5 players the Sacramento Kings need to step up in 2022-23
By Ryan Brennan
2. Kevin Huerter, Shooting Guard
2021-22 Stats: 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks (74 games)
Projected Depth Chart: Starting SG
What We Need From Him: Three-Point Shooting, Length, Defense, Consistency
The Sacramento Kings received Kevin Huerter in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks in early July — sending Justin Holiday, Moe Harkless, and a future first round draft pick to the ATL. Personally, it was one of the best trades of the offseason and in recent Kings’ history.
Huerter has spent the previous four seasons with the Hawks after being drafted by the team 19th overall in 2018. In 274 career games played, he’s averaging a respectable 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game.
Related Story. Is Kevin Huerter the right choice for starting SG?. light
Those are good numbers, but I believe Huerter is destined for more with the Sacramento Kings. He has the length and shot to succeed in today’s NBA and has already shown glimpses of explosive ability in the past. Here’s a quick look at his career all-time highs in a single game:
- 29 points (2018-19)
- 15 rebounds (2019-20)
- 10 assists (2019-2020, 2020-21)
- 6 steals (2020-21)
- 2 blocks (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
- 7 three-pointers made (2021-22)
He also scored 27 points in 27 points in a 2021 playoff game and had a double-double in another 2021 playoff game — proving to be effective when it matters most.
If Huerter can put it all together in an expanded role with the Kings this season, he can easily average 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game — if not better. Not only that, but he’s proving to be a fierce defender and will only grow under Mike Brown.