Sacramento Kings: Projecting The Starting Five
By Adam McGee
As the clock continues to tick down until the Sacramento Kings’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors, it seems about time to make an early projection of how their starting lineup will look on opening night. With a roster consisting of returning veterans, talented rookies and sophomores, and a free agent acquisition, Sacramento have a number of options to choose from.
When the Kings drafted Nik Stauskas, many assumed it spelled the end for Ben McLemore, but the team remained adamant they saw the two playing together. If the Kings loaded the wings with the youth of Stauskas and McLemore, that would move Rudy Gay over to the four in a small ball lineup.
Another option, and perhaps the more traditional one would be the slot Gay in at his more natural position of small forward, and have a true power forward alongside DeMarcus Cousins. In this case, the Kings could take their pick from Derrick Williams, Jason Thompson, Reggie Evans, Carl Landry and Eric Moreland.
So, it’s clear that Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Malone has options, but which decisions will he make for the opener in Oakland?