A Royal Pain
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5 players the Sacramento Kings need to step up in 2022-23

By Ryan Brennan

Apr 10, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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I don’t know about you, but I feel like the Sacramento Kings are one of those teams that can have a breakout season in 2022-23.

It won’t be easy and a lot of things would have to go right for the Sacramento Kings — improved defense, less turnovers, better rebounding, and more efficient shooting to name a few — but they’re definitely building something in Sactown.

Perhaps most importantly, Sacramento needs De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to take control of this team and locker room. They’re not only the two highest-paid players on the roster, but they’re the most skilled and talented.

In 59 games with the Kings last year, Fox averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Sabonis, who joined the team later in the year via trade, averaged 18.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 0.9 steals in 15 games with the Kings.

In 2022-23, the Kings need Sabonis to put up as many 20-point double-doubles as possible and Fox to average 25+ points per game — while also finding ways to get others involved. If they can do that, it’ll give the Kings’ a much-needed boost on offense.

Defensively, they’re going to be guarding some of the best players on the opposing team — along with Harrison Barnes. The more these players can contain their matchup, the better off this team will be. Luckily, new head coach Mike Brown knows a thing or two about defense.

While Fox and Sabonis are going to be the focal point of this team moving forward, it won’t be enough to get this team where they want to be. Like any other superstars in this league, they’re going to need some help.

Related Story. How many future NBA All-Stars have the Kings drafted?. light

The good news is I think they have that this year. In fact, this is one of the most talented rosters the Kings have had in several years. If there was ever a year where this team was going to take a step forward, this is it — it’s here.

With that said, it’s going to take a team effort, so here are 5 players I feel need to step up this season if the Kings are going to be great:

  1. Harrison Barnes, SF
  2. Kevin Huerter, SG
  3. Davion Mitchell, PG
  4. Trey Lyles, PF
  5. Richaun Holmes, C

We’ll take a deeper dive into each of those players in the following slide — check it out to see what makes these players so important this season!

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