For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.Kings Season in Review 2014-15
Questions about the fit between Demarcus Cousins and Reggie Jackson began to rise at the end of the regular season and in the playoffsW-L: 41-41Best Performances:Points: D. Cousins:
42 PTS vs. ORLRebounds: D. Cousins:
24 REB vs. BKNAssists: R. McCallum:
12 AST vs. UTABlocks: J. Henson:
6 BLK vs. UTAD. Cousins -
34 PTS, 11 REB, 4 BLK vs. SA -
27 PTS, 24 REB vs. BKN -
42 PTS, 7 REB vs. ORLR. Gay -
38 PTS, 5 REB vs. BKN - 38 PTS vs. NYK -
22 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST vs. MEMR. Jackson -
30 PTS, 8 AST vs. LAL -
30 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST vs. MIAB. McLemore -
30 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST vs. MIA -
17 PTS, 9 AST vs. UTAJ. Henson -
10 PTS, 11 REB, 6 BLK vs. UTA -
21 PTS, 6 REB, 5 BLK vs. DEND. Williams -
18 PTS, 10 REB vs. IND - 20 PTS, 12 REB vs. ORLC. Landry -
19 PTS, 13 REB vs. DETR. McCallum -
25 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL vs. DENThe 2014-15 season was one in which the Kings were expected to make a step forward considering the added pieces like Reggie Jackson and John Henson, as well as another year of development for Demarcus Cousins and Ben McLemore. With that said, they easily met those expectations as they found themselves in the mix for the playoffs and posted a perfect .500 record with a 41-win season. Rudy Gay's career revival in Sacramento continued this season, particularly in terms of shooting efficiency and a career-best APG. Of great value to the Kings was Rudy's 3PT percentage which was the highest since 2010-11 in Memphis and second-best percentage of his career after that 2010-11 mark of 39.6% (which was in a smaller sample size of 54 games). Ben McLemore was another player who make a big step forward in his game and posted very solid numbers after having a disappointing rookie year. Even as the team's centerpiece, Demarcus Cousins' scoring numbers actually dipped since his 22.7 per game mark last year as a result of carrying less of the scoring load thanks to the other offensive options.
But people closer to the team would be uneasy about the long-term potential of the current roster due to conflicts about playstyle that became evident down the stretch of the year. Plenty of the blame for Cousins' decreasing offensive numbers could be thrown at the feet of one of his teammates. Fairly or unfairly, Reggie Jackson received a lot of criticism for his own attack mentality instead of making sure Cousins got his touches in the paint. With an interior force like Cousins, common logic would approve of a bruising half-court game in which the Kings can run offense off of kick-outs when double-teams arrive or let him dominate 1-on-1 inside when they don't come. Many times Jackson would attack the rim on his own just to find the lane clogged because of Cousins' presence and a lack of outside shooting. The Boston College product is undeniably an impressive offensive talent as a slasher, athlete, and a competent shot maker. Even fans who criticize Jackson for his tunnel vision know that he has too much talent to give up on and that finding chemistry between Jackson and Cousins is the best solution for the team.
The Kings played better defense as the year went on, especially after the All-Star break. The half-court play of Cousins and the improved defensive effort lent support to the notion that the team should commit to a physical, defense-first identity. But such a gameplan might limit the effectiveness of Reggie Jackson, Ben McLemore, or even John Henson, who runs the court very well for a frontcourt player. But Henson lacks a full arsenal of low post moves which limits his effectiveness in a half-court game. Jackson and Henson seem to favor a faster pace along with McLemore, Cousins is better in the half-court, while Rudy Gay could probably produce in either. The Kings managed to put together a positive season and ended their playoff drought, but to have dreams of more than mediocre lottery picks or first-round exits, management, coaches, and players will all need to be on the same page.
Demarcus Cousins: Despite decreases in his PPG, APG, and FG%, Boogie Cousins remains the face of the franchise and centerpiece for the future. Demarcus made his first All-Star team and was impressively named as the center for the All-NBA First Team. He made strides with his defensive effort and posted a career-best 1.5 BPG in addition to leading the NBA in rebounding. Cousins will probably never be known as a great defender, but he made the required strides to at least be capable defensively like a starting 5 in the NBA has to be. His offensive talent is well-documented but he shook labels of bad character and poor defender as he showed excellent leadership in many instances this season.
Rudy Gay: Set to be a free agent this summer, Rudy is unlikely to leave Sacramento after publicly expressing his desire to resign following the team's playoff appearance. His career trajectory has stabilized with the Kings after being booed out of Toronto and is on excellent terms with Demarcus Cousins after winning a gold medal in Spain together on Team USA. As he showed in Memphis, he is excellent as a secondary option to dominant bigmen, and Cousins certainly fits that description. Rudy has at least 4 or 5 seasons of experience on most of his younger teammates and is the right kind of high-performing veteran in their prime that benefits young teams.
Reggie Jackson: The criticism of Jackson towards the end of the year overshadowed the positive impacts he made for the majority of the season. He posted 15 points every nights and helped step into the #3 scorer role left by Isaiah Thomas. While his 5.9 APG could use a little improvement, it isn't a bad mark either. Some argue that he is best as a 6th man, but many said that about Isaiah as well and he was more than adequate as a Kings' starting point guard. Jackson's talent is too much for the team to abandon, and will likely remain a King next season unless some team offers him an outrageous contract in free agency that the Kings refuse to match.
Ben McLemore: On a team that, as a whole, was a feel-good story for most of the year, the one player that embodied that more than any other was Ben McLemore. McLemore had a troubled rookie season in which he shot just 38% and 32% from three. The team still gave him 55 starts and almost 27 minutes a night, and the in-game experience he gained paid off this season. His percentages skyrocketed along with his confidence and posted a 50% mark that any guard would be ecstatic to have. Ben also shot 42% from downtown and was the best deep threat in a starting lineup that lacked consistency in that area. He did all this while not getting as many offensive touches as he probably deserved considering the presence of Cousins, Gay, and Jackson in the starting 5 with him. He finished 5th in voting for Most Improved Player and has started to be lumped with Cousins as a big part of the team's future and almost untouchable in trades.
John Henson: The limited dimensions of Henson's game didn't stop him from being an adequate frontcourt partner for Cousins. He blocked 1.5 shots and added 9 rebounds on a nightly basis to anchor the team's defense. His face-up game and post moves haven't developed as quickly as the Kings hoped when they traded for him, but his low-usage and hard work make Henson almost a lock to stay as a starter unless the team finds a significant upgrade.
Carl Landry: After playing in just 18 games last year, Landry bounced back with a healthy and a productive campaign in Sacramento. His 18.4 MPG were still the third lowest of his career, but a positive step up from the 12.9 MPG last year and he appeared all 82 games for the first time in his career. He provided a consistent scoring option and veteran leadership off the bench with 7 points and almost 5 rebounds on 48% shooting. Some fans were unhappy with his 4-year contract last summer, but now 2 years have elapsed and a 31-year-old Top Hat appears healthy and poised for another productive year.
Derrick Williams: A free agent this summer, Derrick Williams did not receive a qualifying offer from the team. The $8.7M cost of the QO for a #2 overall pick was not warranted by a player averaging 6.5 PPG and 3 RPG. After 4 NBA seasons and his rookie contract, Williams has not lived up to the expectations of his draft spot and likely never will. Nonetheless, D-Thrill showed potential to adjust to a bench role late in the season and put together many games of 10-14 points on 50% or better. He also posted a pair of big double-doubles against Indiana and Orlando while Rudy Gay sat out with an injury earlier in the year, so he maintains the ability to fill in as a starter quite effectively. It is unclear how much interest he will receive in free agency and the Kings are reportedly still considering retaining Williams for the right price.
Nik Stauskas: Statistically, Stauskas' rookie year wasn't as difficult as McLemore's was, but many fans are viewing them in the same light. With his reputation as a shooter, many will look at his 3PT percentage of 44% and consider his year a rousing success. But his downtown accuracy aside, Nik had a mediocre campaign. His overall shooting left something to be desired at 42% while his defense left much more. Considering the team's 28-win season during McLemore's rookie year and the high ceiling of Ben's physical tools, patience was easier then. But now the Kings had a more competitive season and an improved McLemore seems have the 2-guard position locked down for the future. Some wonder if the team will gamble on Stauskas having a sophomore jump like McLemore did, or possibly even explore trade offers for him before his value erodes more.
Ray McCallum: Rarely is a 2nd year guard who barely shoots 40% considered reliable and consistent, but that is exactly what Ray McCallum was. He is a decent all-around guard and doesn't have too many weaknesses. If he can improve his percentages and shot selection, Ray has a long NBA career in front of him, even if it is as a reserve. The coach's son is too smart and has the fundamental skills to carve out a role on any team's bench.
Jerryd Bayless: Acquired from Milwaukee midway through the season, Jerryd Bayless split reserve minutes with Ray McCallum often at the detriment of Nik Stauskas. Bayless has potential as a scoring guard off the bench, but his 42% shooting and 33% 3PT shooting are big reasons why he has now been on 7 teams in his 8-year career. McCallum didn't post an incredible percentage either, but brings more overall skills and better defensive ability, in a younger package.
Quincy Acy: Quincy only played in 45 games, but always gave coaches and fans alike everything he had. He worked on improving his perimeter shooting last summer and throughout the season and was rewarded with a 43% (9/21) mark from downtown. Developing as a stretch 4 with an impressive motor and quality athleticism seems to be his best shot at a larger NBA role. The Kings did make his small QO and Acy will likely remain in Sacramento to the delight of Kings fans.
Zaza Pachula: Pachula came to Sacramento along with Bayless and seemed ready to contribute after amassing DNPs with the Bucks. But things didn't change too drastically in Sacramento as Pachulia averaged 7 minutes a night. His position on the team could conceivably go either way as a reliable veteran backup to Cousins with a consistent 12 minutes a night, or as a superfluous piece with value just as an expiring contract.
Omri Casspi: Casspi was the forgotten man on the Kings' bench and played in just 28 games. The vast majority of those came early in the season before the Kings committed themselves to testing Derrick Williams and even playing McLemore at the 3 at times. Omri actually played fairly well in limited minutes and can still find a role either with the Kings or with another team thanks to his perimeter shooting. He shot 60% this season from behind the arc on a somewhat small sample size (15/25).
Eric Moreland: An undrafted rookie from Oregon State, Moreland opened eyes with the Kings' Summer League team as a rebounder and athletic rim protector. He played in just 13 games with the Kings as developmental project. An improved shooting touch and continued work in the weight room will help him crack an NBA rotation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------Kings accept team options on McLemore, Henson, McCallumThe Sacramento Kings announced that they have accepted the contract options on G Ben McLemore, G Ray McCallum, and F John Henson. McCallum and Henson will be under contract for one more season, while McLemore's option was for the next two. McLemore played in all 82 games for the Kings with averages of 12.8 PPG on 50% shooting and 42% 3PT shooting. McCallum had 6.0 PPG and 3.0 APG in 15.5 MPG this season. Henson started all 82 games at the power forward position, posting 8.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 1.5 BPG in 31 minutes.
The team also announced that they have extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Reggie Jackson and Quincy Acy. They did not extend the qualifying offer to Derrick Williams however, whose QO was set to be $8.7M. The Kings will have the ability to match any offer sheets for Jackson or Acy, while Williams be an unrestricted free agent.
