5 players the Sacramento Kings need to step up in 2022-23
By Ryan Brennan
4. Trey Lyles, Power Forward
2021-22 Stats: 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.4 blocks (75 games)
**51 games with the Detroit PIstons, 24 games with the Sacramento Kings**
Projected Depth Chart: Backup/Starting PF
What We Need From Him: Rebounding, Depth, Defense, Spread the Floor, Create Space
The Sacramento Kings received Trey Lyles in the trade that sent Marvin Bagley III to the Detroit Pistons at last year’s trade deadline. He provided an immediate spark for the Kings frontcourt, starting 20 of the 24 games he played in Sactown.
Lyles is coming off his best season as a pro last year, despite it being the first time he was traded mid-season. His rebounding dipped a bit, but his scoring nearly doubled from the year before and improved his free throw shooting by 15%.
Now on his fifth team in seven years, Lyles would love to find a more permanent home — somewhere he can settle down and get comfortable.
As of right now, Lyles hasn’t secured the starting power forward spot and is currently in a position battle with KZ Okpala, Chimezie Metu, and rookie Keegan Murray. They’ve all shown promise at PF and will likely all see minutes this season.
Lyles and Metu have the size, Murray has the offense, and Okpala has the defense. They each bring something unique, but I feel like Lyles has the most to lose — he could be a prime trade target if things don’t go well, especially with Okpala and Murray now in the mix.
No one really knows what way Mike Brown goes with his power forward spot, but Lyles is poised to have a big role — which means he’ll also have big expectations. If he can step up, then he’ll give the Kings’ frontcourt a boost — something that’s much-needed.