and playing in the rotation sooner rather than later. Although the Kings’ chances of winning the title are slim, having the opportunity for their youngsters to play in the postseason is valuable experience that will help them going forward.

Vlade Is The Right Man For The Job

In terms for this season, Vlade Divac has improved the Kings’ chances of a postseason berth. They also got better for the future as well as Harrison Barnes is likely going to be in Sacramento for at least another season. Vlade was overwhelmed at first as the Kings’ general manager, but he has made tremendous strides since.

Trending. 3 Reasons To Trade For Harrison Barnes. light

The trio of him, Vivek Ranadive, and Dave Joerger have turned the culture around to a high character, hard-working, and goal-oriented franchise. It was a long process, but the atmosphere now is a 180 difference from the DeMarcus Cousins era. If the Kings continue their pattern of improvement, their playoff drought will end in no time.

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