A Royal Pain
Fansided

The Growth of Justin James

By Gurjus Singh

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 24: Justin James #10 of the Sacramento Kings dunks in front of Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 24: Justin James #10 of the Sacramento Kings dunks in front of Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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There have been a handful of bright spots during the Kings rocky first month of the season, and Justin James has been one of them.

The selection of Justin James by the Sacramento Kings in the 2019 NBA Draft was initially questioned and criticized, but the rookie has begun to change the narrative with his solid play so far this season.

James has stepped up in the ten games that he has played in, mostly as a wing player in the absence of Trevor Ariza. While he has received limited minutes, which his numbers reflect, is has been his defense and energy that have earned him a spot in the coach Luke Walton‘s regular rotations.

Defense

James has been reliable on the defensive end in his first ten games. While “defensive prowess” certainly does not show up in the box score, it was his presence on that end of the floor late in the game against the Denver Nuggets that helped the Kings secure the upset victory.

In this clip at 3:33,  James can be shown creating a steal off of a Jamal Murray pass, which was intended for Nikola Jokic. Another example of James playing great defense is in overtime. Murray is looking for an open shooter while James denies the ball from Will Barton, who is in the corner but cannot receive the pass due to James’ presence.

During the fourth quarter against the Wizards, James contests an Isaiah Thomas jump-shot in the paint. Although the Wizards score on the possession, James shows why Walton is giving him well-deserved minutes. (7:48 mark)

The Athleticism and Versatility

In his limited minutes, James has also provided the Kings with a handful of flashy dunks. He has shown his versatility as well, showing that he is able to score near the basket or through jump shots off the dribble.

Against the Wizards. James showed off his athleticism after receiving a Dewayne Dedmon pass, cutting to the basket, and dunking with two hands. James’s dunking ability has translated from NBA Summer League into the regular season. (2:35 mark)

James also has shown the ability to create for his teammates, setting up

Richaun Holmes

for the open teardrop. (2:50 mark)

How can James become a regular?

Although James has been a pleasant surprise thus far, in order to increase his minutes, he needs to become more reliable on the offensive end. He is shooting just 23% from beyond the arc, which is something that needs to improve drastically should James have aspirations of becoming a part of the regular rotation. His free throw shooting has been atrocious as well, as he is just 1 for 6 so far from the charity stripe.

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Walton should continue to be confident in relying upon James going forward, especially on the defensive end!

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