NBA Rookie Rankings 12/22/13: Up and Down Week for Trey Burke Costs Him Dearly
By Nathan Giese
4. Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
Dec 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings shooting guard Ben McLemore (16) is pressured by Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
All the fears of Ben McLemore losing playing time and scoring opportunities with the arrival of Rudy Gay in Sacramento have yet to become reality. He’s still playing more than 30 minutes per game since Gay’s first game and getting his always fluctuating shot attempts.
Sadly, it’s not all good news for McLemore. Did you see that dunk where LeBron James destroyed McLemore? Really? You didn’t? OK, here it is. Aside from that attempted defense that led to being embarrassed, McLemore is having a solid season and a pretty decent week, reaching double figures in scoring back-to-back games, including matching his career-high 20 points against the Heat (take that, LeBron).
Things could get interesting for the rookie once the Kings have more time with Gay on the roster, but for now he can rest easy as he has a firm grasp on the four-slot of the Rookie Rankings.