A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: 3 Takeaways From The 2019 NBA Offseason

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 1: Harrison Barnes #40, De'Aaron Fox #5, Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings attend the game against the Golden State Warriors on July 1, 2019 at the Golden 1 Center, in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 1: Harrison Barnes #40, De'Aaron Fox #5, Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings attend the game against the Golden State Warriors on July 1, 2019 at the Golden 1 Center, in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 4: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings blocks the shot of Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks on March 4, 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 – MARCH 4: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings blocks the shot of Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks on March 4, 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) /

Takeaway #1: Defense Is A Priority

Last season, the Sacramento Kings’ offense was one of the best in the league due to their ability to play fast and make three-point shots at a deadly rate. But even though the purple and white were able to score left and right, they also allowed their opponents to do the same as well.

Last year, the Kings allowed their opponents to score over 115 points a contest which was ranked 26th amongst their counterparts. The team also was ranked 20th in the league in defensive efficiency rating at a 108.7.

For the Kings to take that next step into their rebuild, they need to enhance their team defense in order to do so. So what did Vlade Divac do this summer? Acquired players through free agency that are known for their defensive skillset.

Let us take a look at the list of five players that Vlade signed this summer. Cory Joseph has gained a reputation in his eight-year career of being a pest as a perimeter defender. Wing players Harrison Barnes and Trevor Ariza also have proven to be both efficient and versatile defenders too. And Dewayne Dedmon and Richaun Holmes will bolster up the Kings’ interior with their rebounding and rim protection.

Time will tell whether Vlade’s signings will improve the team’s defense next year. But if all five guys translate their previous success while wearing the purple and white, there is no question the Kings will become a stronger defensive squad.

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