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

5. Richaun Holmes, Center

2021-22 Stats: 10.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 04 steals, 0.9 blocks (45 games)

Projected Depth Chart: Backup C

What We Need From Him: Rim Protection, Rebounding, Second Chance Points, Health, Hustle

For the past three seasons, Richaun Holmes has largely played as the Sacramento Kings’ starting center. Of course, that all changed when Domantas Sabonis waltzed into town — sending Holmes to the bench as a backup.

Personally, I think a backup role is exactly what Holmes needs — and not in a bad way, either.

Anyone with as much of an injury history as Holmes shouldn’t be relied on as a starter (unless you’re Kawhi Leonard). Since joining the Kings ahead of the 2019-20 season, Holmes has played in 150 games — and missed 76 games.

Playing in a minimized role will bode well for his ability to stay healthy and fresh throughout the season. The Kings will benefit from him coming off the bench, especially since they can rely on Sabonis at starter — let’s just hope he can stay healthy, too.

Either way, Holmes is entering a crucial year that will likely decide his future with the Kings. Entering his eighth season in the NBA, the Kings are better off finding an alternative next year if Holmes can’t play at least 65 games this year.

I expect him to play hard down low, but it would be nice to see him rebound a little more efficiently, protect the rim a little better, and create chaos down low. I wanna see the 2020-21 Holmes, which put up 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

Which players are you most looking forward to stepping up this season? Let us know in the comments section below!