Sacramento Kings: Young, surprising club a legitimate threat

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 27: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 27, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Savvy veterans

Last season, the Kings brought in George Hill to serve as one of the mentors for the young players. That experiment didn’t last long. Hill, who wasn’t happy about sharing minutes with De’Aaron Fox and Frank Mason III, got traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the trade deadline.

This year, it’s a different story. Not a single veteran has made any complaints, at least not publicly. Zach Randolph, who hasn’t been activated for any game this season, is constantly on his feet cheering for his teammates from the bench.

Yogi Ferrell, who didn’t see any action for a large portion of the season, came in ready when his number was finally called. Somehow, even when he was stuck on the bench, Ferrell never lost sight of his role on the team.

The fourth-year guard rarely puts up big numbers, but always gives the Kings an energy boost when he comes in.

Iman Shumpert has been everything the Kings need and more. On the court, Shumpert has been making big shots throughout the season. More importantly, his defense is largely responsible for the team’s success.

Off the court, Shumpert has been on a mission to teach the young guys how to dress, act, talk like winners.

With Shumpert and the veterans contributing in a major way, there is a clear cultural shift in Sacramento. This will become even more evident as the Kings make a playoff push in the spring.

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