After hitting the reset button and dealing away DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings embraced the youth movement. Though the team showed flashes of their capabilities throughout the season, it was still a struggle to contend for regular wins, finishing 28-55, 12th in the West. They need a couple more pieces and more time to adjust to each other, also taking into mind their lack of a first rounder in 2019 and expected cap space that year. This offseason will be crucial as to whether the Kings can finally escape basketball hell.
KINGS TEAM NEEDS/POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
POINT GUARD
This is the position that needs the least amount of work. With De’Aaron Fox as the point guard for the future and Frank Mason III as a backup, adding a third string rotational guy should be at the bottom of the offseason to-do list, If it needs to be done at all. Using either their 2nd round pick, a two-way contract, or a minimum free agency signing should work in case Fox or Mason go down with injury again. They could always bring back David Stockton on a minimum deal.
SHOOTING GUARD
This has been one of the most log-jammed positions on the team for the last couple of years. Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Iman Shumpert, and possibly Garrett Temple all figure to get plenty of minutes this season. There isn’t a real need to add here for this season unless Temple opts out. But with him and Shumpert contracted for only this season, they may want to start thinking about 2019 now.
SMALL FORWARD
For the second straight season, this remains the biggest need of the team. Justin Jackson is the only recognized three on the roster. Bogdanovic, Vince Carter, and JaKarr Sampson also spent time here last season. The draft should help alleviate this with Luka Doncic and Michael Porter Jr. being the two favorites for the Kings’ first rounder. With limited free agents outside of Kevon Looney and Trevor Ariza, they may have to use a two-way contract or their second rounder to get more reinforcements.
POWER FORWARD
This is an interesting position. Skal Labissiere and Harry Giles have work to do before they can solidify themselves as starters. Even though Giles is considered a top talent by the team, he still hasn’t been tested in the NBA. They also have G-Leaguer Nigel Hayes on a non-guaranteed contract. Restricted free agents like Aaron Gordon, Jabari Parker, and Julius Randle figure to be contenders for offer sheets, but their teams may match any offers. Options from the draft include Marvin Bagley III and Jaren Jackson Jr.
CENTER
This position may be the trickiest to sort out. Willie Cauley-Stein is on a contract year and his future with the team is questionable at best. Kosta Koufos and Zach Randolph have one more year, but the team has no options for 2019-20. If the Kings decide to move on from Cauley-Stein, they might try to trade him before the deadline to recoup something instead of letting him walk. Skal Labissiere and Harry Giles could shift over to the five spot if need be. Free Agency options include Jahlil Okafor and Clint Capela, though the Rockets will likely match any offer.
