11 Players the Kings never should have gambled on
By Tyler Watts
9. Carl Landry
Landry had two stints with the Kings. They acquired him at the 2010 trade deadline in a three-team deal featuring Tracy McGrady. He played well in Sacramento and was dealt the following year for Marcus Thornton. The 6’4 guard has his best year with the Kings as Landry struggled to stay healthy.
The 6’9 forward returned to Sacramento during free agency in 2013. He was coming off a strong year where he helped the Warriors reach the playoffs, and the Kings gave him a four-year deal worth $27 million. Landry turned 30 before opening night, but the franchise believed he would be a key rotation piece.
He played just 18 games in the 2013-14 season. There were constant injuries. Landry averaged just 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game in the forgettable year. The following season, he was healthier, but still managed to play just 17.0 minutes each night. His production improved slightly, but the Kings only won 29 games.
The Sacramento Kings traded him, Nik Stauskas, and Jason Thompson to the rebuilding 76ers in 2015 at the cost of a first-round pick swap. They needed to get off his contract and dump some salary. Landry’s second stint with the franchise was a disaster and an important reminder that the production of role players fluctuates based on the talent around them.