A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley starting is reliant on the play of Dewayne Dedmon

By Brenden Nunes

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 17: Dewayne Dedmon #13 of the Sacramento Kings ties his sneakers prior to the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 17, 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 – NOVEMBER 17: Dewayne Dedmon #13 of the Sacramento Kings ties his sneakers prior to the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 17, 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) /

Will Dedmon Return To Form?

Last season, Dedmon was a Brook Lopez-type of sorts, shooting 38% from three and supplying a much higher level of rim protection than Willie was, which is about the lowest bar possible. This year, Dedmon has shot just 24% from three and has seen his minutes slowly regress to the point of him averaging 12.6 minutes throughout the previous seven games and having multiple occasions of not even breaking double digits in that statistic. Walton has lost faith (Sacramento is 5-2 during those games) and is riding Holmes, for good reason considering that Holmes has practically won games for Sacramento with his effort plays alone, but Dedmon will return.

Even he can only be a Dedmon walking for so long. Unforced and frustrating turnovers have been connected to Dedmon for a while now, but not to the extent that has been present during his start with Sactown. The three-point percentage will revert to form, the effort has never been an issue, and neither has his rim protection.

How Will The Kings Close?

Closing lineups will vary from night-to-night in the frontcourt, as Richaun has won the Kings’ games down stretches (Boston), but Bagley is capable of taking that role and exceeding Holmes’ production. Luke will surely play with minutes of Bagley and Holmes together, but I would not expect much success unless Bagley has magically become an average to an above-average three-point shooter during the time of his injury.

Spacing is major for the Kings this season, considering their high attempts and percentage from beyond the arc. One roller plus one shooter in the frontcourt is the way to accomplish that. Bagley and Dedmon or Holmes and Bjelica.

Next. Bogi Is Exactly What The Kings Needed. dark

Bagley needs Dedmon to return to form to find himself in the starting lineup, but Bagley’s return could be just what Dedmon needs to find his comfort level

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