Wow.
The author's suggestion to move the Kings towards playoff contention:
1.) Draft Aminu
2.) Sign Travis Outlaw
3.) Sign Matt Barnes or Ronnie Brewer
4.) Sign Raja Bell
If we draft Aminu and blow our capspace on the guys suggested, I'd be very upset.
His reasons for Aminu is that the Kings have JT at Center and so they need a shotblocker and rebounder at the PF position, and that Aminu has the size, length, and athleticism to play that position. Aminu could also develop a good pick-n-roll game with Tyreke.
Well...if I'm going to draft a shot-blocking, rebounding PF who can play the pick-n-roll game with Tyreke, I'm going to draft Udoh, and it's not even close. Udoh could play the pick-n-roll game, and more importantly has a better mid-range game than Aminu to play the pick-n-pop game as well. Udoh is a natural PF, while Aminu might struggle to find his game as a SF/PF.
So if that is my drafting criteria, then Ekpe Udoh is my choice over Aminu at the PF position.
As far as who we'd pick up in free-agency, I'm not sold on those presented either.
Seriously, if you're going to pay good money for Outlaw, why not draft Wes Johnson if Cousins isn't on the board?
Now, I actually like both Matt Barnes and Ronnie Brewer. But there is no way that Barnes would re-sign with us, especially after getting playoff time in both Phoenix and Orlando.
Brewer I like, but he doesn't bring the outside shooting and ball-handling we'd want from the SG spot. Again, might as well draft Wes Johnson and see if he can handle and pass well enough to be the SG along-side Tyreke.
As far as Raja Bell goes, sure, sign him for a minimum contract, but I don't see Bell as being a major piece for this team to make a playoff run. If Bell signs somewhere cheap, I'd imagine it being on a contending team, not a young team we're building.
So, I really hope this version of Kings Rebuilding doesn't take place as I don't see it leading the team any closer to a deep playoff run in the coming years.