Ben McLemore signs with Memphis Grizzlies: 5 big questions

2. Should Ben McLemore be worried about his first game back in Sacramento?

Here’s one of the things that some players worry about in free agency: What will my reception be like when I come back to my former team? Remember when LeBron went back to Cleveland or Carmelo went back to Denver? Those were some big stars that entered in hostile environments.

Now, now, I’m not saying McLemore is a star like either of those players, but he was a high-draft pick and had huge expectations on his shoulders from day one. He didn’t necessarily live up the hype, but he shouldn’t be worried at all, I mean at all, about his reception in Sacramento.

The fanbase in Northern California, understands that McLemore was stymied by the different leaders in the organization, be it front office or on the bench. Many fans feel that McLemore was undervalued by the team and that hurt his performance.

So when the ex-King returns to Sacramento for one or two games during the NBA regular season, I think the Kings fans will appreciate him. There won’t be any vitriol, hate or booing from the fanbase. Although he underwhelmed during his time here and was expected to be a franchise player and didn’t deliver, it’s not solely on him.

So don’t worry Ben, you won’t get the LeBron/Melo treatment in your first game back at Golden One center.