A Royal Pain
Fansided

3 Reasons Why Justin James Deserves More Minutes

By Ryan Ritter

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 13: Justin James #10 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 13, 2020 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 13: Justin James #10 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on January 13, 2020 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings Justin James (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

More Minutes And A Defined Role

A pretty obvious argument could be made that, outside of a couple of games where he got hot, Justin James is not posting the kind of numbers that warrant extended playing time. Again, he has a truly bad shooting split (including an abysmal 30.8% at the free-throw line). His advanced numbers are also not kind, with a true shooting of .449, a box plus/minus of -4.8, and a PR of 9.1.

However, it’s just as easy to argue that, since he has put together a handful of games where he looked comfortable, those numbers could improve with increased minutes. For a real-life Sacramento Kings example, look no further than former star Kevin Martin.

Before you start: this is not saying Justin James is going to become Kevin Martin. However, it is worth noting that Martin’s rookie numbers were similar to James’ at this current point in time:

Kevin Martin’s rookie year line: 2.9 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.5 APG, 38.5% FG, 20% 3PT, 65.5% FT, 10.1 MPG

Martin was the classic guy who languished at the end of the rotation before being given a big opportunity a year or two down the line that he took advantage of. As a result of that, he became an incredibly fun offensive star for the Kings for a few years after the glory days in Sacramento.  There is absolutely no guarantee that Justin James will be able to have the same career arc, but we’ll never know if he doesn’t get the chance.

The 2005 Sacramento Kings at least had the excuse of being a solid playoff squad with an already established rotation. The 2020 Kings cannot claim either. Walton may as well see what he’s got with his rookie. He’s earned that much.

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