A Royal Pain
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3 rim protector targets that could improve the Kings interior defense

By Brandon Morneault

Mason Plumlee #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) 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 License Agreement.
Mason Plumlee #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) 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 License Agreement. /
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Chimezie Metu #7 of the Sacramento Kings attempts a shot against Andre Drummond.
Chimezie Metu #7 of the Sacramento Kings attempts a shot against Andre Drummond. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Rim protectors that could improve the Kings interior defense: No. 2 Andre Drummond

Talk about rim protection, Andre Drummond provides that. It was reported just a few days ago that Drummond could be on the move, and we “shouldn’t be surprised” if he is. The Chicago Bulls have had an up-and-down year compared to what the expectations were and could begin a fire sale if things don’t improve soon.

Drummond is entering his 10th year in the league and could be a perfect solution to the Kings interior defense problem. While you could make the argument that his play has declined, (he’s currently averaging the lowest blocks per game of his career) he also has been playing limited minutes on a struggling team.

Due to his poor fit with Bulls starting center Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls are unable to get consistent playing time for Drummond. They can’t play alongside one another and even when he does spell Vooch for the Bulls, he has struggled like all of his Chicago teammates to truly get anything going this year.

The price tag likely wouldn’t be too high, as I project it’ll take someone like Alex Len or KZ Okpala, and maybe a few late-round picks. I believe that’s worth it for a guy who will help defensively and a great backup to Sabonis. Is he still an elite rebounder? Probably not, no. But he’s still a workhorse who would be a challenge for most backup big men in the west.

Most importantly, he can allow Sabonis to get chunks of minutes on the bench, allowing him to come back in and close games much fresher. Like Sabonis, he can gobble all the rebounds while he is is on the court, which makes him a great fit for how this team is being built.

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