Every offseason looking at the Kings’ future as a fan is like an annual bout of seasonal depression. At first, you’re optimistic that this year it may not be so bad. Then you hear things like Buddy Hield’s reported unhappiness, followed by Vlade Divac getting fired… and Luke Walton staying. Before you know it you are in the same hopeless feeling of general malaise that plagues you every year, knowing that things are never going to change for the better. Right?
Well, maybe. While my general feeling about Sacramento and their moves every year is anguish, there is some silver lining for once. With that said, though, the Kings future is finally looking brighter:
DRAFT
The Kings, for once (well, twice in recent memory) seemed to have done a good job at drafting. Other than De’Aaron Fox and DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings have had a knack for picking the worst option available in the draft over the last 10-15 years, but this year’s draft seemed different. 12th overall selection Tyrese Haliburton looks like he could be a steal.
Gifted with a lot of length, passing IQ, and catch-and-shoot ability, Haliburton could become a great fit to partner with the blossoming De’Aaron Fox. Before the draft, most pundits and analysts expected him to go somewhere around the top five before he surprisingly dropped. Rumors per Zach Lowe on his podcast say his entourage discouraged teams from drafting him so he could go to Sacramento. I know, I couldn’t believe anyone would actually WANT to go to the Kings either. But in the end, the Kings got a solid combo guard with lots of upside that they didn’t have to move up to get.
That being said, Haliburton does have his weaknesses. He needs to get stronger and bigger to handle NBA contact, and his ability in the iso hasn’t been inspiring. He is a good catch-and-shooter, but he needs to work on his shooting form. Whether he can fix his form smoothly may ultimately become the determining factor of his career. At the number twelve pick, however, he is a chance worth taking. With the pick the Kings have also positioned themselves nicely to pivot on to the next generation if Hield does leave.
Further down the draft, the Kings acquired two raw talents with potential in Robert Woodard II and Jah’mius Ramsey. Not much will be expected early on, but Woodward II will be a hard worker and Ramsey could become a strong spot-up shooter.
FREE AGENCY
Free agency seemed to begin early this year, as talks of a trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Kings began before draft night. The Bucks had reportedly acquired Bogdan Bogdanovic in a sign-and-trade for Donte DiVincenzo, D.J. Wilson, and Ersan Ilyasova. That trade looked to be set before the NBA stepped to investigate whether tampering rules had been broken, and since the Bucks put Ilyasova and his $7-million contract on waivers, the deal looks off. All that seems to be clear at this point is Bogdanovic will move on, probably via sign and trade. The Lakers are reportedly interested which would most likely mean the Kings are asking for Kyle Kuzma in return. Kuzma would fill a need as a young three and is on a friendly contract.
In addition to the Bogdanovic fiasco, the Kings have signed De’Aaron Fox to a 5-year, $163-million dollar extension. This should delight Kings fans everywhere. It’s difficult to keep stars in small markets, and when you have one, you have to covet them. Whether or not Fox is actually worth the extension (I believe he is), you can’t risk players having a change-of-heart and leaving the team for free, as we’ve seen happen multiple times over the last several years. The Kings need stability and Fox’s contract is indicative of just that.
With a backcourt of Fox, Haliburton, and (maybe ) Hield, Sacramento should be able to play fast and loose. If Marvin Bagley ever shows signs of life this team could quickly become a threat in the West. As more signings are made in the coming days we will be able to more clearly see Sacramento’s outlook for the season, and with the right additions, the Kings future might be looking brighter than expected.
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