As this train wreck of a season continues, the Sacramento Kings are managing multiple injuries. This has led to Precious Achiuwa starting for the team, which really doesn't seem effective. Fortunately, there are solutions in the form of Nique Clifford, Dylan Cardwell, and Keon Ellis.
The Kings have a minimal defensive presence at best, though their offensive rating is actually somehow worse. As such, the front office signed Achiuwa after the season had already started. He is a well-respected defender and has had an impact, but it will take more than Precious to fix the Kings.
In the last week or two, Sacramento has racked up some serious injuries. The list includes Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Drew Eubanks. To deal with that issue, both Maxime Raynaud and Precious Achiuwa have been moved up to the starting lineup. In Raynaud's case, that has actually worked out.
It's time for the Kings to mix things up
Achiuwa is a good player, but he generally works better off the bench. His numbers as a starter aren't great. Fortunately for the Kings, they have a couple of rookies who might be able to make a big difference as starters.
Number one is Nique Clifford. Sacramento has tried starting him before, and it didn't go well. But his shot is improving, as is his confidence and aggression on the court. DeRozan could move back to small forward with Keegan Murray at power forward and Nique at shooting guard.
Dylan Cardwell also presents an interesting opportunity. Another rookie recently called up from the G League, he collected four points, eight rebounds, one steal, and five blocks last night. That brings his total blocks over the last two games to eight. Dylan at power forward alongside Raynaud is intriguing.
There is a third option Doug Christie won't use
Then there's Keon Ellis. When he gets the minutes and the freedom to play his game his way, Ellis delivers for the Kings. The stats show that the more time he gets on the court, Ellis rises to the challenge. He could step in as shooting guard with DeRozan sliding back to power forward.
That won't happen. Ellis played incredibly well against the Nuggets, only for Christie to bench him in the next game against the Wolves. Keon then played big minutes in game one against the Blazers and delivered. Christie rewarded that by drastically cutting Keon's minutes in round two with the Blazers.
Keon Ellis could be a difference maker on the starting lineup, but Doug Christie just doesn't believe in him for some reason. Barring a sudden change in opinion on Keon, swapping out Clifford or Cardwell for Achiuwa would be good for the starting five as well as good for rookie development.