A Royal Pain
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Sacramento Kings: Nemanja Bjelica Has Been A Terrific Role Player

By John Kelly

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 24: Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles against 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: Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles against 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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Where would the Sacramento Kings be without Nemanja Bjelica this season? Not very far. His production with the team deserves to be recognized.

Vlade Divac gets a feather in his cap for signing Nemanja Bjelica. Thank goodness he decided to sign with the purple and white instead of going back overseas which was initially what he wanted to do. Now, the Sacramento Kings have a veteran who can play multiple positions on a team-friendly contract.

How Belly’s Play Has Been Important

Since signing with Sacramento, Bjelica’s contributions to the team have been nothing short of amazing. His numbers are not earth-shattering, but the role he has fulfilled has been vital to the success of the organization. This season, Belly is averaging around 12 points and 6 rebounds in 26 minutes of play.

Originally, it was his job to be the backup forward to Marvin Bagley, but when Bagley went down with a thumb injury, the Kings turned to Belly for reinforcement. As a result, Belly has been great as his ability to space the floor and make perimeter shots have been a big help towards the team’s collective offense.

Belly Doing What Sacramento Wants From Him

At the start of the year, Bjelica was on the list of guys that were likely to be traded during this season. But as this campaign progresses, Belly has proven that he is a guy that the purple and white should keep going forth.

While Belly’s age does not match up with the Kings’ youngsters, his impact has been greatly needed this season. He has been a consummate professional through the Kings’ drama and has done everything that the team has wanted him to do. He just shows up and plays the best way that he can. His recent performance against the Denver Nuggets proves this notion as he finished with 27 points while shooting around 77% from the floor.

Final Thoughts

Even though Nemanja Bjelica is a player that most Kings fans appreciate, I feel like he deserves even more love. Kings fans go wild over guys like De’Aaron Fox, Richaun Holmes, and Harry Giles, but Belly is a guy that deserves to be on that list too.

In terms of guys that fulfill their roles, Belly has been one of the best players for the Kings this season. I foresee him continuing to do his job and remain a positive influence in the Kings organization.

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