A Royal Pain
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How Does Chris Paul’s Decision Impact The Sacramento Kings’ Season?

By Rafe Wong

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 30: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball defended by Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets in the third quarter at Toyota Center on March 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 30: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball defended by Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets in the third quarter at Toyota Center on March 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 23: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder go for the jump ball during the game on November 23, 2016 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 23: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder go for the jump ball during the game on November 23, 2016 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Analyzing Both Rosters

Although the Thunder will be a more formidable team next season with Chris Paul being the starting guard, I still think the Kings will have a better season than them. Right now when looking at both the Thunder and Kings’ rosters, Sacramento has the more talented squad.

Let us analyze the starting lineups. The starting five for the Thunder looks to be Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andre Roberson, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams. For the Kings, their starting lineup probably will be De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III, and Dewayne Dedmon.

When looking at both teams’ starters, I do think Sacramento has a better group. Oklahoma City definitely has the more seasoned and experienced lineup, but I think Sacramento’s group of five is more talented and athletic as a collective whole.

Now, when looking at both teams’ reserves, I think the Kings beat out the Thunder in this aspect as well. The top players from Oklahoma City’s bench are Dennis Schroder, Patrick Patterson, and Nerlens Noel. And for the Kings, their bench highlights Cory Joseph, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Harry Giles.

Obviously, this is only a part of the bench for both squad. But when breaking down the entire bench for both teams, Sacramento’s personnel is more fitted around their core players compared to what Oklahoma City has as of now.

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