Sacramento Kings: Who Was The Biggest Surprise This Season?

By Rafe Wong | May 6, 2019

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 23: Sacramento Kings players Buddy Hield #24, Marvin Bagley III #35, Nemanja Bjelica #88 and Harrison Barnes #40 celebrate a basket against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center on March 23, 2019 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 14: Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings blocks a shot from Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on March 14, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Kings 126-120. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Nemanja Bjelica

When the Kings signed Nemanja Bjelica last summer, my expectation for him was that he would be a reliable asset for the team’s bench. Well, Bjelica did become an asset for Sacramento, but it was with the starting lineup rather than the second unit.

For the year, Bjelica averaged around 10 points and six rebounds a game while making around 48% of his shots from the floor, 40% from beyond the arc, and 76% from the free-throw line.

Especially during the beginning stages of the year, Bjelica’s contribution was key to the Kings starting off the season strong. He did have his slumps from time to time, but overall, he was a pleasant surprise for the Kings as he was a solid playmaker on the offensive end.

According to Bjelica’s contract with the Kings, the team still owes him $13-14 million over a duration of two years. At the time, it seemed like the Kings got a solid deal for the services of Bjelica. But seeing how he performed this season, it now seems like a heist.

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