Five things to watch for as Kings begin preseason schedule

Share

Preseason finally is here. The Kings open up Friday night on the road in Portland in the first of two games against the Trail Blazers over the next three days.Sacramento likely is without Marvin Bagley (COVID-19 protocol) and Hassan Whiteside (calf strain), but they have plenty of players to fill the void. It’s the first look at the latest version of the Kings, even if the players likely will be rusty and still working themselves into game shape.The opening game is the first of three preseason contests on NBC Sports California will air with a tip-off time set for 7:30 PM.Here are five things to watch as the Kings open their exhibition schedule.

5 photos
1/5

De’Aaron Fox is the talk of training camp, like the previous three seasons. Nemanja Bjelica said the Kings’ starting point guard looks “powerful” and he’s playing like an All-Star. It’s nice when your teammates pump you up, but playing against the competition is different.

Fox has said in the past that Damian Lillard is one of his toughest covers in the league. While it’s only a preseason game, it will be interesting to see the latest developments for the Kings’ $163 million man.

Will he take the next step in his progression? Can he be an All-Star or even superstar? Year four is extremely important for the 22-year-old.

2/5

“Pace, pace, pace.” Those were Richaun Holmes' words on the focus of training camp.

The Kings went from one of the fastest teams in the NBA during the 2018-19 season to a team stuck in the mud last season. An abbreviated training camp hurt them, as did injuries to both Bagley and Fox in the first 10 games of the season.

This team is built to run. Luke Walton brought in his friend Alvin Gentry to help spice up the offense and plenty of players were added that could both run the court and stretch the floor with their shooting. Fox is the head of the snake, but he can’t drag an entire team up and down the court for 48 minutes. 

3/5

When the season begins, you can write Fox’s name in pen at the starting point guard spot and Harrison Barnes is a guarantee at one of the forward positions. Outside of that, there is open competition for both rotational minutes and starting jobs.

In the opener, Walton will likely go with what he knows and then build from there. That means that Fox and Buddy Hield will open in the backcourt with Barnes, Bjelica and Holmes on the front line.

Bagley and Whiteside will be under consideration for starting jobs once healthy. Rookie Tyrese Haliburton also has an outside shot at starting at shooting guard, although he’s been working alongside veteran Cory Joseph during practices according to Walton.

4/5

Monte McNair brought in three young players in his first NBA Draft as the Kings’ general manager and he’s signed all of them to the regular roster.

If Tyrese Haliburton isn’t in the starting lineup, he’s a guarantee to see time off the bench behind Hield at the shooting guard spot. He’s a crafty player that can do just about everything on the court.

Second rounders Robert Woodard and Jahmi’us Ramsey will have a tougher time breaking into the rotation, although there is hope for both. Woodard has an NBA-ready body and Ramsey can score in bunches. Both should see time before the end of the preseason.

5/5

In addition to the rookie class, McNair brought in a bevy of free agents. How will the group blend together? How deep will Walton go into his bench? 

Hassan Whiteside hasn’t practiced all week with a calf strain and there is very little chance we’ll see him this weekend. His absence will open a door for additions like Chimezie Metu and Frank Kaminsky on the frontline. Metu is a banger in the post with defensive potential and Kaminsky is a stretch four/five with a diverse skill set.

Glenn Robinson III was a late add in free agency. He should be penciled for small forward minutes behind Harrison Barnes, although he’ll battle Woodard and DaQuan Jeffries for time. 

Contact Us