Sacramento Kings new roster or: “Who are these guys?”
There are bunch of new faces on the court at Golden 1 this year. Here’s what you need to know.
A reigning Euroleague champ, Bogdanovic combines crafty dribbling, deep shooting range and bottomless self-confidence into a complete game. Having signed him to the fattest rookie contract ever, the Kings like this flashy import.
Vince CarterA first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, Carter transitioned from hyper-athletic phenom to savvy veteran with exceptional grace. Still a capable shooter, Carter can occasionally dust off a highlight-worthy move, but he’s most valuable as a role model and player-coach.
Willie Cauley-Stein
After the DeMarcus Cousins trade, Cauley-Stein exhibited signs of promise with his springy blocks, relentless motor and thunderous dunks. Surrounded by speedy youth, his staunch defense will be the key to unlocking a free-flowing transition offense.
De’Aaron Fox
Already among the fastest players in the league, Fox will inject a little flair into the franchise as a fast-breaking floor general who could eventually become an All-Star—if he gets his jump shot working. This year’s lottery pick, Fox holds the Kings’ future in his hands.
Harry Giles
Giles left high school as one of the top prospects in the nation, drawing comparisons to Chris Webber. Then injuries struck. If he can stay on the court, this agile big man with a soft touch could richly reward the front office’s calculated risk of drafting him.
Buddy Hield
The apple of owner Vivek Ranadivé’s eye, Hield played his way into Rookie of the Year discussions last season with his speed, grit and gorgeous jumper. He’ll need to improve his consistency, but his work ethic and sunny disposition are tailor-made for the Kings’ new era.
George HillHill is the current best player on the Kings. He should contribute leadership, tough defense and solid shooting while setting an example for the young’uns as a consummate professional. If the team follows his lead, this rebuild will be headed in the right direction.
Justin JacksonThis rangy, reigning NCAA champion is a versatile wing player who can defend multiple positions and space the floor on offense. Jackson needs to get a bit more beefy, but his hustle, unselfishness and high basketball IQ could turn him into a valuable Swiss army knife.
Kosta KoufosSporting the NBA’s wispiest hairline, Koufos will be a dependable backup center that can bang with burlier players. Armed with solid touch and court awareness, Koufos specializes in grabbing rebounds, setting hard screens and knocking down baby hooks.
Skal LabissièreWith Cauley-Stein in the front court, Labissière completes the Kings super-long, super-athletic front line of the future. Of all the young guns, Skal has the glassiest ceiling, especially if his butter-smooth shooting stroke extends beyond the three-point line this season.
Frank Mason IIIThe consensus best player in the NCAA last year can provide speedy consistency off the bench. If his insane 47 percent three-point shooting during his senior season can carry over, he’ll be a critical component of the pace-and-space Kings.
Georgios PapagiannisA big body in the paint, the 20-year-old Papagiannis needs to develop his post moves, court vision and defensive versatility. Barring a tremendous leap, he’ll probably shuffle between the end of the bench and the Reno Bighorns.
Zach RandolphAfter avoiding criminal charges for possessing a pound of pot, Randolph will provide a take-no-shit toughness and a reliable post-scoring option for the second unit. He’s old, but his Hometown Buffet range of moves in the paint still work.
Malachi RichardsonAfter tearing his hamstring right before the All-Star break last season, Richardson should build upon his sweet shooting, precocious confidence and slashing style of play. If he does, he’ll be another valuable, versatile wing in the rotation.
Garrett TempleTemple acts as a calming glue on the floor with his stout defense and pass-happy style of offense. The type of player that any team would be happy to have, Temple keeps both sides of the floor humming and almost never makes the wrong play.