A lot of times, the NBA is based on gambling. Teams gamble on players when they draft them, when they trade for them, and when they sign them, hoping that they can meet expectations.
The Kings gambled on Domantas Sabonis when they shipped out Tyrese Haliburton to get him. It worked. In the 2022 NBA Draft, they gambled on Keegan Murray. Many believed it to be a four-player draft with Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jaden Ivey at the top.
The Kings selected Keegan Murray fourth, however, and the gamble worked out well for them. Murray has been great for the Kings, fulfilling and exceeding expectations all over the court.
That is not always the case, however. So, let’s look at three Kings who aren’t living up to expectations thus far.
3. JaVale McGee
For a 35-year-old, JaVale McGee is not playing badly, and he has had some nice games as a King. At the same time, he is also not quite living up to expectations, however.
Mike Brown knows McGee from their days with the Warriors and understands the veteran leadership and championship experience he brings. That is valuable, but when the Kings signed him over the summer, they were hoping for more.
The Kings needed size and rim protection, an upgrade over Alex Len. So far, he has not been that. Instead, he is not even averaging 10 minutes per game, and Mike Brown often opts to go with Trey Lyles instead.