Sacramento Kings: The Tank is the Right Place for Kings in ’13-14

If you look at almost every team in the league this year, it could be the same story. Tank.

By now, it’s no secret that everyone is in love with the 2014 draft class. With a handful of talent that is promised to help change an entire franchise, who wouldn’t be excited and in love? The Sacramento Kings, however, seem to be that one piece away from rounding out a roster that could build them into a playoff team.

The Kings traded away Tyreke Evans to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason, but in return got a solid young point guard in Greivis Vasquez. Also, the Kings had a solid night on draft night, getting Ben McLemore out of Kansas. This season, Sacramento’s starting five could possibly look like this:

PG – Greivis Vasquez
SG – Ben McLemore
SF – John Salmons
PF – Jason Thompson
C – DeMarcus Cousins

McLemore has the potential to possibly be an All-Star in his career. Cousins is currently the face of the franchise, but still has the maturity issues. Vasquez had a fantastic season last year with the then-Hornets and should stay solid this season. Thompson is a quality power forward and can hold his own in the league.

That leaves Salmons. Last season, he averaged 8.8 ppg, 3.0 apg, and 2.7 rpg. Also, he is 33 years old. Not real old, but getting past his prime. To me, the small forward position is the piece Sacramento needs and 2014 is when they could get it.

Andrew Wiggins, going to Kansas, is the consensus No. 1 pick in next season’s draft. He is listed as a shooting guard, but at 6-8, you can play small forward. Wiggins is supposed to be the best player since LeBron James. He hasn’t played in an NBA game yet, but it’s hard to ignore that hype.

Jabari Parker, Duke, is the other small forward in the top five. Parker, at 6’8″ and 241 pounds, has the size to be a fantastic player and until Wiggins came on the scene, he was the consensus No. 1 pick. Either player could possibly be the piece Sacramento needs.

If the Kings decide they don’t want to tank, though, the 2014 free agent class is just as impressive. Players such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade and more could be unrestricted free agents. If the Kings decide to play out the season hard and prove to players that they are a team that is ready, Sacramento could become attractive to free agents.

Teams will not come out and say that they will tank the season. Nor should they. However, in the Kings case, tanking could very well be in their best interest. With Cousins and McLemore already on the team, adding a guy like Wiggins or Parker could give Sacramento a Big Three that could compete deep into the playoffs in a few short years.