The Sacramento Kings have more problems than problem-solvers at the moment. In the midst of losing games, a lawsuit over their star player and most recently a verbal altercation with a local reporter that culminated in a “substantial fine.”
To make matters worse, swingman Arron Afflalo reportedly was slow to enter the game against the Utah Jazz back on Dec. 10 and refused to enter the game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
Worth following: according to league sources, Aaron Afflalo was slow to enter the game in Utah, declined to enter in Houston. Stay tuned.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) December 18, 2016
Got a lot of questions about Afflalo lately,seems to be a situation that's been brewing on the downlow.Can't imagine Coach wasn't perturbed.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) December 18, 2016
Through just over 1/4 of the season, Joerger has had some challenges other than on-court play. By my count 6 different players with issues.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) December 18, 2016
This most recent headache for head coach Dave Joerger originated as Afflalo's minutes declined as the season went on, going from consistent thirties to the twenties to picking up two “Did Not Plays” against the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks early in the month.
The absences were followed by a four-minute outing against the Jazz, which he likely didn't feel like entering in the last minutes as they lost by 20. The UCLA product's refusal to enter against the Rockets was likely based around the same reason, as Houston's offensive barrage was too much for the Kings, who lost by 34 points. Afflalo was 1-of-4 during his eight-minute stint on the floor.
Arron Afflalo has fallen completely out of favor with Joerger, playing only 25 total minutes through the past seven games, including four DNPs. Sacramento has mostly played small at the wing with Garrett Temple and Ben McLemore getting most of the minutes.
While this is yet another ship close to sinking, the Kings can't just clean house and trade everyone, meaning some amends will have to be made in order for both parties to move forward amicably.
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