Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 under-the-radar signings that could greatly impact the NBA title race

By Rowan Kent

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 31: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 31: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Sasha Vezenkov, Sacramento Kings – (Photo by Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images)
Sasha Vezenkov, Sacramento Kings – (Photo by Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images) /

#4: Sasha Vezenkov, Sacramento Kings

The Kings were the best offensive team in the NBA last season, using their scalding shooting and sharp cutting to skyrocket up the western conference standings and break their lengthy playoff drought. In their quest to stay in the playoff picture, the team has mostly preached a patient approach and made under-the-radar moves.

Sacramento negotiated an extension for Domantas Sabonis, re-signed Harrison Barnes, and traded a few second-round picks for Chris Duarte. The biggest move that the team made outside of their draft trades was to get former Euroleague MVP Sasha Vezenkov to provide an offensive jolt off of their bench.

Vezenkov is a tall forward who can get to his shot easily from anywhere on the floor and has the versatility to play on and off of the ball. His long-range sniping will fit right into what Sacramento wants to do on offense without needing the ball as much as Sabonis or De’Aaron Fox.

It’s hard to count the Kings in the contending ranks of the NBA given they barely play any defense, but by going farther in the other direction with their under-the-radar signing of Vezenkov, the team might just be able to buck convention and enter that upper echelon.