A Royal Pain
Fansided

Kings: Division Matchup – Not overlooking the Phoenix Suns

By Brenden Nunes

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns faces off against Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 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 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns faces off against Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns Devin Booker (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Health Concerns

The health concerns of the Kings come primarily from their deep frontcourt. We all know Harry Giles has his issues and a current confusion around his situation, Dedmon has only played more than 65 games once since he started seeing regular minutes, and Marvin Bagley missed 20 games himself in his rookie season. Which players are the focal point of the Suns’ injury questions?

Sammy: Players being healthy is important to any NBA team; however, in order for the Suns to reach and or exceed their expectations they can not afford even the slightest amount of injuries. Kelly Oubre last year set the Suns on fire for twelve games but then was sidelined due to an injury. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton both missed games last year due to injury and fatigue. If the Suns want to be legit, their stars and best players have to be on the court day in and day out. If the Suns can remain healthy all year long, the more fun they will be to watch because the players we want to see will be playing and we will see the ‘new’ Suns.

As you mentioned, injuries could plague any team in the league and ruin a season on their own — see: Golden State. You mentioned defense as well, and that was clearly the focus for Sacramento this offseason if you take a look at who they brought in. Dewayne Dedmon protects the rim miles better than Willie Cauley-Stein did, Trevor Ariza is a known 3&D talent even in his later years, while Cory Joseph is one of the elite guard defenders in the association.

Home/Kings News