How I would distribute minutes:

[KestrelKing]

I'm thinking by mid season we will see Fox Bogdan, Jackson at 123 with Hield as instant offense off the bench. I still think most are underrating Bogdan. He is going to be very good; maybe even ROY candidate. He has been a top pro for quite a while. His game will flourish in the NBA.

 

[Kingster]

Not to mention the Kings are tanking the value of their main Cuz trade piece. If they really believe in Buddy that much they need to give him the keys. Any team has to have some set pecking order and a top few players they rely on to get them into the games.

I look at this way, what team can realistically play guys spot minutes 12 deep and not look like absolute garbage? Not even the Warriors do that or probably even can do that. You'd have to have the deepest most proficient roster to see real success doing it. A mixed bag of young/old Kings are in for a world of hurt if they think they can fit them all in.

Temple is a good character guy, a good role model, and a good defender. But he's not a legit starter in this league. Essentially, I see Coach using him to send a message to the two-guards, including Buddy: If you don't play D, I know somebody who does. To have a successful season I think Buddy should get 30+ minutes a game, and he should average at least 16 points/game with a good percentage.

As for the minutes played issue, I doubt Coach is going to be playing 12 guys on a regular basis. Injuries always happen during the season. Some guys aren't going to get many minutes at all at the beginning, injuries will happen, and then they'll get to play.

 

[QoooooQ]

No doubt there is much experimenting to be done, but I would distribute PG and SG minutes according to performance between Hill, Hield, Bogdanovic, Fox and Temple and play none of them at SF, except maybe against exceptional small ball opponents.

 

[funkykingston]

The most interesting position battle will be at SF.

Jackson is really the only legit small forward on the roster unless JaKarr Sampson is included.

Carter has played SF primarily in the latter stages of his career but he's obviously a short minutes option.

Temple, Richardson and Bogdanovic all have good size for a SG but aren't really SFs.

I think if Malachi (if he can stay healthy) or Jackson have a great camp/preseason that they could claim the starting job. Otherwise I think Temple is the default.

I'm excited to see Bogdanovic but pitting him against bigger guys right off the bat may not be the best way to transition him to the NBA. I have doubts about him staying in front of NBA SGs too but at least that's his normal position.

 

[bajaden]

I hope this season will be to develop our youngs without winning pressure, and in that case:

PG
Fox 30
Hill 18
Mason 5
I guess Hill will start the season, and i don't mind Fox coming off the bench, but as season goes, he should take the starting spot. I don't see a reason why he shouldn't get his real chance in the first season.

SG
Hield 28
Bogdan 10
Temple 10
Bogdan coming off the bench, and then playing at SF during the game later.

SF
Temple 10
Bogdan 15
Carter 10
Jackson 15
I really hope that duo Hield-Bogdan can work well at the same time on the court. Because if Kings develop both to the level they could reach and don't let them play together at same time, one will have to be traded probably. I don't want that to happen Trio Fox-Hield-Bogdan would give a lot of offensive potential for the Kings. Shooting, creating, running pick and rolls, playing in transition, running the fastbreaks... really tough to guard. Hield would have a lot of open shoots with Fox and Bogdan passing.

PF
Labissiere 28
Randolph 20
Gilles 5

C
WCS 30
Koufos 15
PapaG 8
I think WCS is ready to have 30+ minutes games.

Those are only my wishes. I know i can't expect that much playing time for young guys with Joerger, but i would be a bit dissapointed if Hill, Carter, Randolph, Koufos and Temple play more then 30 minutes.

At the moment, Hill is probably the best player on the team, and one of the highest paid. There is no way he only plays 18 minutes a game, unless he's injured. If he can't get minutes at PG he'll get them at SG, but I'd be shocked if he didn't play at least 28 minutes a game.

 

[bajaden]

The most interesting position battle will be at SF.

Jackson is really the only legit small forward on the roster unless JaKarr Sampson is included.

Carter has played SF primarily in the latter stages of his career but he's obviously a short minutes option.

Temple, Richardson and Bogdanovic all have good size for a SG but aren't really SFs.

I think if Malachi (if he can stay healthy) or Jackson have a great camp/preseason that they could claim the starting job. Otherwise I think Temple is the default.

I'm excited to see Bogdanovic but pitting him against bigger guys right off the bat may not be the best way to transition him to the NBA. I have doubts about him staying in front of NBA SGs too but at least that's his normal position.

I always find it interesting that people think that Malachi is suited to play the SF position because of his size, but in reality, Bogcanovic has a higher standing reach and is the exact same height as Malachi. The only advantage Malachi might have is strength, and I'm not positive of that. Personally, I'd rather not have either of them play SF, but if one has to, I don't see a lot of difference between them, other than Bogdanovic has years of experience over Malachi.

 

[SacTownKid]

Temple is a good character guy, a good role model, and a good defender. But he's not a legit starter in this league. Essentially, I see Coach using him to send a message to the two-guards, including Buddy: If you don't play D, I know somebody who does. To have a successful season I think Buddy should get 30+ minutes a game, and he should average at least 16 points/game with a good percentage.

As for the minutes played issue, I doubt Coach is going to be playing 12 guys on a regular basis. Injuries always happen during the season. Some guys aren't going to get many minutes at all at the beginning, injuries will happen, and then they'll get to play.

That is what the intention should be, and with the types of players the Kings have now it might work. With someone like Cousins you were asking for trouble doing something like that, I think the young Kings now might be able to survive those moments.

 

["The Serbian Sniper"]

At the moment, Hill is probably the best player on the team, and one of the highest paid. There is no way he only plays 18 minutes a game, unless he's injured. If he can't get minutes at PG he'll get them at SG, but I'd be shocked if he didn't play at least 28 minutes a game.

I agree, thats why i said those are my wishes.

But facing a few facts: Hill is 31/32 years old, he had another injury last season, he played only for Play-off teams so far (his style of play fits great in Play-off defensive teams and Kings probably won't have Play-off run pressure) and i see one of his roles now as a mentor to Fox and Mason. No doubt that he is more ready than Fox at the moment and better player right now, but those are few reasons why i think Hill shouldn't have much minutes as he used to. Joerger probably disagree with me

 

[funkykingston]

I always find it interesting that people think that Malachi is suited to play the SF position because of his size, but in reality, Bogcanovic has a higher standing reach and is the exact same height as Malachi. The only advantage Malachi might have is strength, and I'm not positive of that. Personally, I'd rather not have either of them play SF, but if one has to, I don't see a lot of difference between them, other than Bogdanovic has years of experience over Malachi.

I don't think Malachi is suited to play SF. That's why I said the Kings only have one true SF on the roster in Justin Jackson. Two if JaKarr Sampson is included.

However, I think that may be Richardson's only path to getting minutes. I don't see him beating out Hield, Bogdanovic, or Temple for SG minutes and that's not even counting the possibility that Joerger may play a Fox/Hill backcourt for stretches. Outside of injuries I think the only opportunity for Malachi will be at SF. And I think the staff conveyed that sentiment to him to some extent in his exit meeting etc because he's clearly been bulking up this summer.

I have high hopes for Bogdan but I think he'll have an adjustment to the size and speed of NBA players. That's where Hield and Richardson will start the season with a bit of a leg up, having had a full year on this level. They (especially Malachi) better take advantage of that. Richardson could be on the outside looking in if he doesn't stake his claim for PT early.

 

[miltonap]

I would be very surprised if Hield wasn't in the rotation and getting at least 20 minutes per game on average. I just don't think we have enough guys who are worthy of taking up 30+ minutes a game to eat into his time any more than that, and he was pretty good in his Sac minutes last year.

I just think Bog or Malachi could beat him out so I hope he brings it. There should be no givens on a 30 win team, looking forward to training camp

 

[bajaden]

I don't think Malachi is suited to play SF. That's why I said the Kings only have one true SF on the roster in Justin Jackson. Two if JaKarr Sampson is included.

However, I think that may be Richardson's only path to getting minutes. I don't see him beating out Hield, Bogdanovic, or Temple for SG minutes and that's not even counting the possibility that Joerger may play a Fox/Hill backcourt for stretches. Outside of injuries I think the only opportunity for Malachi will be at SF. And I think the staff conveyed that sentiment to him to some extent in his exit meeting etc because he's clearly been bulking up this summer.

I have high hopes for Bogdan but I think he'll have an adjustment to the size and speed of NBA players. That's where Hield and Richardson will start the season with a bit of a leg up, having had a full year on this level. They (especially Malachi) better take advantage of that. Richardson could be on the outside looking in if he doesn't stake his claim for PT early.

Perhaps suited was a poor choice of words on my part. I was referencing the belief by a lot of fans that they could see Malachi playing SF, but for some reason they only think of Bogdan at SG. Look, I have no problem trying to use Malachi at SF, but at this given point in time, if you want to get Buddy a lot of minutes, and you want to get Bogdan a lot of minutes, then I think one of them has to either start, or at least play minutes at the SF position, and Buddy is too small for SF. If I'm going to choose between Malachi and Bogdan starting at SF, I'm sorry, I'm going with Bogdan. He simply a better player than Malachi right now.

As for as Bogdan having an adjustment to make, I don't think that's going to be much of an issue. He played against NBA players in the championships (Dragic, Randolph), and he played against team USA in the Olympics, and didn't appear to struggle. Look, Bogdanovie is 25 years old and has been playing professional basketball for years, and is one of the best players in Europe. There is no way on god's earth that Malachi is ahead of him in the food chain. That said, I agree with you that for Malachi to get minutes, it'll have to come at the SF position. Personally, I think he's the odd man out, and possible future trade bait. I feel for him because every time he gets a chance, he gets injured. I hope I'm wrong about him, but I think he'll have to beat out Justin Jackson and Carter for minutes.

 

[King Baller]

Malachi can earn minutes if he makes defense his number one calling card. He has the size and length, he just needs to summon the will to be a dogged defender.

 

[dude12]

A few comments in the thread that I don't necessarily agree with.

George Hill is a little better than some think. Not talking about the defense as I think everyone agrees he's a good defensive PG but he averaged 17 points in 31 minutes with Utah shooting 40% from 3. He's too good to just dismiss and I don't know how Joerger is going to get PT for all of the guards as Hill and Fox together could be a very dynamic backcourt for parts of a game.

Speaking of to many guards, Temple is also too good of a role player to not play many minutes. Someone said that Temple was not a quality starting guard in the league and I don't know if that's accurate. It's accurate that he would have to be paired with a dynamic Pg and surrounding players but he's certainly a more than capable guard on a playoff team.

 

[206Fan]

A few comments in the thread that I don't necessarily agree with.

George Hill is a little better than some think. Not talking about the defense as I think everyone agrees he's a good defensive PG but he averaged 17 points in 31 minutes with Utah shooting 40% from 3. He's too good to just dismiss and I don't know how Joerger is going to get PT for all of the guards as Hill and Fox together could be a very dynamic backcourt for parts of a game.

Speaking of to many guards, Temple is also too good of a role player to not play many minutes. Someone said that Temple was not a quality starting guard in the league and I don't know if that's accurate. It's accurate that he would have to be paired with a dynamic Pg and surrounding players but he's certainly a more than capable guard on a playoff team.

I think Temple is capped out as a NBA player. In general, he doesn't really give you much in terms of a skills perspective. However, he has the intangibles. He's a really smart player who plays with 100% effort on the defensive end. However, if he didn't make 3pters at a decent clip, I don't think he'd get more than 15mpg.

His defense is overrstated quite a bit. He's a pesky defender, but doesn't have the physical tools to truly lock anyone down. I think we're just so used to seeing horrible perimeter defense to the point where Temple's effort alone makes him look good.

 

[Kingsfan23]

There will be a battle at center too. Kosta is an underrated, blue collar guy who can fit in as a defensive anchor with talent around him. I'm not WCS biggest supporter but he is certainly skilled. He has some interesting clips on instagram showing advanced dribbles and an improved shot for a C, but that's not what necessary for him to stick long term here with Fox/Hield/Jackson/Skal/Bogdan (enough offense). WCS is going to have to improve defensively/rebounding as an anchor as a 5. Last year, he played a lot of 4 with Koufos, somewhat of a tweener role. He's going to have to be a presence in the paint as a backbone, let's see if he's up for the challenge. It would help the team. He's a skilled guy with a good body, but needs to put that effort/consistency together

 

[dude12]

I think Temple is capped out as a NBA player. In general, he doesn't really give you much in terms of a skills perspective. However, he has the intangibles. He's a really smart player who plays with 100% effort on the defensive end. However, if he didn't make 3pters at a decent clip, I don't think he'd get more than 15mpg.

His defense is overrstated quite a bit. He's a pesky defender, but doesn't have the physical tools to truly lock anyone down. I think we're just so used to seeing horrible perimeter defense to the point where Temple's effort alone makes him look good.

I think when you see him again, you will be reminded of his defense.

 

[bajaden]

There will be a battle at center too. Kosta is an underrated, blue collar guy who can fit in as a defensive anchor with talent around him. I'm not WCS biggest supporter but he is certainly skilled. He has some interesting clips on instagram showing advanced dribbles and an improved shot for a C, but that's not what necessary for him to stick long term here with Fox/Hield/Jackson/Skal/Bogdan (enough offense). WCS is going to have to improve defensively/rebounding as an anchor as a 5. Last year, he played a lot of 4 with Koufos, somewhat of a tweener role. He's going to have to be a presence in the paint as a backbone, let's see if he's up for the challenge. It would help the team. He's a skilled guy with a good body, but needs to put that effort/consistency together

Saw a workout video of Willie the other day. He now has the handles of a guard. He'll likely play from the high post where he can use those skills. I predict that he's going to blow everyone away this year. I'm always amazed to hear people on this forum complain about his defense, when other teams announcers do nothing but rave about his defense. Rebounding? Yes, he has to improve and become consistent, but when our defense broke down last season, it wasn't Willie's fault. He usually ended up having to decide who to cover out of two players because McLemore, or someone else forgot to switch. I can't tell you how many times I saw two King players covering one player while Willie was left trying to cover two players.

 

[Jimbob]

Saw a workout video of Willie the other day. He now has the handles of a guard. He'll likely play from the high post where he can use those skills. I predict that he's going to blow everyone away this year. I'm always amazed to hear people on this forum complain about his defense, when other teams announcers do nothing but rave about his defense. Rebounding? Yes, he has to improve and become consistent, but when our defense broke down last season, it wasn't Willie's fault. He usually ended up having to decide who to cover out of two players because McLemore, or someone else forgot to switch. I can't tell you how many times I saw two King players covering one player while Willie was left trying to cover two players.

Makes me wonder how Willie would fare against some of the bigger small fowards. SF seems to be our biggest concern, everyone either has questionable age, experience, or size.

 

[jcwkings]

Saw a workout video of Willie the other day. He now has the handles of a guard. He'll likely play from the high post where he can use those skills. I predict that he's going to blow everyone away this year. I'm always amazed to hear people on this forum complain about his defense, when other teams announcers do nothing but rave about his defense. Rebounding? Yes, he has to improve and become consistent, but when our defense broke down last season, it wasn't Willie's fault. He usually ended up having to decide who to cover out of two players because McLemore, or someone else forgot to switch. I can't tell you how many times I saw two King players covering one player while Willie was left trying to cover two players.

Anybody can look good in a workout video. Im a Willie believer but doing things in a one on none is much different than 5 on 5 NBA basketball.

 

[sono]

In the blink of an eye the guard positions are loaded up, like the Suns. Excited to see both Fox and Bogdan on the floor together and what they can do, but damn I'll miss Boogie.

 

[Kingster]

I'm looking for a big year from Willie, but let's not forget what the #1 claim to fame was when he was drafted: He's going to shut down stretch 4s. That hasn't happened, at least so far, and it has nothing to do with switching. When he's one on one with stretch 4s he hasn't shut them down. Far from it. Joerger tried that experiment and then seeing that results put WCS guarding centers. Who is going to be the guy this year that is going out to the 3 point line and prevent getting killed by the stretch 4s, guys like Millsap, and Ryan Anderson? Is WCS going to be called upon? Is Jackson? Is anybody? I'll tell you one thing: If Jackson can mitigate the terror we saw last year from stretch 4s, he's going to get a lot of minutes. Either that or Carter is going to be worn out by the minutes he's called upon to play. Remember, last year we saw McLemore called upon to guard stretch 4s and big 3s, guys like Wiggins. Who is going to do it this year?

 

[SacTownKid]

Willies defense has been somewhat mixed but it must be said that it's hard to gauge individual defense in defending the 3 or pick and roll when your team is so horrible from a strategic standpoint as a unit. He has looked better at center so we'll see where that takes him. He has some very unique abilities for a center and talents that could be better utilized at that spot rather than PF. I don't think this year is as important for anyone more than it is for Willie. He's nearing the back end of his rookie deal and is in a situation where the starting spot should be his for the taking. If he defends, rebounds, catches lobs, sets good screens, and keeps dishing those assists like he showed last year he'll be perfect for a team building around the guard position.

 

[bajaden]

Anybody can look good in a workout video. Im a Willie believer but doing things in a one on none is much different than 5 on 5 NBA basketball.

Don't disagree. Big difference between practice and a real game, but the major difference is confidence. Some players develop new skills, and it almost immediately translates to real time in a game. Others never seem to be able to make that jump. My gut tells me that Willie can't wait to use his new found skills. I saw a change in him after the Cousins trade. It was almost like Willie unchained. Of course it wasn't all roses and candy. There were a few bumps as well, but the one thing I didn't see was a lack of confidence.

When he missed a shot, he wasn't afraid to take the next shot. It's easy to keep on shooting when your in a zone and everything is going in. It's hard to maintain that confidence when your missing, but that's the trick, you have to always believe the next one is going in. Of course it can be frustrating for the fans to watch the process. Willie was raw when he first arrived at Kentucky, and they did very little there to develop his offensive skills. I don't blame them for that, they simply played him to his strengths.

Willie wants to be a star, and you can't fault him for that. Hell, so did I. Willie is also a hard worker and an athletic freak of nature. Whether that will add up to success or not remains to be seen. But I certainly wouldn't write him off just yet as a defensive specialist. If that's all he turns out to be, that's fine. But he deserves his chance to be more than that. I wouldn't type out his label just yet.

 

[jcwkings]

Don't disagree. Big difference between practice and a real game, but the major difference is confidence. Some players develop new skills, and it almost immediately translates to real time in a game. Others never seem to be able to make that jump. My gut tells me that Willie can't wait to use his new found skills. I saw a change in him after the Cousins trade. It was almost like Willie unchained. Of course it wasn't all roses and candy. There were a few bumps as well, but the one thing I didn't see was a lack of confidence.

When he missed a shot, he wasn't afraid to take the next shot. It's easy to keep on shooting when your in a zone and everything is going in. It's hard to maintain that confidence when your missing, but that's the trick, you have to always believe the next one is going in. Of course it can be frustrating for the fans to watch the process. Willie was raw when he first arrived at Kentucky, and they did very little there to develop his offensive skills. I don't blame them for that, they simply played him to his strengths.

Willie wants to be a star, and you can't fault him for that. Hell, so did I. Willie is also a hard worker and an athletic freak of nature. Whether that will add up to success or not remains to be seen. But I certainly wouldn't write him off just yet as a defensive specialist. If that's all he turns out to be, that's fine. But he deserves his chance to be more than that. I wouldn't type out his label just yet.

I would just caution people of getting hyped about off season workout videos. I remember every summer Tyreke "fixed" his shot over the summer and it never translated to games.

 

[King Baller]

I'm looking for a big year from Willie, but let's not forget what the #1 claim to fame was when he was drafted: He's going to shut down stretch 4s. That hasn't happened, at least so far, and it has nothing to do with switching. When he's one on one with stretch 4s he hasn't shut them down. Far from it. Joerger tried that experiment and then seeing that results put WCS guarding centers. Who is going to be the guy this year that is going out to the 3 point line and prevent getting killed by the stretch 4s, guys like Millsap, and Ryan Anderson? Is WCS going to be called upon? Is Jackson? Is anybody? I'll tell you one thing: If Jackson can mitigate the terror we saw last year from stretch 4s, he's going to get a lot of minutes. Either that or Carter is going to be worn out by the minutes he's called upon to play. Remember, last year we saw McLemore called upon to guard stretch 4s and big 3s, guys like Wiggins. Who is going to do it this year?

I think a combination of Malachi, Justin and Sampson can handle most stretch fours. It will take time since all 3 are young but their defense should improve with experience.

 

[Kingsfan23]

It would be a disappointment for me to not see Skal starting. 36 year old Randolph who wasn't exceptional last year? I just see Skal getting his opportunity despite Joerger's vet favoritism. I'm not sure Zach's ISO offense fits the starting unit anyhow

 

[206Fan]

Saw a workout video of Willie the other day. He now has the handles of a guard. He'll likely play from the high post where he can use those skills. I predict that he's going to blow everyone away this year. I'm always amazed to hear people on this forum complain about his defense, when other teams announcers do nothing but rave about his defense. Rebounding? Yes, he has to improve and become consistent, but when our defense broke down last season, it wasn't Willie's fault. He usually ended up having to decide who to cover out of two players because McLemore, or someone else forgot to switch. I can't tell you how many times I saw two King players covering one player while Willie was left trying to cover two players.

To be fair, I think opposing announcers probably remember him as a defensive specialist from Kentucky. In theory, Willie should be a defensive anchor, but he's not(yet). His lack of rim protection is the thing that shocked everyone. I just want Willie to be able to find a niche and stick to it. He's one of our most unique players on the team. No clue what to expect from him next year.

 

[206Fan]

I'm looking for a big year from Willie, but let's not forget what the #1 claim to fame was when he was drafted: He's going to shut down stretch 4s. That hasn't happened, at least so far, and it has nothing to do with switching. When he's one on one with stretch 4s he hasn't shut them down. Far from it. Joerger tried that experiment and then seeing that results put WCS guarding centers. Who is going to be the guy this year that is going out to the 3 point line and prevent getting killed by the stretch 4s, guys like Millsap, and Ryan Anderson? Is WCS going to be called upon? Is Jackson? Is anybody? I'll tell you one thing: If Jackson can mitigate the terror we saw last year from stretch 4s, he's going to get a lot of minutes. Either that or Carter is going to be worn out by the minutes he's called upon to play. Remember, last year we saw McLemore called upon to guard stretch 4s and big 3s, guys like Wiggins. Who is going to do it this year?

Rondo+Willie PnR was fun. I'm excited to see if Fox can use him in the PnR

 

[VF21]

It would be a disappointment for me to not see Skal starting. 36 year old Randolph who wasn't exceptional last year? I just see Skal getting his opportunity despite Joerger's vet favoritism. I'm not sure Zach's ISO offense fits the starting unit anyhow

Once again, I'll voice the same objection. Skal hasn't proven that he's ready to start. It's not about vet favoritism, it's about EARNING the right to start. Starting doesn't mean finishing, either. I demand that players earn their minutes. Show heart, hustle, energy and effort and your minutes will reflect your desire to improve. Expect to start when you haven't do that and I hope you end up nailed to the bench.

We've made the mistake too many times of forcing a player into a starting slot he simply hasn't been ready for. Ben McLemore ring any bells? Let Skal learn his role and earn his minutes. I'm sure he will.

 

[VF21]

To be fair, I think opposing announcers probably remember him as a defensive specialist from Kentucky. In theory, Willie should be a defensive anchor, but he's not(yet). His lack of rim protection is the thing that shocked everyone. I just want Willie to be able to find a niche and stick to it. He's one of our most unique players on the team. No clue what to expect from him next year.

Totally agree. That quality was one of the reasons I was so glad we drafted him. Hope to see it this year.