Despite having several talented players on their roster, the Sacramento Kings can't be too pleased with their performance this season.
It's unclear why this Kings squad is struggling so badly when they have players like De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, and a slew of other key role players like Harrison Barnes, Richaun Holmes, Terence Davis, and youngster Davion Mitchell.
Sacramento hasn't been able to figure it out this season, and a large part of it is due to their lack of defense. They have one of the worst defenses in the NBA, and it's a big part of why they're having so much trouble. Sacramento is allowing 114.8 points per game, which is the second-highest in the NBA.
Despite the Kings' struggles this season, there have been a few players who have truly stood up for the team and given it their best to try to help them win games. When it comes to the Kings, De'Aaron Fox and Buddy hield are typically the first two names that come to mind, but there are a few more players that deserve roses this season as well.
Let's take a look at the three most underappreciated players of this year's Kings squad.
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Kings Unsung Heroes
3. Richaun Holmes
Richaun Holmes has only played in 31 games this season, but he has been a huge force for the Kings when he has been on the court. He's currently averaging 12.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Holmes is one of those players that primarily shoots near the basket, but he still shoots 70.4 percent from the field, which is something that can't be overlooked. Despite the fact that he takes the majority of his shots in the paint, shooting 70% from the field is extremely efficient, and the Kings are fortunate to have him on their roster.
He's also one of those guys that simply goes out every night and gives it his best. On both sides of the ball, he's always trying to get a rebound and doing everything he can to help this team win games.
2. Davion Mitchell
Because he is only a rookie and had huge hopes coming into the league, it is tough to label Davion Mitchell an unsung hero of this team. Despite the fact that he is only a rookie, he has performed admirably in his 24.7 minutes per night, averaging 9.1 points, 3.2 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and playing excellent defense. He is someone the Kings will have to consider keeping on their squad for a long time since he is clearly their greatest defender.
The Kings' moves at the trade deadline will be intriguing to watch, since there have been several reports that they will deal a number of their players. If they can maintain players like De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Davion Mitchell, the team's future will be very bright if they can simply bring in the appropriate components to establish a core around them. Davion Mitchell has a shot to be a star in this league one day, and it will be fascinating to watch how it plays out since he has been really good in the minutes he has had each night.
1. Harrison Barnes
Another player who has helped this Kings squad improve on the offensive side of the ball this season is Harrison Barnes. He's been a player who can score the ball at an above-average clip throughout his whole career, and he's doing the same thing this season. Harrison Barnes is averaging 16.3 points per game while also grabbing six rebounds and shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. He's been one of the few bright spots on this Kings squad, but there are speculations that he'll be dealt with before the deadline this year.
Unfortunately for Sacramento, there is a risk that this team will be blown apart, and it may be the best move the franchise could make. At this year's trade deadline, players like Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Richaun Holmes, Marvin Bagley, and a few more might possibly be dealt. It's unfortunate because the Kings have a lot of talent on their roster, but they don't have the defensive side of the game down as a team, and that's been a big reason why they haven't been able to achieve the success that they should have with their roster.
It will be fascinating to see what happens with this Kings squad, but they do have a lot of great players who have stepped up for them this season; they just can't put it all together at the same time and do anything on defense.
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