Matt George here, the host of the daily Locked On Kings podcast, with your daily Locked On Kings newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Kings and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Keegan Murray is quietly becoming one of the most essential players for the Sacramento Kings. Despite not being the flashiest name in the NBA, Murray’s impact on the court is undeniable. His journey from a fundamentally sound rookie to a key player in the Kings’ lineup is a testament to his growth and versatility. While he may not grab headlines like some of his peers, Murray’s contributions are vital to the Kings’ success.
Murray’s ability to adapt and excel in various roles has made him indispensable. From being a reliable scorer to taking on the toughest defensive assignments, he does it all. His recent performance, with 22 points and 12 rebounds, highlights his growing influence. Notably, seven of those rebounds were offensive, showcasing his commitment to the team’s new offensive rebounding strategy. This effort contributed significantly to the Kings’ victory over the Toronto Raptors, emphasizing his role in the team’s success.
DeMar DeRozan’s Historic Night
DeMar DeRozan continues to make history with the Kings. His consistent scoring ability has been a game-changer, as evidenced by his recent 27-point performance. DeRozan’s knack for scoring 20 or more points in consecutive games has set a new franchise record, surpassing Chris Webber’s previous mark. His seamless integration into the Kings’ system has provided a steady offensive presence, making him a crucial part of the team’s strategy.
DeRozan’s ability to draw fouls and convert them into points is a skill that sets him apart. Despite defenders knowing his tendencies, he continues to exploit their mistakes, turning attempted blocks into three-point plays. This skill, combined with his mid-range prowess, makes him a formidable opponent on the court.
The Evolving Kings Offense
The Kings’ offense has undergone a transformation, moving away from the explosive style of previous seasons to a more methodical approach. While the team may not be as flashy, their half-court offense has become more effective. This shift is largely due to the influence of players like DeRozan, who excel in a slower, more deliberate style of play.
Despite struggles with three-point shooting, the Kings remain one of the top offensive teams in the league. Their ability to adapt and find success in different styles of play is a testament to their versatility and depth. As the season progresses, the potential for the Kings to regain their explosive form remains, especially if their shooting improves.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Keegan Murray’s impact and the Kings’ evolving strategies, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
- De’Aaron Fox’s role and performance in recent games
- Domantas Sabonis’ triple-double achievements
- The Kings’ bench contributions and areas for improvement
- Analysis of the Kings’ defensive strategies and challenges
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Trade The Kings are exploring options to create a super team by potentially acquiring one of the best players in the game. (The Sporting News)
Must Read Former Lakers and Clippers guard Patrick Beverley reminisces about a free agency offer from the Sacramento Kings, adding intrigue to past negotiations. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
It’s Time for the Sacramento Kings to Protect Home Court Matt George is joined by ESPN 1320’s Kenny Caraway to break down the Sacramento Kings’ 3-1 road trip and the need to defend their home floor in these next two games.
Domantas Sabonis Silences the Doubters with Miami Game Winner! Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings win in Miami, where Domantas Sabonis’ putback game winner was the difference against the Heat.
The Sacramento Kings Can Live with De’Aaron Fox’s Last Shot, But Not the Team Turnovers Matt George breaks down the Sacramento Kings’ overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors, including a long look at the final possession and De’Aaron Fox’s last shot.
