Fansided

NBA post-free agency power rankings

By Brendon Kleen

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attends a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY – JULY 2: Marvin Bagley III high-fives teammates during the 2018 Summer League at the Golden 1 Center on July 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – JULY 2: Marvin Bagley III high-fives teammates during the 2018 Summer League at the Golden 1 Center on July 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

29. Sacramento Kings

We will have to wait and see what the Kings decide to do with their remaining cap space, but it’s hard to get excited about the franchise’s decisions up to this point.

In the draft, Sacramento pinned its hopes on the only player who went through the pre-draft song and dance to create a connection with the organization. Marvin Bagley III may be a perfectly fine player, and we’ll certainly get a good look at him this season, but there were many better options in the context of the Kings’ roster and on the basis of talent overall.

The connections between the Kings and Luka Doncic were unmistakable, starting with the fact that the team’s two highest-ranking front office officials are from the same country as Doncic. The team also badly needs wings, with only Justin Jackson and Garrett Temple around to masquerade as small forwards. Doncic would have been a perfect fit secondary playmaker alongside De’Aaron Fox, but if the team truly decided against taking the EuroLeague MVP, it’s difficult to take offense at which big man they preferred.

Bagley was the best player in his high school class, reclassified, and still ended up being the No. 2 pick. He’s extremely talented and looks to have a place offensively in the modern NBA. Many bigs can’t say that.

As for free agency, the Kings targeted Zach LaVine, a player who overlaps almost entirely with several players on Sacramento’s roster. They were saved from overpaying him by the Bulls, but the desire to spend their money on an all-offense two-guard shows they don’t seem to have a plan for the roster.

That needs to change before anyone gives the Kings the benefit of the doubt. They don’t have their first-round pick next year as a result of being swindled by Sam Hinkie three summers ago. It’s unclear when this team will make it back to the playoffs, despite the talent on the roster.

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