5 Players the Sacramento Kings never should have signed

Led by D’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Sacramento Kings just made their first playoff experience since 2006. It was a short-lived run that ended in a first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors but for the first time in years, fans can be excited about the Kings’ future.

When it comes to a team that missed the playoffs for 16 straight years, setting the NBA record, it is fair to say that they made some questionable decisions. So, let’s look at five players the Kings never should have signed.

5. Dewayne Dedmon

Intrigued by the potential Dewayne Dedmon had shown during his two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, the Kings signed him to a 3-year $40 million deal in 2019. With the Hawks, Dedmon became a rim protector and floor spacer, averaging 10.8 points on 49.2 percent shooting from the field and 38.2 percent from three, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.

When he arrived in Sacramento, things didn’t go quite as well. He could not replicate his production, especially from behind the arc, and lost his starting spot quickly. After that, Dedmon fell out of the rotation as well. Frustrated by his diminished role, Dedmon demanded a trade. The league fined him $50000 for his public demands and comments but the Kings still obliged with his request.

After only 34 games in a Kings’ uniform, Dedmon was shipped back to Atlanta but because of his lacking production and unattractive contract, the Kings had to add two second-round picks on top. With a 31-41 season and their fourteenth successive losing record the season was already a disappointment for the Kings but having a promising signing take such a nasty turn made it sting even worse.

It is safe to say that the money would have been better spent on someone else and signing Dedmon was not a good move for the Kings.