Sacramento Kings: 5 Affordable Veterans To Help Guide Young Kings
The Sacramento Kings were tied for the ninth-youngest team in the NBA in 2012-13–with an average age of 25.8 years–and it appears that number won’t change much as they select seventh in the upcoming draft.
Developing a core of young, talented players is obviously a key to success, but the importance of complimenting those players with veteran leadership cannot be understated.
For a team that went 28-54 and finished 17 games back of the eighth playoff spot, the idea of adding some more experienced players seems wise.
Here is a list of five affordable players who could, in theory, help guide this young team in 2013-14.
Chauncey Billups, Guard
2012-13 stats: 8.4 points, 2.2 assists, 22 games
2012-13 salary: $4 million
Experience: 16 years
At 36 years old, Billups has been hampered by injuries the last two seasons and is likely entering the twilight of his career.
Chauncey Billups was the NBA Finals MVP in 2004 with the Detroit Pistons. (Photo Credit: Jon, Flickr.com)
The 6’3″ guard earned the name “Mr. Big Shot” while playing a major role for the Detroit Pistons during the team’s epic run that included advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals in six-straight years (2003-08) and which was highlighted by consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals (2004 and 2005), topped off by the championship season of 2004.
Although Billups may have some of that clutch shooting left in his game and may prefer to sign with a contender, there would be mutual benefits to him signing with the Kings.
While the Kings might be several years away from competing with the upper echelon teams in the Western Conference, the players would likely see the advantages to learning from the veteran savvy and playoff experience that Billups possesses.
And if Billups has aspirations of becoming a coach in the NBA–which I think he does–then this would be an excellent chance for him to begin that transition by being a mentor to the young players on the Kings’ roster.
Jason Collins, Center
2012-13 stats: 1.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, 38 games
2012-13 salary: $1.35 million
Experience: 12 years
Jason Collins would not demand much playing time. (Photo Credit: NBA.com)
The 7-footer did not receive much playing time with the Boston Celtics and then with the Washington Wizards after being traded at the deadline on Feb. 21.
However, despite having a limited role, Collins is respected around the league for a professional approach and his attitude of always being ready to play when his name is called.
The Kings could probably turn to Collins for some reliable minutes depending on matchups, but I think the insight he could provide as a mentor would be invaluable to the team. More specifically, he could really set a good example for DeMarcus Cousins, who is undeniably talented but perhaps in need of an attitude adjustment.
Elton Brand, Forward
2012-13 stats: 7.2 points, 6.o rebounds, 72 games
2012-13 salary: $2.1 million
Experience: 14 years
Elton Brand would also provide a boost in talent. (Photo Credit:
Brandon Jennings, Insidedfwsports)
Brand logged nearly a full season of work in 2012-13 and, out of all the big men on this list, may have the most to offer on the court. As such, Brand might be in line for a slight bump in pay, but even at $5 million he would still be affordable.
In Brand, the Kings would be getting a steady, veteran presence capable of not only imparting wisdom on the younger players, but also backing up his words with strong play on the court.
But in all likelihood, I expect Brand to pursue a role with a team that is at the level of contending for a championship next season.
Antawn Jamison, Forward
2012-13 stats: 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 76 games
2012-13 salary: $1.35 million
Experience: 15 years
After unsuccessfully chasing a ring with the Los Angeles Lakers, would Jamison be willing to switch gears and help a team that hasn’t made a playoff appearance since 2006?
In February 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Jamison from the Wizards to bolster their lineup for a playoff run. The Cavaliers only went as far as the conference semifinals that year and LeBron James was sent to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade arrangement, leaving Jamison with a franchise heading into rebuilding mode.
Despite the change in direction, Jamison maintained a professional attitude and played out the remaining two years on his deal with Cleveland.
Jamison would be valuable on the court with his scoring touch and in the day-to-day life of the team as someone that would be respected for having a successful career.
Again, this type of player is tough to land because veterans often place the chance to win above all else, but Jamison could probably double his pay by signing with the Kings
Will Bynum, Guard
2012-13 stats: 9.8 points, 3.6 assists, 65 games
2012-13 salary: $3.25 million
Experience: 6 years
There may be competition for Will Bynum’s services this summer. (Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com)
The youngest on this list, Bynum spent one season with the Golden State Warriors in 2005-06 and just completed his fifth year with the Pistons.
Assuming that Bynum commands a similar salary in 2013-14, he would add some backcourt depth off the bench for the Kings.
Bynum is not a great shooter from 3-point range and turnovers are a bit of an issue, but he is quick and could help the Kings maintain an up-tempo style of play if that is the route they decide to go under new coach Mike Malone.