Sacramento Kings rumors: Ben McLemore in danger of losing his spot?

Mar 26, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (16) gestures after a three point basket against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The New York Knicks defeated the Sacramento Kings 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

There was talk that guard Ben McLemore could be one of the top two or three picks in the 2013 NBA Draft. Instead he fell to seven where he was scooped up by the Sacramento Kings. Many believed the Kings may have gotten a steal but McLemore really struggled during his rookie season.

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The Kings have continued to voice support for McLemore and claim that Nik Stauskas, their first round pick this year, is not there to replace McLemore. However, John Litzler of Basketball Insiders believes McLemore must show improvement this season or he will be in danger of losing his spot.

"McLemore surely isn’t the first player to struggle with his shot as a rookie but when your reputation is as a shooter, 32 percent from three isn’t going to cut it. McLemore won’t be the only shooter in Sacramento this season, as the Kings selected Nik Stauskas eighth overall in this year’s draft. That’s not exactly a vote of confidence for McLemore. McLemore now will have some competition for time at two-guard rather than being gifted minutes as before. If he can’t right the ship, he may find himself watching Stauskas from the bench."

McLemore certainly needs to improve as a shooter and should get plenty of open shots with defenses focused on center DeMarcus Cousins and forward Rudy Gay. McLemore has to take advantage.

McLemore averaged 8.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. He shot 37.6% from the field, 32.0% and 80.4% from the field last season while playing in all 82 games.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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