Injuries Are A Blessing In Disguise For Sacramento Kings

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 25: Richaun Holmes #22 and Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings react during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 25, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 25: Richaun Holmes #22 and Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings react during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 25, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

No, injuries are never a good thing. And no, the Sacramento Kings are not a better team without De’Aaron Fox or Marvin Bagley.

But one of the most important mentalities in any sport is “Next Man Up”, a slogan that the Kings have lived by over the first 20+ games of the season. Not only have the reserves stepped up and helped provide victories in the absence of two of the franchise’s cornerstone players, they have also given hope to the near future when those cornerstones return.

Sacramento instantly becomes one of the deepest teams in the entire league, and could be capable of keeping up with powerhouses that are more top-heavy because of all the bodies that they’re able to throw.

Fox/Joseph/Ferrell

Hield/Bogdanovic

Barnes/Ariza/Bogdanovic

Bagley/Bjelica/Giles

Holmes/Dedmon

The Kings have shown resilience, displays of talent, and just might be able to keep their heads above water by the time they are fully healthy again. Seven of the eleven games that remain in the month of December are against teams that are under .500.

Next. Cory Joseph: A Gift & A Curse. dark

If they are able to win a majority of those games, then three months of gelling with a deep and healthy squad might just set up Sacramento for its first playoff appearance in 13+ years.