Kings take swing with DeMar DeRozan, are they done building out roster?

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Whirlwind. That is the only way to describe the holiday weekend in Sacramento. 

Saturday morning started with Malik Monk fielding questions from the media about his new contract with the Kings, but by the time the clock turned midnight, the team had played a pair of California Classic games, welcomed a new star player, said goodbye to a pair of veterans, added a backup point guard and lost a rookie for a while. They topped off the weekend with two more games of summer league ball and rumors of more to come on the trade front.

Things can happen quickly in the NBA, but this was a little over the top. After a week of inactivity during the free agency window, the Kings were due for some fireworks, and Monte McNair and his crew might not be done.

Here is a look at a wild day in the Kingdom. 

DeRozan trade shakes up the roster

We broke down what DeRozan means for the team in yesterday’s announcement post, which you can find here. The veteran is slated to drop right into the starting lineup, although at what position is unknown at this time.

If the Kings can add another long, athletic forward, that could push DeRozan into the backcourt alongside Fox. If they don’t, DeRozan will get the bulk of the minutes at the small forward spot.

It doesn’t really matter what position he starts at, the “run it back” mentality of the past year is over. McNair added a player who averaged 24 points per game last season and instantly steps in as the team’s second scoring option next to De’Aaron Fox. 

The defense is still a work in progress, but DeRozan brings a playmaking ability the Kings lacked last season. This could be one of the most potent offenses in the league again and that’s before any other additions.

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