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Kings Positional Breakdown: SF

Veterans Rudy Gay, Matt Barnes and Omri Casspi round out the team’s small forwards in 2016-17, each bringing a unique specialty to Sactown.

RUDY GAY

Beginning his fourth season in Sacramento and the 11th of his career, Gay returns after averaging 17.2 points through 70 games with the Kings last year.

Much like the rest of the roster, Gay’s contributions will depend on his defensive contributions and play. Offensively, No. 8 has been among the League’s highest scoring small forwards, ranking among the position’s top 10 scorers in each of the last five seasons.

While the Connecticut product has been a reliable scoring option throughout his career, expect Gay’s assist numbers to increase in head coach Dave Joerger’s high-post offense. In five preseason contests, Rudy averaged nearly four helpers – doubling the amount of assists the veteran forward dished out during last season’s campaign.

OMRI CASSPI

One of six players to average double-digit points for the Kings in 2015-16, Casspi returns to Sacramento following career-highs in scoring, three-point shooting percentage, minutes and rebounding. No. 18 showcased his ability to serve as a long-range marksman for the second-consecutive season, shooting over 40 percent in both 2014 and 2015.

Additionally, Casspi has proven to be a valuable contributor whether playing as a reserve or a starter, starting in 21 of his 69 games played last season. As a starting forward, the 6-foot-7 sharpshooter tallied 14 points per contest while shooting over 50 percent from the field and grabbing seven rebounds.

With an all-time high in minutes, Omri also recorded a career-high of six double-doubles, displaying his ability to make an impact on both ends of the court.

MATT BARNES

The 36-year-old veteran rejoins his hometown Kings after a 12-year hiatus, reuniting with head coach Dave Joerger in the process. Under Joerger’s tutelage with the Grizzlies in 2015-16, Barnes sustained productivity by tying a career-high 5.5 rebounds per game in addition to 10 points and two assists per contest.

A defensive specialist who’s known for his hard-nosed play and team-first attitude, No. 22 has praised the mentality of Coach Joerger heading into the season.

“We practice defense more than we practice offense, and for me, I think that’s a good thing because defense is what’s going to win you games,” Barnes said recently to the Sacramento Bee.


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