Kings have cap room — will they use it?

Share

The good news for the Sacramento Kings is they will have more money to spend in free agency than any other NBA team. The bad news iswell, there shouldnt be any bad news, really.Thats a nice spot to be in.The question is, of course, whether or not the Kings will be able to parlay that cap room into a significant upgrade of their team. Theyve averaged just 22 wins per season over the last three years, and conventional wisdom suggests that its time for their young players -- Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins -- to help guide the team to more success.But in order for Evans and Cousins to step up, theyre going to need more proven talent around them. And the Kings will be able to go out and get some -- if, that is, players will come.
Hard to believe its been five years since the Kings last made the postseason.Priority No. 1 for the Kings will be to re-sign shooting guard Marcus Thornton, who scored in bunches last season after being acquired from the New Orleans Hornets. No doubt, the Kings are hoping that Evans, Thornton and rookie Jimmer Fredette become the core of the teams backcourt for years to come. And dont forget John Salmons, whom the Kings re-acquired last season.As you would figure, the frontcourt needs some supplementation, too. Samuel Dalembert, who played in 80 games a season ago, is a free agent and isnt expected to come back.On the one hand, Dalemberts departure should give Cousins more touches and responsibility. But on the other, it means the enigmatic and foul-prone Cousins will have to become more consistent, and in a hurry.Cousins averaged 28.5 minutes per game his first season, and it would be nice if he could stay on the court for 32 to 34 minutes a night for Sacramento.Whether or not Cousins can do that remains to be seen. What also remains to be seen is the Kings long-term future in Sacramento.The team nearly moved to Anaheim last season, and rumors continue to swirl about the teams viability in Sacramento.One way to better the Kings chances of staying in Sacramento: Start winning.

Contact Us