Sacramento Kings’ latest breakthrough signing can be an NBA star
How will Sasha Vezenkov fit into the Kings’ lineup?
Sasha Vezenkov is a big-time prospect. He’s proven he can play, has a fantastic release, is a deadly shooter, plays great defense – he really can do it all. However, the biggest test will come in the NBA.
Sasha is a 6-foot-9 stretch forward, who could dominate at both small forward and power forward. Vezenkov will likely start on the bench, but could easily become a starter as time progresses and if he does well in an NBA setting. This could mean we see a shift to the wing for standout rookie Keegan Murray as Vezenkov takes over the four. We also could see a straight-up replacement at three over Harrison Barnes. Regardless, letting Sasha play outside the arc will address many of the Kings’ recent struggles at wing.
Sasha’s potential role was also hinted at by Kings GM Monte McNair in a 2022 press conference following the acquisition of Vezenkov’s draft rights:
"“Sasha is one of the best shooters who’s got great positional size in one of the best leagues in the world. He’s already producing, that made it easy for us. Sasha is a guy we see fitting with [Sabonis]’ passing, with Fox’s ability to collapse defenses, just another guy who can stand there and hit shots. We all know how important that is in the league these days, we all just saw the playoffs.”"
McNair’s statement shows the Sacramento Kings had their eyes on Vezenkov well before the trade for his draft rights. Monte McNair knows what the team needs to succeed, and is making the plays for those roles now. This addition could prove to be a fantastic investment by Sacramento as they gear up for a run at an NBA championship next year.
