NBA
Sacramento Kings Youth Movement Has Begun
“My team is a super team. Just young.”
Those are the words of Sacramento Kings GM Vlade Divac, right after drafting Marvin Bagley back in June. You may look at the Kings roster and laugh at Divac’s remark. Honestly, I would not blame you for doing so. However, you cannot blame a GM for having faith in the roster he has constructed. Divac is confident in the youth movement he has going forward for his franchise.
The Kings are more than halfway through their 2018 preseason slate, and so far, their dedication to the young guys is apparent. Up until their most recent game against Maccabi Haifa (Israel), nobody over the age of 25 had appeared on the court yet for the Kings this preseason. The only one to appear in that game over 25 years of age was newcomer Nemanja Bjelica.
Now it is obvious this trend won’t continue into the regular season. The Kings still have guys like Kosta Koufos (29), Zach Randolph (37), and Iman Shumpert (28) as seasoned veterans on the squad. Even so, Head Coach Dave Joerger says he’s committed to giving the young guys plenty of opportunities.
Who Needs To Step Up?
De’Aaron Fox
The Kings want Fox to be the leader of this offense. He is being put in charge of this youth movement. Last season, Fox had George Hill in front of him at the point guard position. After the Kings shipped him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February, it was obvious that the keys were being passed to the youngin’. With one season of NBA experience under his belt, Fox looks to make a big leap in year two.
Willie Cauley-Stein
Somebody the Kings really need to make big strides this season is Willie Cauley-Stein. The Kings were hoping that in his first full season without DeMarcus Cousins, the Kentucky product would take a big leap. Despite playing nearly 10 more minutes per game than he did the previous year, Cauley-Stein’s per 36 was frustratingly similar. Now entering his 4th season and a contract year, “Trill” still has a lot to prove. With rookies Harry Giles and Bagley barking at his heels, Cauley-Stein will need to have a strong start to the season or else there’s a strong possibility we see his minutes dwindle.
Justin Jackson
Kings’ fans have continued to be frustrated with the second year man out of UNC. Last year’s opening night starting small forward, Jackson has struggled immensely to find a consistent shot. The good news for Jackson is that he is currently the only true small forward on the roster. Even with that being the case, Jackson needs to show some sign of improvement or else Coach Joerger will be forced to tweak with his rotations, and there’s a strong possibility we see Jackson spend some time in the G-League to find some consistency.
Photo Credit
Peter W via Flickr
