The Sacramento Kings will play their first preseason game on Oct. 11, facing a Golden State Warriors team that’s trying hard to remain the league’s golden goose. Though these exhibitions don’t count towards a team’s overall record, it’s an ideal time to test out new concepts and evaluate players. After failing to reach the 2024 NBA Playoffs and making a move for DeMar DeRozan, the Kings will certainly be doing both.
DeRozan isn’t the only perimeter player in the starting lineup whose performance will be focused on though. Keegan Murray, the 2022 No. 4 pick, is looking to improve on a frankly subpar sophomore season. De’Aaron Fox, one of the many stars to come out of Kentucky, needs to develop chemistry with DeRozan and refine his decision-making.
Then there’s Keon Ellis, who has the chance to start the in the season opener, at least. If so, it’ll be the first time in the young guard’s career. A stupendous defender, Ellis’s calling card has been his ability to put scorers on the ropes.
Keon Ellis is a MONSTER point of attack defender…
Sacramento had a top 10 defense post-allstar last season & Ellis was a huge reason why. Master deflection/poke-out artist. Full-court pressure bully. Hyper-aglie. Even knocked down a high clip of open 3s. Crucial piece for SAC. pic.twitter.com/ee6LdId7WK
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 26, 2024
With the addition of DeRozan and Fox’s inconsistencies on that side of the floor, Ellis’s defensive mastery is even more useful.
Kings’ Mike Brown Hints At Fifth Starter In Star-Studded Lineup
As the Kings’ prepare for the preseason, Ellis is assumed to be the starting shooting guard. Yet, Kings head coach Mike Brown isn’t just handing him the title. In fact, he may have been prepared to enter the season starting Kevin Huerter.
“Right now, Keon has a shot, but that’s mainly because Kevin is out and as time goes on, it will work itself out,” Brown said. “So I’m not necessarily concerned about it. Keon is there right now, but that, for sure, can change.”
“If you think about it, Keon, out of all three of those guys, is probably the one who will command the least amount of shots and/or the time the ball is in his hands,” Brown told reporters at the start of training camp last.
Mike Brown was clear that Keon Ellis is the starter for now with Kevin Huerter injured, but the opening night starting shooting guard spot is still up for grabs. pic.twitter.com/iDudBUSgFT
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) October 1, 2024
If that does change, it could be because Ellis hasn’t been able to strike from deep.
He’s a career 42.2 percent three-point shooter on 2.5 attempts per game. In two seasons at Alabama, he converted 37.1 percent of his attempts (3.6 attempts per game) from the shorter three-point line. However, in 12 games with the Stockton Kings —Sacramento’s G League affiliate —Ellis made just 35.7 percent of his threes, underscoring the possibility that he doesn’t get off to a hot start.
Then there’s Huerter. The smooth-stroking Maryland product made 39.4 percent of his three-pointers in college. On top of that, in six seasons, he’s never shot below 36.0 percent from three in the NBA. Honestly, a coach will probably be more confident in his ability to capitalize from beyond the arc than Ellis. Huerter is also a capable on-ball scorer, an area where Ellis hasn’t stood out much.
Fit Versus Firepower
While a catch-and-threat is necessary for virtually any offense, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Sharpshooters who can put the ball on the floor and create an advantage opportunity are even more valuable. So, why wouldn’t the Kings start Huerter instead of Ellis?
The answer is based in the belief that having the most firepower in one lineup doesn’t make it a team’s best. In other words, just because Huerter is a better offensive player, it doesn’t mean he should be the starter. Ironically, Ellis’ ability to have a sizable impact without the ball could make him the better option post-DeRozan.
“He’s shown the last two years that he’s a capable catch-and-shoot shooter, and if you leave him open, he’ll make you pay on the catch-and-shoot shot from the three-point line,” Brown says of Ellis (h/t The Kings Beat’s James Ham). “He shot 40-something percent from three in both years, so for us that is a little bit of a factor, making sure we put the right combinations on the floor that fit instead of just trying to throw guys out there because we think those guys can all score the best.
