With the arrival of DeMar DeRozan, the Sacramento Kings have landed a big fish in this Free Agency, which could well take them to a new level. Very popular, DMDR has chosen the capital of California, but what can it bring to the Kings?
No more gloomy results (and weather) in Chicago, DeMar DeRozan has decided to put a little sunshine in his life, in every sense of the word, since he returns to his native state with its natural sunshine. The former Raptors and Spurs signed for three seasons in Sacramento, and will form a big trio with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis which, on paper, seems more than promising, but also raises a lot of questions about to the upcoming game plan of Mike Brown and the Kings.
What DeMar DeRozan will bring
Make no mistake, the arrival of the native of Compton is a significant reinforcement, despite the man’s advanced age (35 years old). But precisely, what seems to be a fault could well be a quality, as the experience and experience that the fullback will bring to a group that is still very young can be beneficial. With several seasons in the conference finals with the Raptors, he could well have some good tips to reach this level again. Especially since despite the years that pass, DMDR still remains as productive, even more so than his years spent in Canada. At 34, he still contributed 24 points at 48% shooting, including 33.3% from the Willis Tower, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game last season.. And this season he should still be able to bring in his twenty points per game without batting an eyelid.
Moreover, beyond bringing reliable statistical production and a big boost in experience for the Kings, DeMar DeRozan is quite simply a big name in the NBA landscape. Six times All-Star, several times in the All-NBA Teams, it improves with time, like good askip wines. More seriously, a big three has literally just taken shape in Sacramento and defenses will have to rack their brains to defend these players who, if they necessarily have their faults, will be even more unpredictable with DeRozan in their ranks to score in moments hot than without.
Let’s also talk about the end of matches. Even if De’Aaron Fox won the very first Clutch Player of the Year in 2023 (his runner-up? A certain… DeMar DeRozan), it was more complicated the following season. The Kings let some games slip away in the final minutes, and the arrival of the former Bull offers a new alternative to Mike Brown when crunch time begins. With Fox, that makes two ultra-hot players to watch like milk on the fire in the final moments of a match, and again, we’re not even talking about Domantas Sabonis for the moment. In any case, it is possible that we will see the end of the 2K23 matches for the Mauves next year with the shots off balance and/or on one of DMDR’s legs.
He who joined the Kings for their culture… could well be one of those who changes it even more. He was tired of losing in Chicago, he will face a big challenge in the terrifying Western Conference, but with this addition, Sacramento arrives with a very square squad on paper. And while it will inevitably be necessary to find the right alchemy, the promises are great. The squad is more flashy with the native of the City of Angels, and something could well be brewing a few meters from the purple beam.
What will need to be done
But, because there is a “but”, and even several, we have to talk about the subjects that make you angry. Particularly outside shooting. Where Harrison Barnes converted almost 39% of his attempts from distance last season, his replacement DMDR only scores one in three and doesn’t shoot that many, which doesn’t help the spacing in Sacramento . With Keegan Murray and Kevin Huerter losing speed, going from 41 to 25% and 40 to 36% respectively from the parking lot, and a workforce without a real specialist in the field, the Kings were able to fish behind the arc, and this is not the case. It’s not DMDR that should solve this problem.
DeMar DeRozan isn’t one of the greatest defenders of his generation either, and the Kings have struggled on that end of the floor in recent months. This is probably what prevented them in 2023 from transforming the try after an all-out season. Among the main players of the team, De’Aaron Fox is decent in the field, Domantas Sabonis is quite limited despite his presence on the rebound, Keegan Murray can do the job but is not a defensive anchor, and out of respect, we let’s not bring up Malik Monk on this side of the floor. Mike Brown must articulate all of this, the players must make individual and collective efforts, including DeRozan. But with the draft of Devin Carter, pure 3&D, the extension of guard dog Keon Ellis, and the arrival of Jalen McDaniels, the assets are present in Sacramento to strengthen the defensive seriousness.
Also, a certain pressure is placed on the shoulders of the entire team and all the staff in Sac-Town. Indeed, with this move, the Kings are entering into a “win now” approach. Ambitions are high in the capital of California and the room for error is much lower than in recent seasons.
You will have understood, the arrival of DeMar DeRozan to the Kings for 3 years and 75 million dollars is a nice coup. Deebo will allow the Kings to have even more offensive ammunition, and will bring peace to the collective in the moments that count, but he will have to be violent in defense to allow this team to confirm at the highest level. The potential of this team is frightening, but now we must realize it. Get to work guys!
Related News :