With potential stars in their starting lineup, the Sacramento Kings appeared to be top-heavy. Within 48 hours of the start of free agency, they added enough depth to be formidable contenders for a playoff spot in a stacked Western Conference.
The development of the young Sacramento Kings players last season turned heads around the NBA, though the team still lacked in areas like defense, rebounding, and depth. Through the acquisitions of Dewayne Dedmon, Cory Joseph, Trevor Ariza, and Richaun Holmes, those weak points have seemingly been addressed.
While the focus on the Kings this season will be their starting lineup, it is the suddenly deep second unit that might hold the key to winning games.
Despite the Kings contending for a playoff spot deep into March, the bench was wire thin. So thin in fact that Corey Brewer, who the Kings acquired mid-season, played meaningful minutes down the stretch when Sacramento still had the playoffs in their sights. Harry Giles was still a raw project and getting his first real NBA play time, and backup point guard Yogi Ferrell produced less than six points a game in relief of the electric De’Aaron Fox.
Things should be different this season, however. With the moves Vlade Divac made this summer, the Kings should have a deeper bench and a better chance to make the postseason for the upcoming 2019-20 season.
Let us dive into the purple and white’s reserves, as well as analyze each position. I will start at the point guard spot.