Sacramento Kings: 3 Players Who Need to Step Up in Chuck Hayes' Absence

The injury to Chuck Hayes results in the Sacramento Kings losing their best rebounder while his injured shoulder mends.

In the early games of the 2011-2012 season, Chuck Hayes ranked in the top 10 for rebounding.

Here are the top three players that need to step up in the absence of Chuck Hayes.

J.J. Hickson

J.J. Hickson will receive the majority of the missing minutes left by Hayes.

Hickson will need to improve his positioning under the basket to compete for rebounds against larger opponents.

Too often the Kings have been out-rebounded by more aggressive teams.

If he can add scoring in addition to about eight rebounds per game, he will be an adequate replacement in about 27 minutes on the court per game.

Hickson can use his quickness to help push the tempo of the team on the floor.

Jason Thompson

Jason Thompson has seen only limited action this season.

Keith Smart now has the opportunity to dole out minutes and Thompson must take advantage of the
situation.

A goal of five points and five rebounds per game is very possible for Thompson, but he must do this within the flow of the offense.

Francisco Garcia

The Sacramento Kings minus Chuck Hayes are one of the smallest teams in the league and will need to run.

Francisco Garcia has been the longest tenured King and needs to prove himself once again as a leader.

He will get a few more minutes to support the team and needs to improve his decision-making and lead this team in the right direction by sharing the ball and valuing each possession.