HOOPSAHOLIC

The Sacramento Kings enter the 2014 season with a roster that looks to have a decent amount of talent on it. They have big name players such as Demarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay along with an assortment of young players that should fill in nicely. This is a year in which the Kings themselves have higher expectations than they did in year’s past, and they hope to break the playoff barrier in the Mike Malone’s second season as head coach. 

The biggest key to this team is clearly Cousins. First off, Cousins is one of the best power forwards in the game. The man can score, rebound, block shots and get technical fouls like no one else. Last season Cousins averaged 23 points per game to go along with nearly 12 boards. Simply put, Cousins isn’t just good, he’s ELITE. His talent has never been in question. His attitude, on the other hand, has. Ever since he was at Kentucky in the confines of Big Blue Nation, Cousins has had an enormous attitude problem. He’s constantly getting technical fouls and skirmishing with other players. His maturity has been lacking in the past, but supposedly this season his goal is to only get five technical fouls, which would be a major decrease from years past. If Cousins can someday can get his head right, we’re talking about a guy who could potentially be the league’s MVP. 

Rudy Gay will look to improve this year, in his first full season as a member of the Kings. We all know that Gay has never been afraid to shoot the ball, Kings fans and upper management just hope that it goes in a little bit more this year. Last season he averaged 20 points per game to go along with six rebounds. He’s always been a tough cover for opposing players due to his lanky frame, and if he can mesh well with Cousins, then they could team up to be a tandem to be reckoned with. Both players played in the FIBA World Cup this summer for Team USA, so that was added opportunity for them to develop chemistry and to be mentored by some of the top players in the league. 

The addition of Darren Collison in the offseason should sure up the point guard position in Sacramento. Collison has been a starter in this league before, but last year he backed up Chris Paul on the Clippers. Now that he’s been handed the keys to the Kings offense, we shall see what he can really do. Last year he averaged eleven points and three assists in a limited role. I definitely expect those numbers to increase this season. The Kings also acquired veteran guard Ramon Sessions which should bring depth to the backcourt. Sessions is an experienced player who will be good in bringing stability to the second unit as well as the locker room.  

Youngins like Ben McLemore and Nik Stauskus will also be interesting to watch this upcoming season. McLemore is entering his second season, after a so-so rookie campaign. He averaged nine points per contest last season, but struggled to create his own shot. He was a knock down shooter during his time at Kansas so hopefully his 32% shooting from long distance will improve. The Kings drafted Stauskas in the lottery of the last draft, and they expect big things out of the guard from Michigan. Last season he was the go to guy for the Wolverines and he played a vital role on the team that went to the National Championship game two seasons ago. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team make a push for the playoffs, but in a loaded Western Conference, don’t get your hopes up, Kings fans. They have the talent, but we will see how it all fits together. I do think Cousins will finally make his first all-star game this season, after a long drought due to his immaturity. I expect a .500 record out of this squad, but they could definitely prove me wrong.