

It seems like a lot of Kings fans are growing increasingly impatient with the lack of activity in this years Free Agent Market. I understand the concern, especially since the Kings do not own a first round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Kings have no incentive to tank and the Kings are one of the only teams with significant cap space left in the NBA. With the Sixers absorbing Wilson Chandler into their cap space yesterday, it looks like only the Kings, Bulls, and Hawks have any significant room under their cap. With so many teams pushed against the luxury tax, this should be an ideal offseason for the Kings to add talent to their roster.

So what's the holdup?

I believe that the Kings are not interested in any of the Unrestricted Free Agents and that is why we haven't heard any rumored activity out of Sacramento. Instead they have set their sights on the Restricted Free Agent Market. It seems to me that their is a reason that we haven't heard any rumblings on teams making offers to Restricted Free Agents yet. The NBA moratorium ends on July 6 at 9am pacific time. Teams can sign guys to offer sheets before July 6 but the clock doesn't start for the incumbent team to match until July 6. The team then has 48 hours to match the offer. This stands to reason why teams like the Kings might be waiting. I would think that on July 6 at 9:01am pacific time, the Kings will have an offer sheet out to one of the Restricted Free Agent Small Fowards.

So who are the candidates?

Rodney Hood- 6'8" 206lb

17-18 Per 36 numbers- 19.6 pts 2.1 asts 3.7 rebs / 42.9%fg 38.1% 3fg 86% ft 14.3 PER

Smooth lefty scorer who always seems to torch the Kings. Seemed to be an up and coming young player that had a trajectory toward all star but took a step back last year. The once heir apparent to Gordan Hayward struggled for Utah last season and it seemed like the Jazz were a better team when Hood was off the floor. He became expendable and was shipped to the Cavs. Hood's season continued to spiral in Cleveland as he was relegated to a bench role and struggled to play meaningful minutes even given his ability to score. My take- If you are looking for a scorer Hood could be a good player if he can regain his form from about a year ago. I know that Vlade and Co have always had a little crush on him as well. If I had to guess this might be the target for the Kings, my fear is that Hood is a guy who is more concerned with his numbers than Wins and Losses.

Kyle Anderson- 6'9" 230

17-18 Per 36 numbers- 10.6 pts 3.7 asts 7.2 rebs / 52.7% fg 33.3% 3fg 71.2% ft 15.9 PER

Anderson has been in the Spurs system and really began to blossom this year due to the Spurs injuries at the wing. Popovich was very complimentary of Anderson throughout the season saying he had earned his playing time even when the Spurs get healthy. He is a good passer and rebounder, as well as a solid defender. He is not a great shooter and he is a very deliberate, bordering on slow player who is most effective in the half court. My take- I really like Anderson as a player, with his size and basketball IQ, I think he could be a good fit for this young team. My concern is that the Kings are going to be much better in transition than in the half court and Anderson may have trouble if the Kings are committed to playing fast.

Marcus Smart- 6'4" 230

17-18 Per 36 numbers- 12.3 pts 5.8 asts 4.2 rebs / 36.7% fg 30.1% 3fg 72.9% ft 10.8 PER

Smart is fresh off playing an instrumental role for the Celtics and their deep playoff run. He came off the bench but was on the floor in crunch time and had an innate ability to make big plays that don't show up in the box score. He might not have flashy stats but I feel that of all the Restricted Free Agents, Smart will effect Wins and Losses the most. The knock on Smart is that he struggles from the 3 point line and he is only 6'4" which would slot him in more of a guard role which is already manned by Bogdonovic, Hield, and Fox. My take- Admittedly, I have been the driver of the Marcus Smart Bandwagon for some time. I know he is small. I know he can't shoot. But he is 24 and he has the defensive acumen, basketball IQ, and leadership intangibles that this team needs. He also, is a guy who can effect the game outside of scoring and that is something I feel this roster needs. If it was my money, I would overpay for Marcus Smart and play a rotation of Smart, Fox, Bogdanovic, and Hield at the 1, 2, and 3.

So Kings fans, I know that the silence from the front office during Free Agency has been deafening but I believe some noise is on the way. On July 6, I think the Kings will enter into a term sheet with one of these 3 players. If I had to guess on who, I would put my money on Rodney Hood. I think there is a possibility that Kyle Anderson could be there target based on Vlade's fondness for the Spurs and their front office. Lastly, I feel Marcus Smart is the least likely candidate to don a Kings jersey even though for me, he is the perfect choice for this young roster.

So relax, put your phone down for a day, enjoy the 4th of July, and get ready for Friday!