Way-too-early prediction of the Sacramento Kings 2023-24 starting lineup
By Logan Struck
Shooting Guard: Kevin Huerter
While Kevin Huerter might be partially on the trade block, he is not leaving this offseason. The sharpshooter is coming off the best season of his career, as the change in scenery from Atlanta to Sacramento seemed to be the best thing to happen to him. Shooting 40.2% from deep this season, the Kings should hold on to such a talented shooter.
Huerter has three more years left on his current contract, and unless the Kings can find a deal for an upgraded wing, “Red Velvet” will be playing out his contract in Sacramento. The Kings traded for Huerter last offseason, so their value for him is clear. Huerter was a big part of the success of the Kings this season, as he played exceptionally with Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Kevin Huerter found himself in a shooting slump in the playoffs. Even though he was disappointing when it mattered most, we can argue that the Kings would not have been in that position without him. His 15.2 points and 1.1 steals per game on efficient shooting propelled him to be a key factor on this team while entering the conversation as one of the best shooters in the league.
Small Forward: Reggie Bullock
The newest addition to the team will be Reggie Bullock. The 6’6″ forward is a great 3-and-D player, which the Kings will be looking for this offseason. Sacramento can easily trade for Bullock, as all it might take is backup center Richaun Holmes, as Bleacher Report has suggested. With Harrison Barnes set to hit free agency, the Kings can get a cheaper one-year option that might be more effective on this team than Barnes was.
The 32-year-old, 10-year veteran was part of a Western Conference Finals appearance with the Dallas Mavericks a season ago. This season, Bullock averaged 7.2 points per game on 38% shooting from deep. His best statistical season was in 2020-21 as a member of the New York Knicks, where he averaged 10.9 points per game on impressive 44/41/91 shooting splits.
Reggie Bullock would immediately make the Sacramento Kings better, as he would be a perfect fit as a 3-and-D player who does not need the ball in his hands to make a difference. His shooting would help the offense, and his defense would fill a hole on that side of the ball. Reggie Bullock is the player that GM Monte McNair should be looking for this offseason.