DeMar DeRozan: A Solid Addition, But Not the Kings’ Missing Piece

The Sacramento Kings made a splash in the offseason by bringing in veteran guard DeMar DeRozan. While his arrival definitely added a seasoned scoring punch to the roster, it’s becoming clear that DeRozan, while a solid player, might not be the missing piece to propel the Kings to the top of the Western Conference.

Let’s look at the numbers:

• Kings’ Record: Entering the season, the Kings were a team with potential, but they haven’t seen the expected leap in the standings. They currently sit at a respectable 22-20, but they’re still in the middle of the pack in the West, far from the top contenders.

• DeRozan’s Impact: DeRozan is averaging 21.7 points and 5.1 assists per game, showcasing his usual offensive prowess. However, the Kings’ scoring average (115.2 points per game) hasn’t significantly improved compared to last season (113.3).

• The Real Problem: While DeRozan has been a solid addition, the Kings’ struggles seem to stem from their lack of defensive consistency. They’re ranked 23rd in defensive rating, allowing opponents to score at an average of 115 points per game.

DeRozan can’t fix everything: He’s a strong scorer, but he’s not a defensive stopper. It’s not fair to expect him to single-handedly transform a team that has struggled defensively for years.

The Road Ahead: The Kings have a talented young core, led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. If they want to make a serious run in the West, they need to find a way to solidify their defense. DeRozan can be a valuable part of the equation, but the team needs to focus on finding answers on the defensive end to reach their full potential.

It’s too early to write off the Kings’ season: There’s still a lot of basketball to be played. However, the reality is that DeMar DeRozan alone might not be the answer. The Kings need to address their defensive deficiencies if they want to be considered legitimate contenders in the highly competitive Western Conference.