Week 4 NBA Power Ranking – Big shifts on the ladder while OKC Thunder clings to middle rung

Sacramento Kings:

Offense: (106.2) – 19th
Defense: (109.9) – 20th
Net: (-3.7) – 24th

Record: 5-7
Games Week 4: (2-1) Wins vs. Blazers, Celtics, lost to Lakers
Games Week 5 (3 games): Tues, Nov. 19 vs. Suns | Fri, Nov. 22 at Nets | Sun, Nov 24 at Wizards

Notably, the addition of Richaun Holmes to the starting unit has helped immensely so the Kings likely stick with that until Bagley returns. Holmes was someone the TI writers frequently cited as a coveted trade target.

Although taller (6’10”) and much younger than PJ Tucker he has similar attributes. I’d almost call him a cross between Tucker and Montrezl Harrell given his motor and aggressiveness.

Bagley should be back soon so the fact the Kings are winning without De’Aaron Fox is a little surprising.

That said, the early Kings injuries to the top two players might fall under the category of timely injuries. Meaning no team wants a player to get injured but in the case of the Kings could the early injuries to Bagley and Fox help with the evolution of Hield, Holmes and most recently Bogdanovic.

Up until the point Fox went down Bogdanovic was MIA this season. And coming into this campaign many (raises hand) were expecting him to take a jump under Luke Walton. Let’s not forget this was a player fans witnessed last season who showed no fear no matter what point in the game it was. (see above video).

With Fox out the last three games, Bogdan is averaging 18.3 points and 8.3 assists per game with two double-double performances which consequently were also the games the Kings won last week.

One thing is certain since Fox went down the Kings feel a sense of desperation and are playing like it. It also doesn’t hurt they rank sixth in the NBA for 3-point efficiency