The Sacramento Kings looked lost last season when they traded superstar DeMarcus Cousins for nothing much in return, but they bounced back gracefully during the offseason. Sacramento has put the Cousins era way behind them and is moving forward with a new young corps in place -- surrounded by savvy veterans they signed during free agency.
The addition of free agent veterans
The Kings used the offseason to add some veterans into the mix. The first piece they signed was George Hill, who will become a very underrated addition. Hill had a career year with the Utah Jazz last season, averaging 16.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds on 47.7 percent shooting.
His efficiency, defense, and veteran leadership helped the Jazz secure a top-five record in the West. Hill may have to play off the bench in Sacramento, but he should still be able to produce sufficiently.
Zach Randolph was the next major piece added to the roster. For years, Randolph helped the Memphis Grizzlies make playoff appearances with his ground-and-pound style of play. Although he much older now, Randolph can still produce, as he averaged almost a double-double last season. He is a huge upgrade at the power forward position and will provide much-needed experience and leadership. Most importantly, Randolph is going to be reunited with former head coach Dave Joerger.
Lastly, the Kings signed Vince Carter, the 40-year-old veteran that has been aging gracefully.
Carter will play the same role he did in Memphis, coming off the bench to give around 20-24 minutes each game. Last season, he managed to average eight points on 37.8 percent shooting from three. The savvy veteran will provide key scoring and more leadership on this young Kings team.
The 2017 NBA draft
Not only did the Kings do well during free agency, but they drafted well, too.
With the fifth overall pick, they selected Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox, getting the guy they really wanted. While Fox has work to do offensively, he is an explosive point guard with tremendous speed, athleticism, and defense. The 19-year-old has an immense amount of potential and could be the new face of the team.
Later in the draft, the Kings traded down, dealing their 10th overall pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for the 15th and 20th overall picks.
With those two picks, they selected Justin Jackson and Harry Giles to fortify their frontcourt. In the second round, they took Frank Mason III with the 34th overall pick, adding a third point guard to the mix.
The Kings took young pieces during the draft and added a blend of veterans through free agency, turning in one of the most successful offseasons for them in a long while. They should be able to put together more wins this season.
Roster outlook
- PG: De’Aaron Fox/George Hill/Frank Mason II
- SG: Buddy Hield/Garrett Temple/Malachi Richardson/Bogdan Bogdanovic
- SF: Justin Jackson/Vince Carter/JaKarr Sampson
- PF: Zach Randolph/Skal Labissiere/Harry Giles/Jack Cooley
- C: Willie Cauley-Stein/Kosta Koufos/Georgios Papagiannis
- Coach: Dave Joerger
Offseason Grade: B+
