Last season, the Sacramento Kings exceeded everyone's expectations by placing 9th in juggernaut western conference, albeit finishing a wide nine games out of the 8th and final spot. Still though, we saw that their future - centered around a core group of young talent that has All-Star potential - was now.
A puzzling change was made in the off-season - Dave Joerger fired after an overachieving 2018-2019 - though they did sign a vital piece of their future (Buddy Hield) to a 4-year extension in October. 2019-20 has gotten off to a rocky start - they are 13-22 (12th in the conference) currently - but there is reason for optimism in northern California. On top of Hield (who is averaging 20.4 points per game), the career year of big man Richaun Holmes (13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds), and the ability of the currently injured Marvin Bagley, they have an energetic, electric point guard as their maestro that makes them go.
After missing 17 games with a sprained ankle, De'Aaron Fox has returned to the team and put up some big numbers, despite the Kings losing 8 of their last 9. In his first game back on December 17, an 8-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Fox put up 19 points, 8 assists, and 2 steals on 6/13 shooting. Two games later he had 22, and the next night 31, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. But it was last night, in a 5 point win over the Memphis Grizzlies that stopped the 8 game slide, where Fox was at his best, proving why he is their most valuable player.
In 30 minutes, the 22-year-old New Orleans native was 9 of 18 from the field, 8 of 8 from The free throw line, and scored 27 points, adding 9 assists, 5 steals, and 4 rebounds. Fox was all over the court with his playmaking, displaying great on the ball defense and an ability - with his great open floor speed - to get to the line and finish in traffic. His quickness and burst also allows him to get in the lane and draw fouls. He is a smooth ball handler who draws defenders in and finds shooters. His ability to attack and finish are his biggest offensive strengths, and he's also a very good defender who steals as well as blocks shots. On the offensive end, his biggest weakness is his outside shooting - he's just 7 of 24 from the land beyond since his return - and that is one area where he can improve. He is one of the fastest players end to end in the NBA, and is electric in the open court. On top of all that, though, he is most importantly their floor general, the guy who sets guys up, playing the most vital role on the floor.
As mentioned, the team is struggling so far this season, but with it being still early, Fox back and playing at a high level, and the wait for Marvin Bagley to get back from his foot injury, the Kings will be a team to watch once they get healthy.
And it all starts with their 22-year-old catalyst.
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