The Kings have so many centers -- DeMarcus Cousins, Willie-Cauley Stein, Kosta Koufos, Georgios Papagiannis and Skal Labissiere -- some of them will likely have to play power forward.
But when you play a center at power forward, you get... a center at power forward.
So, Sacramento is adding a different type of power forward: Anthony Tolliver.
Sam Amick of USA Today:
Anthony Tolliver to the Kings, two years, $16 million, I'm told. $2 million guaranteed in the 2nd season.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 2, 2016
The Kings are paying for flexibility, a smart course. They’re not an attractive destination right now, so, rather than locking into the so-so players they can draw now, they’re giving themselves an out to upgrade if the team becomes more appealing next year. Sacramento also protects itself if Arron Afflalo and Tolliver live up to their contracts.
That’s the lesson learned from Rajon Rondo, who out-performed his one-year contract and now hold leverage in free agency.
Speaking of Rondo, Sacramento still needs a point guard and its cap space is dropping. Bringing back Rondo might not be ideal, but I’m not sure there’s a better option. Can the Kings really depend on Darren Collison given his legal issues?
Tolliver, a quality outside shooter, will give Dave Joerger more options. Despite his limited athleticism, Tolliver competes defensively, and he’s a good locker room presence. He’s the type of player the Kings need.
The Pistons will be fine without him. They just signed Jon Leuer as an upgrade.