Sacramento Kings starting lineup: Locks, fringe guys, and break-ins

Potential Break-Ins

Tyrese Haliburton

There is a good chance that Tyrese Haliburton will be a starter by the end of the season. The newly-drafted guard will certainly be a part of the Kings’ long term plans, and the team would be smart to showcase him in the backcourt alongside De’Aaron Fox.

He’ll likely begin the season as Buddy Hield’s backup and may be playing alongside Cory Joseph more than Fox to begin with. But Haliburton had better be ready when his number is called because Hield’s spot on the roster is anything but solidified. If the mid-season trade that many are predicting actually happens, the starting off guard position should be Haliburton’s to lose.

Hassan Whiteside

The acquisition of Hassan Whiteside is certainly the most controversial move that new general manager Monte McNair has made thus far. The player who was originally drafted by the Kings makes his return on a short, low-risk deal that will provide Sacramento with some interior defense and rebounding.

The controversial aspect comes in regard to his attitude and potential chemistry issues, but Whiteside will be looking to showcase his talents for his next contract, which could signify his last big payday. But things have to go right for him in Sacramento, or he runs the risk of getting lost in the shuffle of the Kings’ frontcourt. Whiteside has played 100 percent of his career minutes at center, and the team has plenty of them to go around.

Glenn Robinson III

Another newly signed player who could be thrust into a starting lineup out of necessity is Glenn Robinson III.

Robinson signed with Sacramento late in free agency after playing with both the Warriors and 76ers last season, when he averaged 11.7 points in 28 minutes. He will join DaQuan Jeffries as the two small forwards off of the bench behind Harrison Barnes. There might eventually be a battle between the two for a starting spot should Barnes be traded at any point during the season, and Robinson’s experience should win out over Jeffries’ raw athleticism.