A Royal Pain
Fansided

Free Agent Signings Shows Sacramento Kings’ Confidence In Youth

By Rafe Wong

Sacramento Kings Vlade Divac (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings Vlade Divac (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks looks to pass guarded by T.J. Warren #12 and Richaun Holmes #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 99-89. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks looks to pass guarded by T.J. Warren #12 and Richaun Holmes #21 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 99-89. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

How The New Kings Fit In?

Let us examine the new players the Kings acquired.

The first player they signed was Harrison Barnes for a deal worth $85 million over a duration of four years. With this signing, the Kings hope they locked in their starting small forward for the future. He is a wing player who can contribute on both ends of the floor and is also a veteran presence towards the young guys even though he is 27 years of age.

The next player Sacramento signed was Trevor Ariza. Although Ariza was a starting caliber small forward in his prime, he still is a reliable wing player. With this signing, the Kings hope Ariza can be a solid 3-and-D guy off their bench. He most likely will backup Barnes at the three but can play the four as well if necessary. Ariza also has experience being in the playoffs multiple times and has even won an NBA championship. Hopefully, he will bring that knowledge to the Kings’ youngsters.

After getting their small forward situation settled, the Kings then went on to sign Dewayne Dedmon. For the Kings, this may have been the most exciting acquisition as it solidifies the starting center spot for Sacramento next season. For Dedmon, he has been a solid big man for teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks in the last three years. The Kings hope he can bring that same impact for their team while it gives time for guys like Marvin Bagley III and Harry Giles to prove they can become long term starters going forward.

The fourth player the Kings acquired was veteran point guard Cory Joseph. During his career, Joseph has been known to be a reliable backup point guard, and that is exactly what he will do when paired with De’Aaron Fox next season. In terms of Joseph’s game, he will be able to contribute on both ends of the floor and bring good experience in facilitating the second unit.

The final guy that the Kings signed was young big Richaun Holmes. It was limited time, but Holmes was a beast for the Phoenix Suns as he was their big coming off the bench. He showed great energy in the interior as his production to rebound and block shots gives him the potential to become an elite rim protector in his future. With this signing, the Kings bolster up their big man spot with another athletic and young big. He for sure will give Bagley and Giles good competition when they compete with each another during practices.

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