3 Takeaways From Kings 1-5 Start

A 1-5 start is not what Kings fans envisioned when the season tipped off a week and a half ago against Houston. The Kings did end up losing that game, but there was definitely no shortage of energy coming from the Kings players and fans. Sacramento should have had an even better chance to win that night, but a questionable foul(?) call late in the 4th really squashed the Kings' chances. Nevertheless, the team looked fun and exciting.

2 nights later, the Kings took home their 1st win of the young season in Dallas. Led by George Hill and De'Aaron Fox, the Kings overcame an early double-digit deficit to secure the 93-88 win. However, since then, the Kings have 4 straight frustrating losses. An ugly loss in Denver where the Kings just never had anything going, a near last second comeback against Phoenix who had fired their Head Coach the day before, then blowing an 18 point lead to DeMarcus Cousins and the Pelicans on National TV on Thursday night, and Sunday, getting blown out by the Wizards in a Sunday afternoon matinee at home.

It hasn't been pretty, and for Kings fans, the disappointment is a familiar feeling. There have been some things that stood out through the Kings first 6 games though, let's take a look at 3 of them...

#1- Rookie Contributions

Sacramento has 5 rookies on their roster. Harry Giles won't be playing til 2018 and Frank Mason III is having a hard time trying to crack the rotation. The other 3, however, have been playing consistent minutes every game and have showed some impressive flashes of their potential. The #5 overall pick, De'Aaron Fox, has looked electric. Fox is currently averaging the most minutes on the team per game. Coach Joerger obviously trusts him and he has been rewarded for it. Fox is averaging 12.7 PPG (also the most on the team) and has put his speed on display on a nightly basis.

The Kings rookie from Serbia, Bogdan Bogdanovic, has only appeared in 3 games due to an injury su ffered in the preseason. Despite that, he's averaging the 2nd most points on the team, right behind Fox. His 3 point shooting, or lack there of, is a bit concerning as Bogdan has only taken 7 three-pointers this year (while only making 2). It's possible that he is still catching up to the speed of the NBA game and, hopefully soon, he becomes that dangerous outside shooter the Kings thought they were getting when they traded for him.

Justin Jackson, the Kings #15 pick, has started 5 of the 6 games so far this season. Despite that, he's 11th in MPG on the whole roster. Seems like Coach Joerger only likes to have the rookie in there to start the beginning of the halves. This may be changing though, as Bogdanovic was the one who started at SF yesterday. We will see if Joerger switches things up again tomorrow night in Indy. While on the court, Jackson has looked sharp, knocking down 50% of his shots so far, as well as playing tough defense.

These 3 should continue to see a valuable role in the rotation as the season goes on.

#2- Kings' 3 Point Defense

Last season, the Kings were ranked 2nd in opponents 3PM per game. I personally thought the Kings would have improved in this area with the additions of George Hill, Zach Randoph, De'Aaron Fox, and Vince Carter. That hasn't been the case so far as the Kings are again, 2nd in the NBA in opponents 3PM per game. The Kings have allowed at least 10 3-Pointers in every game so far, including an alarming 17 made by Washington Sunday afternoon. Sacramento has their problems on offense, but if they do not fix their perimeter defense, wins are going to be very hard to come by for this young team.

#3- Frontcourt of the Future?

Last season, Skal Labissiere and Willie Cauley-Stein both averaged around 8 PPG while playing less than 19 MPG. This season, both have taken on a much bigger role in Coach Joerger's system. And so far both have excelled. Skal leads the team in blocks while Willie is leading the team in rebounds. Both are also averaging double-digit points through the first 6 games of this young season. Yes, Skal is only in his 2nd year but having Zach Randolph to mentor him is going to help immensely. As for WCS, he is no longer in the shadow of Boogie Cousins and the results have spoken for themselves. Kings fans should have full confidence that these 2 are going to be key members of this teams' future.