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Forecasting the Kings Second Half of the Season

As All-Star Weekend marks the unofficial halfway point of the NBA season, there are a lot of positives to look forward to for Kings fans.

For the first time in a decade, the Kings find themselves involved in the Playoff race this late into the season. For Kings fans, they had a taste of Playoff atmosphere last night when they faced the Denver Nuggets. For a team with long-term aspirations, yesterday’s game was a preview of what could be the future.

If the game last night is an indication of the team’s playing style in the second half, fans could have a lot to look forward to. This team will be branded by hard work on the court led by head coach Dave Joerger.

Tyreke Evans still displays the slashing ability from his first stint with the Kings that made him a problem for opposing defenses across the League. His ability to penetrate into the heart of defenses can provide Sacramento good looks on offense. Evans’ penchant for attacking the rim is a much-welcomed addition for the remainder of the 2016-17 season.

A key part of the team going forward will be its selfless style of offensive play. The Kings are banking on new acquisition Buddy Hield, a top pick from this previous year’s draft, to fit into that style of play. On catch-and-shoot opportunities, he has an incredible effective field goal percentage of roughly 60 percent. On a team with players like Evans, Darren Collison and Ty Lawson, his addition to the team is a good fit.

With room to grow, Hield’s potential will be must watch as the season progresses.

Willie Cauley-Stein will see an increase in minutes this second half of the season. As fans witnessed last night, the second-year big man is playing some of the best basketball of his career. His offensive repertoire now includes post moves and jump shots, both of which keep opposing teams’ hands full.

As the second half of the season rolls on, the development of the players on the Kings and the new acquisitions hope to field a competitive team. Night in and night out, Sacramento will compete through hard work and selfless basketball.


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