I know it's a bit early to say such a thing. We are young and none of our kiddos have proven anything outside of Buddy. I just have a feeling we may be a much better team this year than a lot of folks are predicting. Sure we won't make the playoffs, but IMO we will win more games than expected for the following reasons.
Buddy Hield- After 4 years of college and a solid rookie campaign, I expect him to be one of the top two scorers on the team and maintain solid percentages. Fewer turnovers and more confidence to take open shots.
George Hill- Don't underestimate this guy. Only one time in his career did he play on a team with less than 45 wins. He is an impact guy IMO. Does the little things not seen in the box score and provides leadership.
Fox/Mason- With Hill as the starter and mentor, Fox will not have the weight on his shoulders his first couple years. He can just come in and do what he does best- fly up and down the court and make plays. Mason is a baller and can contribute right away as the 3rd guard. He has no fear and will succeed at the NBA level. When was the last time the Kings had 3 really good players at the point?
WCS- Gotta admit I wasn't a huge fan of him his rookie year. He seemed like a baby in interviews and didn't seem to give 100 percent effort but I grew to like him the last half of his second year. He did the little things and turns out he can rebound, you just have to ask! He is coming into his 3rd year and played 3 years of college so I like his chance of making a really nice leap this year.
Randolph- Need points when the young guys can't score? Put this guy in and he will put an end to a run. Is there a better guy out there to mentor Skal and the rest? Came off the bench last year, so you know he is willing to do what the coach asks of him.
Bogs- rookie who has been playing professional ball for a long time. I expect him to provide outside shooting and hustle right away.
Chemistry- good to great teams generally have on court chemistry. You like each other, you respect each other, you know each others habits. It sure seems like this team has it. They are generally around the same age trying to build something together. Time will tell but the signs are there.
We have solid depth at every position aside from SF, we have veterans who not only provide mentorship but can still play, we have a great coach who has won everywhere he has been and we have some semblance of organization and unity in our front office.
So yeh we are young, but it's a mix of international professionals, 3/4 year college guys and those who have maturity beyond their years.
I like their chances.
Buddy Hield- After 4 years of college and a solid rookie campaign, I expect him to be one of the top two scorers on the team and maintain solid percentages. Fewer turnovers and more confidence to take open shots.
George Hill- Don't underestimate this guy. Only one time in his career did he play on a team with less than 45 wins. He is an impact guy IMO. Does the little things not seen in the box score and provides leadership.
Fox/Mason- With Hill as the starter and mentor, Fox will not have the weight on his shoulders his first couple years. He can just come in and do what he does best- fly up and down the court and make plays. Mason is a baller and can contribute right away as the 3rd guard. He has no fear and will succeed at the NBA level. When was the last time the Kings had 3 really good players at the point?
WCS- Gotta admit I wasn't a huge fan of him his rookie year. He seemed like a baby in interviews and didn't seem to give 100 percent effort but I grew to like him the last half of his second year. He did the little things and turns out he can rebound, you just have to ask! He is coming into his 3rd year and played 3 years of college so I like his chance of making a really nice leap this year.
Randolph- Need points when the young guys can't score? Put this guy in and he will put an end to a run. Is there a better guy out there to mentor Skal and the rest? Came off the bench last year, so you know he is willing to do what the coach asks of him.
Bogs- rookie who has been playing professional ball for a long time. I expect him to provide outside shooting and hustle right away.
Chemistry- good to great teams generally have on court chemistry. You like each other, you respect each other, you know each others habits. It sure seems like this team has it. They are generally around the same age trying to build something together. Time will tell but the signs are there.
We have solid depth at every position aside from SF, we have veterans who not only provide mentorship but can still play, we have a great coach who has won everywhere he has been and we have some semblance of organization and unity in our front office.
So yeh we are young, but it's a mix of international professionals, 3/4 year college guys and those who have maturity beyond their years.
I like their chances.
) I agree with you about Malachi. He's got that "lean and hungry look" about him. I suspect there's a lot more potential there than has even been hinted at.
