Welcome Markelle Fultz

#39
Here was the second AI response after giving it an updated PG list:

Is Markelle Fultz Still the Best PG Option for the Kings?

After analyzing the current list of available free-agent point guards, Markelle Fultz remains the best overall option for the Sacramento Kings due to his combination of playmaking, defense, and fit within the system.


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Why Fultz is Still the Best Option

✅ Best Playmaker Available

5.5 APG (highest among available PGs)

3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio (Top 25 in NBA)

Runs the pick-and-roll well (1.08 PPP in PnR, 75th percentile)

Can run a half-court offense and set up LaVine, DeRozan, and Sabonis better than any other FA


✅ Best Defensive PG Available

Holds opposing guards to 41.3% FG (elite for a PG)

1.4 SPG, 2.1 STL% (Top 20 among guards)

Has the size (6’4", 210 lbs) to switch onto wings

A much stronger defender than Monte Morris, Dennis Smith Jr., or Patrick Beverley


✅ Best Fit in Sacramento's System

Kings play fast, and Fultz thrives in transition (75th percentile in transition efficiency)

Can push the tempo and find shooters (Murray, Monk, LaVine, McDermott)

Doesn't need high usage—works well alongside stars like LaVine & DeRozan

Can be a secondary playmaker to lighten Sabonis' offensive creation load



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How Fultz Compares to Other Options

Final Verdict: Fultz is clearly the best all-around option if the Kings want to improve defensively, get more structure in their offense, and maximize their core.


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Why the Kings Should Sign Fultz ASAP

The Kings need a PG now, not in a few months when Carter gets his conditioning back.

Fultz’s value is low due to injury concerns, meaning the Kings could sign him to a team-friendly deal (1-year, $2.5M minimum contract).

Other teams may make a move soon, especially contenders who need a backup PG.

He is the only PG available who gives both defense and playmaking.


FINAL DECISION: SIGN MARKELLE FULTZ IMMEDIATELY

He fixes the Kings' biggest weaknesses, gives them defensive stability at PG, and allows their scorers to focus on scoring. If Sacramento is serious about making a playoff run, Fultz is the best move they can make right now.
 

Capt. Factorial

ceterum censeo delendum esse Argentum
Staff member
#40
Former #1 overall picks to have played for the Sacramento Kings:

Chris Webber, 1998-2005, 7 seasons, 377 games
Ralph Sampson, 1989-1991, 2 seasons, 51 games
Pervis Ellison, 1989-1990, 1 season, 34 games

That's the list.
The Kings actually do NOT hold the longest streak of having no #1 overall playing for them.

The Utah Jazz have only ever had two in franchise history, one season of Kent Benson in 1987, and one season of Danny Manning in 2001.

The Indiana Pacers have been in existence since 1977 and have NEVER had a #1 overall pick play for them.
 

pdxKingsFan

So Ordinary That It's Truly Quite Extraordinary
Staff member
#42
The Kings actually do NOT hold the longest streak of having no #1 overall playing for them.

The Utah Jazz have only ever had two in franchise history, one season of Kent Benson in 1987, and one season of Danny Manning in 2001.

The Indiana Pacers have been in existence since 1977 and have NEVER had a #1 overall pick play for them.
I can't believe Manning was in the league in 2001.
 
#44
Agree that he may see 8-10 mins, and hopefully his knees are healthy. I could see him fitting well with our bench unit in terms of pushing the pace and getting to the paint. If he can play the role that TJ McConnell does for the Pacers, this could be a big pickup
 
#45
Here was the second AI response after giving it an updated PG list:

Is Markelle Fultz Still the Best PG Option for the Kings?

After analyzing the current list of available free-agent point guards, Markelle Fultz remains the best overall option for the Sacramento Kings due to his combination of playmaking, defense, and fit within the system.


---

Why Fultz is Still the Best Option

✅ Best Playmaker Available

5.5 APG (highest among available PGs)

3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio (Top 25 in NBA)

Runs the pick-and-roll well (1.08 PPP in PnR, 75th percentile)

Can run a half-court offense and set up LaVine, DeRozan, and Sabonis better than any other FA


✅ Best Defensive PG Available

Holds opposing guards to 41.3% FG (elite for a PG)

1.4 SPG, 2.1 STL% (Top 20 among guards)

Has the size (6’4", 210 lbs) to switch onto wings

A much stronger defender than Monte Morris, Dennis Smith Jr., or Patrick Beverley


✅ Best Fit in Sacramento's System

Kings play fast, and Fultz thrives in transition (75th percentile in transition efficiency)

Can push the tempo and find shooters (Murray, Monk, LaVine, McDermott)

Doesn't need high usage—works well alongside stars like LaVine & DeRozan

Can be a secondary playmaker to lighten Sabonis' offensive creation load



---

How Fultz Compares to Other Options

Final Verdict: Fultz is clearly the best all-around option if the Kings want to improve defensively, get more structure in their offense, and maximize their core.


---

Why the Kings Should Sign Fultz ASAP

The Kings need a PG now, not in a few months when Carter gets his conditioning back.

Fultz’s value is low due to injury concerns, meaning the Kings could sign him to a team-friendly deal (1-year, $2.5M minimum contract).

Other teams may make a move soon, especially contenders who need a backup PG.

He is the only PG available who gives both defense and playmaking.


FINAL DECISION: SIGN MARKELLE FULTZ IMMEDIATELY

He fixes the Kings' biggest weaknesses, gives them defensive stability at PG, and allows their scorers to focus on scoring. If Sacramento is serious about making a playoff run, Fultz is the best move they can make right now.
it would be interesting to see what AI says we should do in drafts
 
#46
If Fultz can stay healthy, the Kings would finally be legit 2 deep at each position.

PF Keegan / Lyles
SF Deebo / LaRavia / IJ
C Domas / Jonas V
SG LaVine / Keon
PG Monk / Fultz / DC

The starting five is strong offensively and the bench is strong defensively. DC will need to mix up the minutes to balance the team dynamics, but if he can, I think the Kings can make some noise heading towards the playoffs.
 
#48
He was really good in 22-23, like on the verge of a breakout good and then got hurt last year? Was really surprised no one picked him up, maybe his health was that bad to start the year. Certainly not someone talent wise who should have been sitting all year
The moment I realized no one would be signing Fultz this season was the moment that solidified to me that the league is too deep and is ready for expansion.

I really like the signing, low-risk and high-reward. We also simply needed a backup PG on the roster in case Monk got hurt.
 
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#50
The guy shoots like 20% from 3 so he'll fit right in ;) Seriously though, he has good size, athleticism, decent at assists, can finish around the basket, and is a good defender so he should be a nice backup as long as he doesn't force up a bunch of 3's at 20%.
:D:D:D

Here was the second AI response after giving it an updated PG list:

Is Markelle Fultz Still the Best PG Option for the Kings?

After analyzing the current list of available free-agent point guards, Markelle Fultz remains the best overall option for the Sacramento Kings due to his combination of playmaking, defense, and fit within the system.

---

Why Fultz is Still the Best Option

✅ Best Playmaker Available

5.5 APG (highest among available PGs)

3.1 assist-to-turnover ratio (Top 25 in NBA)

Runs the pick-and-roll well (1.08 PPP in PnR, 75th percentile)

Can run a half-court offense and set up LaVine, DeRozan, and Sabonis better than any other FA

✅ Best Defensive PG Available

Holds opposing guards to 41.3% FG (elite for a PG)

1.4 SPG, 2.1 STL% (Top 20 among guards)

Has the size (6’4", 210 lbs) to switch onto wings

A much stronger defender than Monte Morris, Dennis Smith Jr., or Patrick Beverley


✅ Best Fit in Sacramento's System

Kings play fast, and Fultz thrives in transition (75th percentile in transition efficiency)

Can push the tempo and find shooters (Murray, Monk, LaVine, McDermott)

Doesn't need high usage—works well alongside stars like LaVine & DeRozan

Can be a secondary playmaker to lighten Sabonis' offensive creation load

---

How Fultz Compares to Other Options

Final Verdict: Fultz is clearly the best all-around option if the Kings want to improve defensively, get more structure in their offense, and maximize their core.

---

Why the Kings Should Sign Fultz ASAP

The Kings need a PG now, not in a few months when Carter gets his conditioning back.

Fultz’s value is low due to injury concerns, meaning the Kings could sign him to a team-friendly deal (1-year, $2.5M minimum contract).

Other teams may make a move soon, especially contenders who need a backup PG.

He is the only PG available who gives both defense and playmaking.

FINAL DECISION: SIGN MARKELLE FULTZ IMMEDIATELY

He fixes the Kings' biggest weaknesses, gives them defensive stability at PG, and allows their scorers to focus on scoring. If Sacramento is serious about making a playoff run, Fultz is the best move they can make right now.
I like this AI guy, seems very knowledgeable. It must be him, who made Monte make this move ;).
 
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#54
He had some shoulder muscle crap thus took lots of time off. Still can't shoot, but Kings have plenty of scorers. On the other hand - good handles are needed for sure. Monk, Zach, slow DDR have problems with the ball in their hands. Keon is OK, but as "creator" is still nowhere near the player Kings need. We'll see.
 
#55
He had some shoulder muscle crap thus took lots of time off. Still can't shoot, but Kings have plenty of scorers. On the other hand - good handles are needed for sure. Monk, Zach, slow DDR have problems with the ball in their hands. Keon is OK, but as "creator" is still nowhere near the player Kings need. We'll see.
Fultz was the former no. 1 pick in 2017 and drafted by the 76ers. He had a torn ACL in Jan 2021 and a shoulder problem which is the larger of the two issues, which was diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This ailment, often untraceable even by MRI, is the cause of Fultz's inability to shoot a basketball properly from any distance, according to his agent. He has made strides to compensate in other areas but his shot from long distance has and will continue to be a problem.
 
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#56
He had an ACL surgery and a shoulder problem which is the bigger problem which was diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This ailment, often untraceable even by MRI, is the cause of Fultz's inability to shoot a basketball properly from any distance, according to his agent. He has made strides to compensate in other areas but his shot from long distance has and will continue to be a problem.
ACL surgery - yikes. Good thing it was done on a young body.
Guys, just look at the changes after MB's departure and Fox's stench.
Doug Christie has to prove that is fit to be a head coach on a winning team. I give Doug A- so far. He began very well, now he has to clean up the mess and nobody knows how it should be done.
Zach has to prove that he can be the same Zach as he was with the Bulls. Effort is there, result (hopefully) will come.
No worries with JV. NBA vet. International vet. Wants to win badly. Was babysitting youngsters in Washington, now it's a game time for him again. I watched Pels feed yesterday and their announcers were united in one. If JV has a ball in the post - a double team should be send.
LaRavia is a bit shell-shocked. He is young. Good, willing pros around him, he should be fine. Must stay healthy (the same with Zach).
Now we added Markelle. I expect him to bust his arse to show that yes, he belongs in NBA. As a solid rotational guy.
All in all - Kings have lots of guys with the chip on their shoulder. Even Domas have to maintain his level of play (he is not as crisp after all the roster changes, but that's expected).
I was a bit surprised when Domas got DPOG crown yesterday. I remembered that though Keon had many nice defensive plays, but Domas rebounding on defense at the end of the game was most impactful.
 
#57
Fultz was the former no. 1 pick in 2017 and drafted by the 76ers. He had a torn ACL in Jan 2021 and a shoulder problem which is the larger of the two issues, which was diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This ailment, often untraceable even by MRI, is the cause of Fultz's inability to shoot a basketball properly from any distance, according to his agent. He has made strides to compensate in other areas but his shot from long distance has and will continue to be a problem.
Interesting! I didn't know that.
 

pdxKingsFan

So Ordinary That It's Truly Quite Extraordinary
Staff member
#59
I wonder how long it will take him to get back in game shape? Maybe right after the All Star Break if he's kept himself reasonably fit?
I'm guessing he's been waiting for a call and he probably would be lucky to get 10mpg anytime soon, so hopefully it won't be too long. I just hope whatever ails him has healed. I'm not concerned about his shooting. He shouldn't be shooting even with the reserves. Treat him like Huerter would be out there, except he can get us out of a trap and hopefully get the ball to someone who can shoot FTs before he's fouled.
 
#60
So we traded Fox, Heurter, Colby Jones, and a couple second rounders for:

Lavine
Valenciunas
LaRavia
Fultz
A couple first round picks, and a couple more second rounders back

Something like that, ish.

I don't care if Fox even demanded a trade. I would have said yes if this haul was presented to me three weeks ago (maybe).

How Monk and Ellis have responded is simply wonderful. Fox was overrated because he was over utilized on an unbalanced roster.

We are now extremely talented 1-9 and quite balanced, with the possible exception of a lock down defensive wing. Though Keegan can play that role with aplomb.

People saying Monte's "job is in danger" seriously need a wellness check.
 
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