After a successful season playing Domantas Sabonis at Center, the Sacramento Kings have an off-season decision to make. Do they want to go into next season with Sabonis still playing the five? Or do they want to pair Sabonis with a legit Center and let him go back to his natural position of Power Forward?
If the Kings decide to keep Sabonis as their starting Center, then their work is not done. A backup big man is needed as Alex Len is heading into free agency, and that is a position they need to address to improve as a team.
Sabonis had a fantastic season, receiving All-NBA third-team honors and making his third All-Star game of his career. The Kings, as a team, had a great season, finishing 48-34 with the third seed in the West. The franchise now needs to set the bar higher and look to achieve more. Playoff success is the next step, and making these necessary changes is how they get there.
Here are four big men the Sacramento Kings need to target in free agency, in order of importance:
4. Drew Eubanks
Eubanks is the only player on this list that I would prefer playing the backup Center role instead of starting alongside Sabonis. Eubanks is an impressive player on offense who can also get rebounds and block shots at a high rate. This past season for the Portland Trail Blazers, he averaged 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Eubanks has a fantastic touch around the rim with impressive footwork. He can also step out and shoot from three-point range, as he made 38.9% from deep this season. His defensive presence is even more impressive, as he always knows where to be so he can go up and block any shot that comes his way.
If the Kings want a cheap backup Center option, Drew Eubanks is the way to go. He is coming off a contract worth under $2 million per year, the type of deal the Kings need to make. Eubanks can get 20 minutes a night off the bench, and I would love to see some minutes with him alongside Sabonis in the frontcourt. Eubanks is cheap, and his minutes are very effective, as he can play on both ends of the court.