Reason #4: Buddy Has Been The Best Player
For the last two NBA seasons, an argument can be made that Buddy has been the best and most consistent player on the Sacramento Kings.
Even though Buddy is not a superstar, he has been great for the Kings. For the longest time, Sacramento needed a starting shooting guard that can make perimeter shots efficiently, rebound the ball well, and has a high motor on both ends of the court. Buddy has fit the bill perfectly and is a big reason why the team is on the rise.
It was shown especially last season when he averaged around 21 points and five rebounds a game and made around 46% of his shots from the floor, 43% from the perimeter, and 89% from the free-throw line.
Offering Buddy $110 million is a hefty price, but I can understand why he is feeling insulted about being offered $90 million. I get that that the team needs to make room for when De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III need to get extended, but right now, Buddy has shown more value than both. So why are the Kings showing more faith in two players that have not been as productive as Buddy has?
I get the ceilings that De’Aaron and Marvin both have are higher, but the Kings have a player right now that is fulfilling his role to a tee and at least deserves a contract worth $100 million over four years. There is no doubt that Buddy is a core piece to this Kings’ rebuild and should be offered a contract that showcases that worth.