If you’ve been watching this year’s Summer League by now, you’ve seen some pleasing results.
The Sacramento Kings came to play, and with that said, went on to win the first four games of the NBA Summer League.
All good things must come to an end, and sadly the Kings didn’t show the same gritty defense or fire as they took the court against the Washington Wizards Sunday night.
Whether tired or just an off night, A.J. Dybantsa and his teammates were at the top of their game and reminded the young Kings that there are no nights off in the NBA.
If there was a bright spot for the Kings, it was the emergence of Jonathan Mogbo who, like Dylan Cardwell, played with enthusiasm all night while recording 11 points and nine rebounds in only 20 minutes of play.
Summer League is all about two key things: accentuating the positive and finding out early what needs to be worked on.
The Kings can put a happy face and a thumbs up on the draft choices of both first-round draft picks Darius Acuff Jr. and Emanuel Sharp, and I believe can relax just a little when it comes to the criticism of Acuff’s defense.
I have watched Darius guard both fast and long players on the perimeter, and I have concluded that he has taken a lot of criticism without much to back it up. Acuff has exceptional quickness and his shot-blocking abilities are underrated.
His college coach also chimed in to say that Darius chose to play through an ankle injury last season that limited his ability to play tough defense, and as a result was encouraged to focus on the offensive end, allowing his teammates to help on the defensive side of the ball.
That is certainly not an excuse, and I’m witnessing nightly a young player that is making a concerted effort to show his critics that he can play at both ends of the floor.
I am more concerned with Darius getting comfortable with the NBA 3-point line and finding his shot on a nightly basis. He has had to perform under a great deal of pressure and overall, I believe he has done a stellar job.
Fans need to pay close attention to both Emanuel Sharp and surprising newcomer Marquel Sutton, who may be one of the real finds this year. Sutton has literally been stealing the show with his animated defense and prolific scoring thus far.
In the previous game, Marquel was the game’s high scorer with 24 points and is the surprise find of the Summer League so far.
If there is a spot the Sacramento Kings have struggled with finding, it’s the position of power forward.
Amazingly undrafted, at 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Sutton is the epitome of the power forward the Kings have been looking for, and he not only can shoot from the 3-point line but has shown a natural penchant for rebounding the ball. If this young man can continue to blossom, he may well be the player the Kings need to complement Domantas Sabonis in the low post.
Likewise, Emanuel Sharp has been nothing but the solid performer complementing Darius Acuff when they’re on the court together, so with all these accolades is it any wonder that the Kings won four straight games to start the Summer League.
If you discount an obvious off night against the talented Washington Wizards squad, Sacramento has given every Kings fan a reason to sit up and take notice.
Pick your favorite player: Darius Acuff Jr., Emanuel Sharp, Jonathan Mogbo, Marquel Sutton or the ever-enthusiastic Dylan Cardwell. The new-look Kings are giving fans a reason to buy a ticket.
Now it’s all about assessing talent, something that has been a misery for this organization in the past.
Time to change the playing field and take note of what is already here before you trade away the future. Let these talented youngsters fit in with the veterans that know how to win and can be mentors at the same time.
Tout the accomplishments of Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and even Keegan Murray, who needs to pay close attention to these young recruits and remember what he looked like his rookie year.
Stay excited, Kings fans!
All the best.
V.G. Harris
Vince Harris is an area resident and the author of Kings Corner, in which he contributes to Folsom Times, giving readers a look at the happenings on the court and behind the scenes of the Sacramento Kings
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