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Sacramento Kings: Why Passing On Nikola Vucevic Is A Good Thing

By Rafe Wong

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 30: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 30: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings will likely not sign Nikola Vucevic in free agency. And you know what, that is totally fine.

Not too long ago, the Sacramento Kings made news that they will likely not pursue Nikola Vucevic when free agency starts. This last year, Vucevic led the Orlando Magic to their first playoff berth in seven years and will be the top center free agent next month.

Even though the news came out weeks ago that the Kings were interested in the All-Star big man, that does not seem like the case anymore. But for the Kings and their fans, this should be good news to hear.

Why Passing On Vucevic Is A Smart Move?

Do not get me wrong. The acquisition of signing Vucevic would definitely improve the Kings’ roster. This last year, Vucevic made progress in stretching his game to the perimeter while continuing to be a force scoring in the post.

Vucevic also has shown through his career to be an elite rebounder and a solid rim protector which are both aspects of the game that the Kings need to improve on next season.

But with that said, passing on Vucevic would be smart for the Kings. The reason for this is because Vucevic is projected to sign a contract valued at around $140 million over a duration of four to five years. That is a big investment to make on someone who will just impact the interior and does not even fit the timeline with the Kings’ current youth.

Also, in my opinion, I feel there are other options for the Kings to help with their interior play. Maybe not as efficient as Vucevic, but would be at a better value as they would be more inexpensive.

Final Thoughts

Nikola Vucevic would definitely increase the Kings’ playoff chances next year if signed. He is a guy that is a reliable asset in the interior on both ends of the court while also having the ability to help space the floor on offense.

But even though Vucevic would help Sacramento, the asking price for him is just too risky and steep. The Kings do have the cap space to offer a max contract to upcoming free agents, but that does not mean they have to throw it all on this summer.

Vlade Divac and company still need to make smart investments on guys that are worth their value while also making sure they have money for the future when their young core is out of their rookie deals.

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