5 Silver Linings For The Kings
Another year absent from the playoffs and the Sacramento Kings didn't come close. A 29-win season is far from enough to make it to the postseason in the western conference, but there have been several bright spots this year that may push them to the next level next season.
5. Demarcus Cousins
Let's face it, half of the Kings wins this year wouldn't be possible without Cousins. He is one of the best all-around centers in the league and he makes his teammates better. Averaging 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game is up there with the best and are all his career highs.
He only played in 59 games this year after suffering a few small injuries, but at least he didn't lead the league in technical fouls again this year.
4. Free throws
They are free points and the Kings got to the charity stripe more than any team in the league. I'd say that's a good thing and a big part of their 14th ranked offense in the NBA.
Nevermind the 10th-best free throw shooting percentage, the fact is they are fouled the most and are given the most opportunities to get easy points.
3. Rudy Gay
Gay has been another solid player for the Kings since acquiring him last season. With 21.1 points per game, he and Cousins were the main offensive threats on the roster.
Along with Cousins, Gay missed 14 games this year either for rest or small injuries. Keeping those two healthy and in the lineup will be a big key to success next season.
2. George Karl
The Hall of Fame coach was a big addition late into the season after the firing of the 7-21 Tyrone Corbin. No, he did not magically turn this team into playoff contenders, but he did make strides in the right direction.
He is 13 wins away from tying Phil Jackson's 1155 career victories, putting them fifth all-time. He will certainly surpass that mark next season, that is if owner Vivek Ranadivé doesn't fire him 20 games into next season.
1. Ben McLemore
The former 2013 first round draft pick wrapped up his second professional season and showed loads of potential. After staying healthy all 82 games last season (starting in 55 of those), he started all 82 games this season.
He set career highs in points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks and shooting percentage - practically every stat category. He raised his game to the next level and had some big games toward the final stretch. For Kings fans, watching his improvement is a good sign of things to come.
