2 Kings who need more minutes, 1 who needs fewer down the stretch

Kevin Huerter should play fewer minutes

Let’s start this off by saying that Kevin Huerter is still a good player, even though he hasn’t looked like it lately. He just doesn’t seem to fit what the Kings want to do anymore. 

If Huerter is knocking down important threes, the team can accept his defensive shortcomings. Lately, his lack of perimeter defense has been on display, however, keeping Huerter on the bench. In both of the Kings’ last games, Huerter played well below his average minutes per game. 

Brown has been giving the minutes to Malik Monk, Davion Mitchell, and Keon Ellis instead. The latter two have made the most of the opportunity, hitting threes and playing pesky defense. If they continue to play well, they are better two-way options than Huerter. 

Maybe he will get out of his slump soon, but it seems that Huerter’s time in Sacramento might be coming to an end soon. Brown obviously wants players on the court who play active and physical defense, firmly believing that this is what will carry his team to the next level. 

As a movement shooter, Huerter has trade value that could get Sacramento some much-needed 3-and-D help or even another high-impact player to carry some of the offense until Keegan Murray comes around fully.