The Kings have a problem with a player.
No, not DeMarcus Cousins, who’s beefing with the media and lowering his trade value.
This player is squabbling with Sacramento coach Dave Joerger.
No, not Omri Casspi, who has expressed his dissatisfaction with communication.
I’m talking about Arron Afflalo, who fell from the starting lineup to not even entering games. After a pair of DNP-CDs, Afflalo apparently wasn’t pleased with a small role.
Carmichael Dave of KHTK Sports 1140:
Worth following: according to league sources, Aaron Afflalo was slow to enter the game in Utah, declined to enter in Houston. Stay tuned.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) December 18, 2016
Got a lot of questions about Afflalo lately,seems to be a situation that's been brewing on the downlow.Can't imagine Coach wasn't perturbed.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) December 18, 2016
Through just over 1/4 of the season, Joerger has had some challenges other than on-court play. By my count 6 different players with issues.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) December 18, 2016
Circumstantial evidence supports this report. Afflalo didn’t enter the Jazz game until garbage time, and teammate Anthony Tolliver subbed first at the stoppage. There was a delay and seemingly some confusion from the official before Afflalo hit the court:
Afflalo left the Knicks after they reduced his role, and Sacramento offered more money and seemingly more playing time. He just didn’t realize the cost of selling his soul to basketball hell.
Unfortunately for Afflalo, he hasn’t separate himself from the Kings’ other underwhelming options at shooting guard. In his 10th pro season, he might be too proud to willingly accept a fringe-rotation role, but his play doesn’t demand more.
