You want to give up on him and then he busts out that 4th quarter...and sucks you right back in. But he has to get rid of those moments where he's just flat out unplayable on the floor; in the NBA, he's only going to be getting 1 or 2 rotations in the game. You don't get time to work through a struggle like he did in this one.
[Game] VSL Game 1 (7/7/2023): Kings vs Hawks 7:30pm Pacific, 10:30 Eastern
- Thread starter Tetsujin
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I actually like Slawson on defense quite a bit. He didn't get to show much point-forwardy stuff today, but he was right there again being a disruptor on D. Had some really impressive blocks and contests. Was even switching out onto Bufkin and making life difficult. And of course he closed as our small-ball 5 last game. Dudes with that defensive range are pretty rare. I like a lot of his instincts so far on D.
He didn't get a ton of overlap with the good players though. That Slawson-Daum-Commanche lineup was so freaking bad.
He didn't get a ton of overlap with the good players though. That Slawson-Daum-Commanche lineup was so freaking bad.
You've been talking about a 2/3 defender all off-season and man... Keon Ellis looks more than primed for that role. He destroyed Griffin's soul today and was so incredibly disruptive all game long as a help-defender and playing passing lanes. Just incredible hands and feel for when to go for a strip.
The 10th man slot is going to be real real fun to see who comes out on top. Ellis very much looks like he's trying to put his name in that mix.
The 10th man slot is going to be real real fun to see who comes out on top. Ellis very much looks like he's trying to put his name in that mix.
This is a take hill to stand on now, because I’m pretty sure as soon as everyone in the entire world saw the number he got, people were like “Ya. No, that’s stupid.” As far as I’ve seen here there hasn’t been one lament about us not signing Grant after 160 happen. Pre-160 was another thing.
Though I have seen Kuzma complaints, so if the names were switched around in your post I’d be more inclined to think this was less silly.
Though I have seen Kuzma complaints, so if the names were switched around in your post I’d be more inclined to think this was less silly.
Grades:
Jordan Ford: A
Ford continues his impressive summer as actually being a lead-ball handler and making the lives of his teammates better rather than pounding the air out of the ball looking for his own offense. He took a team high 14 shots, but basically none of them felt like forces. With Keegan out, he's taking on a much bigger creation role and he took that challenge well tonight. Has some real burst and quickness when he gets downhill and he's not afraid to attack the rim, despite being a smaller guard. I believe Kainlear called it out earlier, but he plays quick; but in control at the same time.
Keon Ellis: A
Ellis also continues his impressive defensive summer and is showcasing a potential real need for the Kings big league squad; smart perimeter defense on the wing. His hands are just so freaking good; and he's real intelligent when he swipes for a steal or if gets knocked out of bounds. He was the primary defender on AJ Griffin tonight and made his life hell in addition to being a menace in passing lanes for 5 recorded steals. Offensively; wasn't super pretty with the shooting, but was able to provide some limited creation and is one of the only guys on the team with a comfort level of handling the ball.
Kesller Edwards: A-
Would be a perfect game with the Kings big league squad. With this team? Downgrading him just a smidge because he probably needs to be more involved in other areas outside of scoring and defense. But man, this is exactly what we want from him going forward; looked comfortable launching 3's when given to him, was attacking downhill in transition (5-5 FTA) and being the high level defensive player we've come to expect. If he shows up with this offensive game in the regular season, he's the guy taking the 10th spot in the rotation.
Neemias Queta: B? I guess? sure, let's go with B.
Queta was well on his way to another C- game, but he summoned his inner Jokic/Embiid and just took this game over in the 4th quarter. Manek or Kabengle had absolutely no chance of slowing him down. Threw a beautiful cross-court dime to Jones for an easy C&S 3. Basically looked as you would expect a guy his size entering his 3rd summer league; dominant. But he's got to find that consistency throughout the game. He can't have this 4th quarter and then have other quarters where you can't play him. He's clearly got NBA talent; it's just finding the consistency for that to show through a majority of the time.
Colby Jones: C+
Jones had the "worst" game of the starters and didn't quite look ready for the bigger offensive load put on him with Keegan off the floor. Of course still did his role player thing where he made some nice impact plays where you kept noticing him. And had a few really nice floaters that look like a comfort level shot for him. Shot 6 FTA... but only went 3-6. 1-4 from 3 not great either. Defensively, he was great, but just not quite at the same impact as Keon or Kessler in this one. Looks every bit an NBA player though in the right role; and that's all we're looking for at this point.
Jalen Slawson: C+
Maybe a few disagree with me, but Slawson was again awesome on defense in this one. He's just got a real great feel of when to help, when to rotate and get his hands on the ball. Had a few big time blocks and looks to provide some rim protection from a wing spot. Thought it was interesting he played mostly at the 3 in this one when he closed at the 5 last game. Looked real comfortable when he got switched onto Bufkin a few times too. Basically did nothing on O outside of hitting a 3. Had a real bad TO where Queta had his man sealed and he decided to skip pass over him that lead to an easy TO. I hope he gets a little more burn with the starters and we see the Slawson Small-ball 5 in the next game. That Slawson-Daum-Comanche lineup needs to go in the trash and stay there.
Boum/Mutts/Daum/Comanche: INC
All four guys played around 10 minutes and were just generally uneventful. Mutts had some good energy plays but really nothing that wanted you to get a hard second look at them. Boum is super fast, but it hasn't really translated to much production yet on the court.
Jordan Ford: A
Ford continues his impressive summer as actually being a lead-ball handler and making the lives of his teammates better rather than pounding the air out of the ball looking for his own offense. He took a team high 14 shots, but basically none of them felt like forces. With Keegan out, he's taking on a much bigger creation role and he took that challenge well tonight. Has some real burst and quickness when he gets downhill and he's not afraid to attack the rim, despite being a smaller guard. I believe Kainlear called it out earlier, but he plays quick; but in control at the same time.
Keon Ellis: A
Ellis also continues his impressive defensive summer and is showcasing a potential real need for the Kings big league squad; smart perimeter defense on the wing. His hands are just so freaking good; and he's real intelligent when he swipes for a steal or if gets knocked out of bounds. He was the primary defender on AJ Griffin tonight and made his life hell in addition to being a menace in passing lanes for 5 recorded steals. Offensively; wasn't super pretty with the shooting, but was able to provide some limited creation and is one of the only guys on the team with a comfort level of handling the ball.
Kesller Edwards: A-
Would be a perfect game with the Kings big league squad. With this team? Downgrading him just a smidge because he probably needs to be more involved in other areas outside of scoring and defense. But man, this is exactly what we want from him going forward; looked comfortable launching 3's when given to him, was attacking downhill in transition (5-5 FTA) and being the high level defensive player we've come to expect. If he shows up with this offensive game in the regular season, he's the guy taking the 10th spot in the rotation.
Neemias Queta: B? I guess? sure, let's go with B.
Queta was well on his way to another C- game, but he summoned his inner Jokic/Embiid and just took this game over in the 4th quarter. Manek or Kabengle had absolutely no chance of slowing him down. Threw a beautiful cross-court dime to Jones for an easy C&S 3. Basically looked as you would expect a guy his size entering his 3rd summer league; dominant. But he's got to find that consistency throughout the game. He can't have this 4th quarter and then have other quarters where you can't play him. He's clearly got NBA talent; it's just finding the consistency for that to show through a majority of the time.
Colby Jones: C+
Jones had the "worst" game of the starters and didn't quite look ready for the bigger offensive load put on him with Keegan off the floor. Of course still did his role player thing where he made some nice impact plays where you kept noticing him. And had a few really nice floaters that look like a comfort level shot for him. Shot 6 FTA... but only went 3-6. 1-4 from 3 not great either. Defensively, he was great, but just not quite at the same impact as Keon or Kessler in this one. Looks every bit an NBA player though in the right role; and that's all we're looking for at this point.
Jalen Slawson: C+
Maybe a few disagree with me, but Slawson was again awesome on defense in this one. He's just got a real great feel of when to help, when to rotate and get his hands on the ball. Had a few big time blocks and looks to provide some rim protection from a wing spot. Thought it was interesting he played mostly at the 3 in this one when he closed at the 5 last game. Looked real comfortable when he got switched onto Bufkin a few times too. Basically did nothing on O outside of hitting a 3. Had a real bad TO where Queta had his man sealed and he decided to skip pass over him that lead to an easy TO. I hope he gets a little more burn with the starters and we see the Slawson Small-ball 5 in the next game. That Slawson-Daum-Comanche lineup needs to go in the trash and stay there.
Boum/Mutts/Daum/Comanche: INC
All four guys played around 10 minutes and were just generally uneventful. Mutts had some good energy plays but really nothing that wanted you to get a hard second look at them. Boum is super fast, but it hasn't really translated to much production yet on the court.
He was one of the best players in G-league. This level can't be much different than that.
Is it just jitters? A realization that if he doesn't show up, he might soon be playing overseas (he can always accept the QO, but might be forced to play G-league again).
Hope it works out for him. We could use a young, athletic, 7 footer in the backup C role. The tools are there. He just needs to figure it out.
Is it just jitters? A realization that if he doesn't show up, he might soon be playing overseas (he can always accept the QO, but might be forced to play G-league again).
Hope it works out for him. We could use a young, athletic, 7 footer in the backup C role. The tools are there. He just needs to figure it out.
That kid really stood out to me in GM1 of the Cali Classic. And tonight was more of the same.
He seems very fast and can handle the ball well while going fast. Even his defense looks ok to me. He made a nice steal at the end of the game and should have just tried to dribble the clock out but went for the emphatic alley-oop to Queta instead.
There are more games to play and more to prove, but, aside from maybe Colby Jones, Ford has been the most impressive player to me.
Wish I'd paid attention to him while he was at Folsom HS. But I rarely follow HS hoops, just HS football.
He seems very fast and can handle the ball well while going fast. Even his defense looks ok to me. He made a nice steal at the end of the game and should have just tried to dribble the clock out but went for the emphatic alley-oop to Queta instead.
There are more games to play and more to prove, but, aside from maybe Colby Jones, Ford has been the most impressive player to me.
Wish I'd paid attention to him while he was at Folsom HS. But I rarely follow HS hoops, just HS football.
Apparently the NBA increased the number of 2-way contracts from 2 to 3.
Keon Ellis and Jalen Slawson have already filled 2 of those spots. Who gets the 3rd?
Right now I'd have a hard time justifying anyone over Jordan Ford.
We get 15 roster spots and the 3 two-way contracts. I assume Queta and Jones make the 15 man roster, but who knows. Is PJ Dozier still in the mix? He's still listed on the roster.
Keon Ellis and Jalen Slawson have already filled 2 of those spots. Who gets the 3rd?
Right now I'd have a hard time justifying anyone over Jordan Ford.
We get 15 roster spots and the 3 two-way contracts. I assume Queta and Jones make the 15 man roster, but who knows. Is PJ Dozier still in the mix? He's still listed on the roster.
not sure we have guard spots.
Guaranteed contracts:
Fox, Monk, Mitchelll
Huerter, Jones, Duarte.
you could make a case Ellis deserves a spot more than Ford. Really makes me question why the Duarte trade. Again we have pieces that don’t fit….
if you look at our team where are minutes coming from?
Fox, 2435. 0% chance
Domas 2735, 0% chance.
Keegan 2381, will increase.
Barnes 2662, may lose some to Keegan
Monk, 1719, will increase
Huerter 2202, small chance
Mitchell 1447, push for more
—————————————-
Lyles 1247 —> fight with Vezenkov
TD 841 —> Monk, Jones, Duarte, Ellis
Metu 689 —> Queta, Len or Lyles maybe Vezenkov
Holmes 347 —> Queta, Len or Lyles
Edwards 306 —> Edwards, Slawson??
Okpala 248 —> Edwards
Delle 212 —> Monk, Davion
Len 162 —> Queta, Len, Lyles.
Ford is great but you are all ready looking to increase Monk and Mitchell minutes. No where for him to play.
the 4 small ball 5 minutes will be a battle between Lyles and maybe Vezenkov.
the real minutes sit at Edwards/Okpala and the only players that fit that archetype are Edwards and maybe Keegan but he gives up drives to quicker players.
Metu/Holmes/Len —> Len or Queta minutes.
you really have some minutes in the 2/3 spot and the big back up 5….
you have a log jam at 6’3” or less ball handlers Fox/Monk/Mitchell
you have a log jam at 6’8/6’9 stretch 4’s
Murray/Lyles/Vezenkov and In my opinion Barnes
Jones/Duarte/Huerter/Ellis is a battle for minutes. 6’7”/6’8” wingspan wings
it’s been a weird off season adding players where we are strong and not addressing the 6’11” wingspan wing or big back-up 5 at all. We are almost as unbalanced as before the Hali trade.
Guaranteed contracts:
Fox, Monk, Mitchelll
Huerter, Jones, Duarte.
you could make a case Ellis deserves a spot more than Ford. Really makes me question why the Duarte trade. Again we have pieces that don’t fit….
if you look at our team where are minutes coming from?
Fox, 2435. 0% chance
Domas 2735, 0% chance.
Keegan 2381, will increase.
Barnes 2662, may lose some to Keegan
Monk, 1719, will increase
Huerter 2202, small chance
Mitchell 1447, push for more
—————————————-
Lyles 1247 —> fight with Vezenkov
TD 841 —> Monk, Jones, Duarte, Ellis
Metu 689 —> Queta, Len or Lyles maybe Vezenkov
Holmes 347 —> Queta, Len or Lyles
Edwards 306 —> Edwards, Slawson??
Okpala 248 —> Edwards
Delle 212 —> Monk, Davion
Len 162 —> Queta, Len, Lyles.
Ford is great but you are all ready looking to increase Monk and Mitchell minutes. No where for him to play.
the 4 small ball 5 minutes will be a battle between Lyles and maybe Vezenkov.
the real minutes sit at Edwards/Okpala and the only players that fit that archetype are Edwards and maybe Keegan but he gives up drives to quicker players.
Metu/Holmes/Len —> Len or Queta minutes.
you really have some minutes in the 2/3 spot and the big back up 5….
you have a log jam at 6’3” or less ball handlers Fox/Monk/Mitchell
you have a log jam at 6’8/6’9 stretch 4’s
Murray/Lyles/Vezenkov and In my opinion Barnes
Jones/Duarte/Huerter/Ellis is a battle for minutes. 6’7”/6’8” wingspan wings
it’s been a weird off season adding players where we are strong and not addressing the 6’11” wingspan wing or big back-up 5 at all. We are almost as unbalanced as before the Hali trade.
Wings/non-centers on the Kings roster with 6'11" wingspans
Harrison Barnes 6'11"
Keegan Murray 6'11"
Kessler Edwards 6'11"
Jalen Slawson 7'0"
Trey Lyles 7'3"
Big backup 5
Alex Len
Potentially Neemius Queta
Could they upgrade from Queta at the 3rd C spot? Sure. But if they plan to play a significant amount of smallball 5 with Lyles that player is only seeing the floor due to injury unless he's better than Len.
And the Kings have 4 wings with 6'11" wingspans who will be in the rotation and one who is on a 2 way.
I know you're upset that the Kings traded the draft rights to Prosper, but I'd be pretty surprised if he's a better player than Kessler Edwards next season.
Keep in mind that as bad as Edwards has looked shooting from outside, he was a 39.5% 3PT shooter over 3 seasons at Pepperdine while Prosper was a 31.6% shooter from outside in three combined years at Clemson and Marquette. Edwards was most successful his sophomore year, but even if we compare their junior years when Prosper was best, it's still in Kessler's favor 37.8% to 33.9%. Edwards also shot 87.6% from the line that season vs 73.5% for OMax last season.
Kessler also averaged more steals, more rebounds, more assists and significantly more blocks than Prosper in their respective junior years.
I liked Olivier Maxence-Prosper for the Kings, initially at pick #54 and with the 38th pick when he started rising, but I don't think he would have gotten regular rotation minutes with the Kings this season. More than that, two of the Kings biggest weaknesses (rebounding outside of Sabonis and shotblocking/rim protection) are also weaknesses of his. He wouldn't have been at the top of my board if the Kings kept #24.
I liked that the Kings were rumored to be after Torrey Craig. If you want a switchable wing who offers some rim protection and who would likely glue Kessler to the bench, that's an upgrade. But as much as I like Prosper, if he reaches that level of play, it won't be for a few years. And he'll need to follow the same progression Craig did as a shooter so that he can stay on the floor and not hurt spacing.
All that said, there's certainly the possibility that Prosper surprises and is a Herb Jones level rookie. It's possible. But I wouldn't bet on it.
Harrison Barnes 6'11"
Keegan Murray 6'11"
Kessler Edwards 6'11"
Jalen Slawson 7'0"
Trey Lyles 7'3"
Big backup 5
Alex Len
Potentially Neemius Queta
Could they upgrade from Queta at the 3rd C spot? Sure. But if they plan to play a significant amount of smallball 5 with Lyles that player is only seeing the floor due to injury unless he's better than Len.
And the Kings have 4 wings with 6'11" wingspans who will be in the rotation and one who is on a 2 way.
I know you're upset that the Kings traded the draft rights to Prosper, but I'd be pretty surprised if he's a better player than Kessler Edwards next season.
Keep in mind that as bad as Edwards has looked shooting from outside, he was a 39.5% 3PT shooter over 3 seasons at Pepperdine while Prosper was a 31.6% shooter from outside in three combined years at Clemson and Marquette. Edwards was most successful his sophomore year, but even if we compare their junior years when Prosper was best, it's still in Kessler's favor 37.8% to 33.9%. Edwards also shot 87.6% from the line that season vs 73.5% for OMax last season.
Kessler also averaged more steals, more rebounds, more assists and significantly more blocks than Prosper in their respective junior years.
I liked Olivier Maxence-Prosper for the Kings, initially at pick #54 and with the 38th pick when he started rising, but I don't think he would have gotten regular rotation minutes with the Kings this season. More than that, two of the Kings biggest weaknesses (rebounding outside of Sabonis and shotblocking/rim protection) are also weaknesses of his. He wouldn't have been at the top of my board if the Kings kept #24.
I liked that the Kings were rumored to be after Torrey Craig. If you want a switchable wing who offers some rim protection and who would likely glue Kessler to the bench, that's an upgrade. But as much as I like Prosper, if he reaches that level of play, it won't be for a few years. And he'll need to follow the same progression Craig did as a shooter so that he can stay on the floor and not hurt spacing.
All that said, there's certainly the possibility that Prosper surprises and is a Herb Jones level rookie. It's possible. But I wouldn't bet on it.
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The baby Kings play defense with a certain new found intensity and some reckless abandon like they are allowed 10 fouls.
I like to see it. They are in good condition and seem to out hustle other teams. The offense remains erratic, but shows signs of improvement.
Some of these players deserve a chance to play with the regular Kings toi see what they can do.
The whole organization is improved with Brown at the helm.
I like to see it. They are in good condition and seem to out hustle other teams. The offense remains erratic, but shows signs of improvement.
Some of these players deserve a chance to play with the regular Kings toi see what they can do.
The whole organization is improved with Brown at the helm.
Nice breakdown of season minutes. A couple thoughts:
- We want Domas playing fewer minutes, if only a couple per game, so there are hopefully a few more minutes there to play with. He was an iron man out there when he wasn't in foul trouble, but that is a lot of wear. Problem is, we need to find a way to not give up so much ground when he is off the floor and the second string is in. Hopefully that's where Monk, Sasha, Lyles, and others can step in a bit more and keep the game even during that time.
- Sasha will get PT. I think Barnes will get pinched a bit, as you say.
- Lyles will likely be playing a lot more small-ball 5 unless there is a really big banger in there.
- Keegan, Barnes, Sasha, and Lyles (maybe Edwards and others) will probably get the majority of minutes as the larger wings, flexing positions/sizes a bit as the need arises.
- We'll have to see how the team comes together with playing style and player combinations. There may be one or two that deserve PT that just can't break into the rotation.
- Piggybacking on the above, I think there may be trades down the line to consolidate/upgrade some talent. I don't think the FA market was a good place to do that this year with the crazy contracts, but we have decent talent and young prospects (all on pretty good contracts) to play around with as well as pretty much all our draft picks. We have a nice spread of contract amounts to be able to mix and match, if necessary. That would also free up some PT for the spread of talent we have.
- Also, injuries - we were pretty darn lucky last year and hopefully that continues. But if someone goes down, we have some depth to weather that (except Domas and to a slightly lesser extent, Fox) and those minutes would be available.
Wings/non-centers on the Kings roster with 6'11" wingspans
Harrison Barnes 6'11". Stretch 4
Keegan Murray 6'11". Stretch 4
Kessler Edwards 6'11"
Jalen Slawson 7'0". ????
Trey Lyles 7'3" Stretch 4
Sasha Vezenkov. Stretch 4
you of course know this point and are being slightly disingenuous. The Kings trying KZ and then Kessler starting at the 3 is evidence of the issue.
I’m not anti Kessler. I’m anti not getting a single player this off-season in your area of greatest need. Nor did you add a single player in your area of second biggest need.
but we did add a stretch 4 where we have 3 of them already in Keegan, Barnes and Lyles. And we added 2 players where we have Huerter, Monk, Ellis.
Harrison Barnes 6'11". Stretch 4
Keegan Murray 6'11". Stretch 4
Kessler Edwards 6'11"
Jalen Slawson 7'0". ????
Trey Lyles 7'3" Stretch 4
Sasha Vezenkov. Stretch 4
you of course know this point and are being slightly disingenuous. The Kings trying KZ and then Kessler starting at the 3 is evidence of the issue.
I’m not anti Kessler. I’m anti not getting a single player this off-season in your area of greatest need. Nor did you add a single player in your area of second biggest need.
but we did add a stretch 4 where we have 3 of them already in Keegan, Barnes and Lyles. And we added 2 players where we have Huerter, Monk, Ellis.
yeah I agree we will play more small ball 5 with Lyles. But being small on the perimeter and no shot blocker can present issues.
the problem is getting guys who are long 6’ 11” wingspan or greater and quick is very hard. If they can shoot teams don’t want to trade them. They move up in the draft to find them or take risks with picks. Say what you will about KB but he was right Monte tends to be risk averse.
the problem is getting guys who are long 6’ 11” wingspan or greater and quick is very hard. If they can shoot teams don’t want to trade them. They move up in the draft to find them or take risks with picks. Say what you will about KB but he was right Monte tends to be risk averse.
IMO, you're narrowing the scope of the type of player that you believe the Kings need to add in order to make the point that they have a gaping hole in the roster that only you seem to see.
Vezenkov is strictly a stretch 4 and I view Lyles as a 4/5 but I'd call Barnes and Murray 4/3s. Especially Murray. If he's a "stretch 4" and not a wing and you already grouped 2/3 players into a different category, then I'm not sure who fits in this wing category other than apparently guys with 6'11" wingspans who can't shoot from outside consistently.
KZ Okpala started two games at SF for the Kings. Then he was replaced by a rookie because Murray gave the team a better chance to win.
Kessler started 3 games for the Kigns, all at the SG spot when Huerter was injured.
I'm sure Mike Brown would love to start a defensive stopper at a wing spot, but that player would have to be better than Huerter/Monk, Murray or Barnes and that hasn't happened. Mostly because the offense was significantly worse. Very small sample size, but the Kings lost both games that Okpala started and 2 of the 3 that Kessler started.
But back to the idea that it's unlikely that Prosper is better than Kessler Edwards next season. Even if that weren't the case, I don't see a scenario where both of them play. You can't have two defense first non-shooters on the wings and hope to keep pace when the starters are out. So if only ONE wing stopper is going to get significant minutes off the bench and the Kings already have one of those players, how is that the team's greatest area of need?
The only way to make that claim is if the type of player you want is better than Barnes or Murray. Prosper certainly won't be this season and very possibly will never be. The Kings weren't going to pay Grant $30M a season, and even if they were there's no guarantee he chooses Sacramento over Portland.
Cam Johnson or Grant Williams might have been minor improvements over Barnes on defense, but both are still "Stretch 4's" and not 6'11" wingspan switchable defenders based on your criteria. So I'm not sure who (a) fits your parameters (b) is better than Barnes and/or Murray and (c) could have reasonably been had this offseason.
Vezenkov is strictly a stretch 4 and I view Lyles as a 4/5 but I'd call Barnes and Murray 4/3s. Especially Murray. If he's a "stretch 4" and not a wing and you already grouped 2/3 players into a different category, then I'm not sure who fits in this wing category other than apparently guys with 6'11" wingspans who can't shoot from outside consistently.
KZ Okpala started two games at SF for the Kings. Then he was replaced by a rookie because Murray gave the team a better chance to win.
Kessler started 3 games for the Kigns, all at the SG spot when Huerter was injured.
I'm sure Mike Brown would love to start a defensive stopper at a wing spot, but that player would have to be better than Huerter/Monk, Murray or Barnes and that hasn't happened. Mostly because the offense was significantly worse. Very small sample size, but the Kings lost both games that Okpala started and 2 of the 3 that Kessler started.
But back to the idea that it's unlikely that Prosper is better than Kessler Edwards next season. Even if that weren't the case, I don't see a scenario where both of them play. You can't have two defense first non-shooters on the wings and hope to keep pace when the starters are out. So if only ONE wing stopper is going to get significant minutes off the bench and the Kings already have one of those players, how is that the team's greatest area of need?
The only way to make that claim is if the type of player you want is better than Barnes or Murray. Prosper certainly won't be this season and very possibly will never be. The Kings weren't going to pay Grant $30M a season, and even if they were there's no guarantee he chooses Sacramento over Portland.
Cam Johnson or Grant Williams might have been minor improvements over Barnes on defense, but both are still "Stretch 4's" and not 6'11" wingspan switchable defenders based on your criteria. So I'm not sure who (a) fits your parameters (b) is better than Barnes and/or Murray and (c) could have reasonably been had this offseason.
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