Chris Duarte to Kings
- Thread starter Kingz19
- Start date
Monte is the type that will trade an unknown asset for guarantee if it's at a discount. This is basically the TD move all over. Edwards. Etc. If Monte does pull the trigger on a big deal at some point in the near future he's basically set his team up to fill the holes left immediately with pieces he's already got.
this is what Sam Vecenie had to say about Chris when he was drafted
“Duarte is one of my favorites in this class and is destined to be selected lower than where I have him on my personal board. Everything he does is tailor-made for the next level. He’s a legit 40-plus-percent 3-point shooter who can handle the ball and has good scoring instincts. He’s a terrific team defender, smart and rarely makes poor decisions. He doesn’t necessarily have a ton of star upside because he isn’t quite a true playmaker due to his lack of passing. But what he does successfully is about perfect for slotting into a role early in his NBA career. The league is looking for shooters with wing size who also have ball skills and can defend. Duarte does all of that. I don’t care that he’ll be 24 before he ever plays in an NBA game because he’s going to be able to step in Day 1 and be a contributor in the right role for the right team. It wouldn’t stun me if we look up in a decade and see that Duarte is still around, helping teams win games. Maybe he won’t be the next Bradley Beal, but he has a good shot to make high eight-figures to low nine-figures playing hoops in the next 10 years.” – Vecenie
“Duarte is one of my favorites in this class and is destined to be selected lower than where I have him on my personal board. Everything he does is tailor-made for the next level. He’s a legit 40-plus-percent 3-point shooter who can handle the ball and has good scoring instincts. He’s a terrific team defender, smart and rarely makes poor decisions. He doesn’t necessarily have a ton of star upside because he isn’t quite a true playmaker due to his lack of passing. But what he does successfully is about perfect for slotting into a role early in his NBA career. The league is looking for shooters with wing size who also have ball skills and can defend. Duarte does all of that. I don’t care that he’ll be 24 before he ever plays in an NBA game because he’s going to be able to step in Day 1 and be a contributor in the right role for the right team. It wouldn’t stun me if we look up in a decade and see that Duarte is still around, helping teams win games. Maybe he won’t be the next Bradley Beal, but he has a good shot to make high eight-figures to low nine-figures playing hoops in the next 10 years.” – Vecenie
I’ve always liked Duarte’s game and like the price tag we got him for. He’s got a very well rounded game. I think it just comes down to where the minutes will come from (if they’ll come from anywhere at all)?
We do seem to have a very deep team at the moment, and wondering if we’ll be limiting minutes for some of our main guys to save them even more come playoff time. Wondering if it would shake out to be something like this…
PG - Fox (32) / Mitchell (16)
SG - Huerter (22) / Monk (26)
SF - Murray (26) / Duarte (16) / Huerter (6)
PF - Barnes (28) / Sasha (16) / Murray (4)
C - Sabonis (32) / Lyles (16)
Fox = 32 min
Sabonis = 32 min
Murray = 30 min
Huerter = 28 min
Barnes = 28 min
Monk = 26 min
Mitchell = 16 min
Duarte = 16 min
Sasha = 16 min
Lyles = 16 min
That would seem to save our guys and give them some fresh legs for the playoffs but then you got to weigh that with getting a good enough record in the regular season.
We do seem to have a very deep team at the moment, and wondering if we’ll be limiting minutes for some of our main guys to save them even more come playoff time. Wondering if it would shake out to be something like this…
PG - Fox (32) / Mitchell (16)
SG - Huerter (22) / Monk (26)
SF - Murray (26) / Duarte (16) / Huerter (6)
PF - Barnes (28) / Sasha (16) / Murray (4)
C - Sabonis (32) / Lyles (16)
Fox = 32 min
Sabonis = 32 min
Murray = 30 min
Huerter = 28 min
Barnes = 28 min
Monk = 26 min
Mitchell = 16 min
Duarte = 16 min
Sasha = 16 min
Lyles = 16 min
That would seem to save our guys and give them some fresh legs for the playoffs but then you got to weigh that with getting a good enough record in the regular season.
If Duarte catches on with us, that would seemingly eliminate minutes for Jones or Ellis on this team. I would probably start Jones in the G league and keep Ellis on the big roster. I would love to see Keon get some traction this year. His D is pretty amazing.
If Huerter starts the season cold, we have to start thinking about cutting his minutes. Monk was clearly better down the stretch as the 6th man/game finisher at shooting guard.
If Huerter starts the season cold, we have to start thinking about cutting his minutes. Monk was clearly better down the stretch as the 6th man/game finisher at shooting guard.
The depth pieces allow Monte to try to swing multiple pieces for a star player and not have it cripple us like the KD trade crippled the Suns depth last year. For instance, you could conceivably package Huerter/Barnes and picks and get back a wing making something like $35M, and then turn your two spot over to a combination of Monk, Duarte, and Jones.
I honestly can't wait to unlock some of the offensive versatility with this team. You obviously have your main Fox/Sabonis lineups, but you can run some pretty cool Sabonis-centric lineups that play a bunch of cutters and shooters like Keegan, Sasha, Huerter, and Duarte.
You can run some Fox-centric lineups that rely on small ball athleticism and downhill attacking with guys like Fox, Mitchell, Monk, Kessler, Keon, Keegan, and Lyles at the 5.
And if Keegan continues his growth, you can run some lineups without Domas or Fox, centered around Monk, Keegan, some Barnes iso ball, Lyles pick and pop, etc...
You can run some Fox-centric lineups that rely on small ball athleticism and downhill attacking with guys like Fox, Mitchell, Monk, Kessler, Keon, Keegan, and Lyles at the 5.
And if Keegan continues his growth, you can run some lineups without Domas or Fox, centered around Monk, Keegan, some Barnes iso ball, Lyles pick and pop, etc...
Good breakdown, thanks.
I know we have a culture of anti - "load management", but I really hope that doesn't come at the cost of wearing our guys out. I know the injuries in the playoffs last year were to some extent "freak"... but I definitely noticed Fox dragging a bit towards the end of the season, especially after some big, long games (the Clippers battle for example). We're deep enough to spread minutes widely now - I hope that was part of the goal this offseason.
About the minutes as you've listed them - I think it's accurate as the season starts, but I would not be surprised in the least if the balance between HB and Sasha shifts more towards Sasha as the season progresses... and have it not disturb chemistry in the slightest (this makes Barnes even more valuable). I think Sasha is getting a minimum of 24 minutes a game by the All Star break.
I also see him getting some minutes possibly even at the 5 during some small ball lineups. He can rebound, after all. Very interested to see how he does that at the NBA level. He's not your typical soft Euro. I've been to Bulgaria, trust me. Bulgarians are more like Russian MMA fighters than Spanish matadors.
I know we have a culture of anti - "load management", but I really hope that doesn't come at the cost of wearing our guys out. I know the injuries in the playoffs last year were to some extent "freak"... but I definitely noticed Fox dragging a bit towards the end of the season, especially after some big, long games (the Clippers battle for example). We're deep enough to spread minutes widely now - I hope that was part of the goal this offseason.
About the minutes as you've listed them - I think it's accurate as the season starts, but I would not be surprised in the least if the balance between HB and Sasha shifts more towards Sasha as the season progresses... and have it not disturb chemistry in the slightest (this makes Barnes even more valuable). I think Sasha is getting a minimum of 24 minutes a game by the All Star break.
I also see him getting some minutes possibly even at the 5 during some small ball lineups. He can rebound, after all. Very interested to see how he does that at the NBA level. He's not your typical soft Euro. I've been to Bulgaria, trust me. Bulgarians are more like Russian MMA fighters than Spanish matadors.
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Good breakdown, but I would try to shave a minute or 2 off of Fox and Sabonis (30-31 min/gm each) during the regular season to save them more for the playoffs.
I think the starters are going to be as you listed, but the closers for most games (especially tight ones) will be Fox/Monk/Murray/Sasha/Sabonis.
I think Murray makes the leap next season to bonafide future superstar. Also, Sasha will show ice in his veins and replace HB in the line up in the closing minutes of games. I also think Duarte will surprise and regain his form that he had his rookie year and will be a very valuable swingman in our rotation.
This team will be a legit 10 deep with some situational depth in Len, Edwards and Colby Jones off the bench.
I think the starters are going to be as you listed, but the closers for most games (especially tight ones) will be Fox/Monk/Murray/Sasha/Sabonis.
I think Murray makes the leap next season to bonafide future superstar. Also, Sasha will show ice in his veins and replace HB in the line up in the closing minutes of games. I also think Duarte will surprise and regain his form that he had his rookie year and will be a very valuable swingman in our rotation.
This team will be a legit 10 deep with some situational depth in Len, Edwards and Colby Jones off the bench.
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C Lyles
PF Vezenkov
SF Edwards or Duarte
SG Monk
PG Mitchell
Is a pretty strong second unit with a nice balance of offense and defense. And to be able to insert De'Aaron into that lineup with that kind of spacing or Domas with that kind of off ball movement?
I think this is going to be a special season.
PF Vezenkov
SF Edwards or Duarte
SG Monk
PG Mitchell
Is a pretty strong second unit with a nice balance of offense and defense. And to be able to insert De'Aaron into that lineup with that kind of spacing or Domas with that kind of off ball movement?
I think this is going to be a special season.
We'll see how Vezenkov adapts, but I could definitely see it playing out that way.
If Huerter is having a good game I could also see us finishing games with Fox/Monk/Huerter/Murray/Sabonis.
Lots of versatility.
Both you and ockingsfan touched on this, but Brown needs to find a way to lighten Fox's load during the regular season. But in order to lower his minutes, we'll either need Davion to make a minor leap or for Malik to play more minutes at PG. I'd rather see the former because we know what Mitchell brings defensively. If he can be a more consistent outside shooter and add a bit more playmaking, it would be huge for the team.
Kessler also needs to consistently knock down open threes so that he can carve out some minutes in the 2nd unit. Honestly, beyond hopefully staying healthy, there's only a couple reasonably possible things that need to happen for the Kings to be significantly better next season. Their record may not improve (and I wouldn't be surprised if it's worse in a tougher Western Conference) but next year's goals aren't just to make the playoffs again.
If Huerter is having a good game I could also see us finishing games with Fox/Monk/Huerter/Murray/Sabonis.
Lots of versatility.
Both you and ockingsfan touched on this, but Brown needs to find a way to lighten Fox's load during the regular season. But in order to lower his minutes, we'll either need Davion to make a minor leap or for Malik to play more minutes at PG. I'd rather see the former because we know what Mitchell brings defensively. If he can be a more consistent outside shooter and add a bit more playmaking, it would be huge for the team.
Kessler also needs to consistently knock down open threes so that he can carve out some minutes in the 2nd unit. Honestly, beyond hopefully staying healthy, there's only a couple reasonably possible things that need to happen for the Kings to be significantly better next season. Their record may not improve (and I wouldn't be surprised if it's worse in a tougher Western Conference) but next year's goals aren't just to make the playoffs again.
This is one of those mini-keys to our development as a team. We absolutely need Davion to step into reliable backup PG - and his outside shot is critical to that, along with general development at running the offense. Up till now he's been mostly a situational defender/occasional spark plug off the bench. We need him to be able to run the offense with either the starting unit or backup squad.
As you said, it would be huge, because his defense is legitimately top 3 for PGs in the league. Lots to be excited about and watch for this upcoming season.
This is one of the benefits of "letting it simmer". You don't worry so much about if a new star is going to fit - a high risk approach. You wonder if all the little things will continue to develop - a more hedged approach. Much more can go right, and less can go wrong.
As you said, it would be huge, because his defense is legitimately top 3 for PGs in the league. Lots to be excited about and watch for this upcoming season.
This is one of the benefits of "letting it simmer". You don't worry so much about if a new star is going to fit - a high risk approach. You wonder if all the little things will continue to develop - a more hedged approach. Much more can go right, and less can go wrong.
I don't know about being too much of a step back, Duarte clearly has a physical advantage being taller and longer than TD. I think TD is officially 6'3"? He might not be a lot better but I think he should at least do an okay job.
But honestly, he ain't gonna be a savior so I'm happy if he becomes a regular rotation piece behind Barnes and Murray, we can surely use some capable wings on the bench. Low risk addition I always welcome.
But honestly, he ain't gonna be a savior so I'm happy if he becomes a regular rotation piece behind Barnes and Murray, we can surely use some capable wings on the bench. Low risk addition I always welcome.
I don't think Monte is looking for a TD replacement. He's looking for a low cost Huerter replacement in a couple years.
If you view the core of this team as Fox, Sabonis, and Murray (and personally I'd add Monk, but let's stick with those three) Fox will be up for a new deal the same year Murray will be a RFA coming off his rookie deal. At that same time Barnes and Huerter are free agents.
So you free up money from HB and K'Von to re-sign De'Aaron and Keegan but now you need lower cost replacements at the other forward and at SG.
If you view the core of this team as Fox, Sabonis, and Murray (and personally I'd add Monk, but let's stick with those three) Fox will be up for a new deal the same year Murray will be a RFA coming off his rookie deal. At that same time Barnes and Huerter are free agents.
So you free up money from HB and K'Von to re-sign De'Aaron and Keegan but now you need lower cost replacements at the other forward and at SG.
Exactly, and for now Duarte just probably fills the TD hole on the roster way deep in the rotation until then. Conspiracy theory suggests Monte is looking for other DHO options on the roster. Sasha and Duarte both pretty much fit the bill. Monte making an offer for Beal might suggest he's looking at options next to De'Aaron as well. That could have been just a cheapest best available talent though so we'll likely find out.
They actually said his close outs were kind of bad, and if there is one skill a player can learn at any point in their career, it is how to close out.
Learning how to properly close out is pretty much on the player and their IQ. It's pretty much all footwork, body control, and IQ.
They can't learn how to be 6'9" with a 7'2"" wingspan tho, amirite tho Sactown?
Learning how to properly close out is pretty much on the player and their IQ. It's pretty much all footwork, body control, and IQ.
They can't learn how to be 6'9" with a 7'2"" wingspan tho, amirite tho Sactown?
It's not too surprising when you consider that he also tends to have tunnel vision on the offensive side of the ball. At least so far in his career, Duarte seems to focus on what's right in front of him and doesn't do a great job of seeing the whole floor.
There's a good chance for him to improve on that aspect of his game on both ends with the Kings as Brown will demand it on defense and the Kings offense really requires it to run effectively.
There's a good chance for him to improve on that aspect of his game on both ends with the Kings as Brown will demand it on defense and the Kings offense really requires it to run effectively.
Duarte had 14 points with 6/15 fg in Dominican Republic's easy win vs Egypt in the opening match of their group. Tomorrow he will be facing Greece that is a much tougher opponent and after that depending on tomorrow result will be facing Croatia or Slovenia in the semifinal of the tournament. I doubt that they can win any of their remaining matches, they looked quite weaker compared with the team that played last year for the World Cup that was quite competitive, without Duarte in their roster at that time.