In taking stock of the Kings‘ entire 2022/23 roster, Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee finds some reasons for optimism.
Biderman cites the two-way upside and on-court fit of starry rookie Keegan Murray, the Summer League MVP and No. 4 overall draft pick this year, as a key part of his sunny outlook for Sacramento this season. Biderman notes that star point guard De’Aaron Fox struggled to connect consistently from long range for the bulk of the season, but made 38% of his triples across his final 16 contests, following the team’s trade for center Domantas Sabonis. Biderman also expresses enthusiasm for the three-point shooting help that should be provided by new additions Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk.
There’s more out of the Pacific Division:
- The Suns could be able to build on their continuity after two relatively successful seasons, but Bobby Marks of ESPN (YouTube video link) wonders how newly re-signed center Deandre Ayton will fit in following a tense postseason and summer. Marks ultimately projects a repeat of the team’s regular-season dominance in 2021/22.
- After missing 2021/22 with a torn ACL in his right knee, Suns big man Dario Saric talked about his return to game action for Croatia during 2022 Eurobasket action with reports, writes Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. “The feeling of being back is fantastic,” Saric said. “After the end of the NBA season, I trained there until mid-July. I was preparing to be as fit as possible. I feel good. It’s nice to be with these players.”
- To maximize the caliber of his on-court teammates, Tim Bontemps of ESPN (Twitter video link) opines that it might behoove Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James to follow the example set by Sixers All-Star James Harden. Harden opted out of the final year of his deal this summer before ultimately taking a pay cut so that Philadelphia management could add more quality depth around Harden and Joel Embiid than would have otherwise been possible.