Despite Uncertainty, the Sacramento Kings Continue to Build for the Future

The Sacramento Kings are facing relocation, an arena crisis and are on the heels of a 24 win season, but there is reason for hope.

In this case, hope comes in the form of a roster built for the future:

Bob Dylan’s classic says it all “the loser now will be later to win, for the times they are a-changin’.”

An Incomplete, but Effective Offseason

The current NBA lockout has stalled free agent negotiations, which is why we will look past the Kings attempts to re-sign Marcus Thornton and Samuel Dalembert for now.

First, with the tenth pick (traded 7th pick with Milwaukee) in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Kings selected Jimmer Fredette from Brigham Young University.  This pick makes sense on and off the basketball court because of the need to sell tickets to keep the team in Sacramento.  Jimmer will do just that.  His reputation as an electric scorer during his playing days at BYU will no doubt fill up seats in Power Balance Pavilion.

Next, the Kings made a few deals to sure up their roster for the upcoming season and uncertain future.  Beno Udrich and Omri Casspi will be wearing different jerseys next season, while the Kings bring back John Salmons and add J.J. Hickson to their young frontcourt. 

I like the idea of bringing back a veteran like John Salmons as a viable scorer to complement a core of young and sometimes (well, mostly) immature players.  Salmons will prove to be immensely important to the Kings immediate success if Marcus Thornton is not resigned.

J.J. Hickson should improve the Kings down on the low block by bringing competition to the power forward position.  Hickson will combine with Jason Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins to form a young and explosive presence in the paint for years to come.  J.J. brings over a stat line that has improved in each of his three seasons in the NBA, since bolting from North Carolina State.  He improved his play dramatically from year to year in Cleveland, compiling 13.8 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game, while averaging 28.2 minutes a game during the 2010-2011 season.

The Kings have played their hand well in what has been a slow offseason due to the current CBA negotiations.  Kings fans will anxiously await the possible return of defensive specialist Samuel Dalembert (at a more reasonable price) and the team’s second-half surprise in Marcus Thornton.  Fortunately, the front office has built a safety net, if neither are able to return with the additions mentioned above.

Another key point is the fact that the Kings' front office has managed their payroll effectively and should have financial flexibility even if the owners get their way in the CBA negotiations this offseason.

I applaud Geoff Petrie and the Kings front office’s aggressiveness this offseason in response to the economic disaster facing them in California’s capital.

Developing a Core of Young, Talented Players

No one would argue that the Kings' two most important players are Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. 

Tyreke is an emerging star that has displayed his wide range of skills in two NBA seasons.  Evans is a combo guard that excels with the ball in his hand, but is also turnover prone when forced to shoulder too much of the load.  The addition of Jimmer Fredette should help Evans learn to play off the ball more, which will result in a more natural flow offensively.

The presence of two capable ball handlers and scorers in the backcourt should complement each other very effectively.  Also, the addition of John Salmons will provide scoring relief to Tyreke, which will allow him to focus on making plays for others.  Don't forget Marcus Thornton, as he will be the wild card to a potent four guard rotation if signed.

The Kings are optimistic that DeMarcus Cousins will keep building on a foundation that suggests future stardom.  Despite maturity issues, Cousins has shown a rare combination of power and finesse at 6' 11'' and a heavy 270 lbs.  He has great floor vision for a big man that allows his passing to be well above average for others playing at his size and position.  A good comparison would be the Memphis Grizzles' Zach Randolph, a very skilled big man who overcame maturity issues to breakout in this year's playoffs.  Look for Cousins to improve his overall skill set and benefit from an improved backcourt.  DeMarcus averaged 14.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG and 2.5 APG, while starting 62 of 81 games played in his rookie season.

The Kings have a formidable combination in Francisco Garcia and Donte Greene manning the small forward position after Omri Casspi's departure.  They are both long, athletic wingmen with the ability to spread the floor and defend multiple positions.

Jason Thompson and J.J. Hickson (and maybe Samuel Dalembert) will provide support in the frontcourt to help DeMarcus Cousins, while Jimmer Fredette and John Salmons (maybe Marcus Thornton too) help bolster the Kings backcourt with Tyreke Evans.

2011-2012 Outlook and Beyond

The Kings have more at stake than any other team in the NBA next year.  A looming lockout that forces a shortened season may take away their chance to prove that they are still capable of success in Sacramento.

Regardless of that outcome, the Kings are built for the future and are potential Pacific division spoilers.  It's mighty lofty to expect a playoff run next year, but a continual commitment towards excellence from their young stars will surely steer them in the right direction.

Look for Tyreke and company to be a roller coaster ride again next year, but with many more competitive games and a much improved winning percentage.