The Sacramento Kings are navigating a challenging season, finding themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference with playoff hopes dashed for the third consecutive year. It's a tough pill for fans to swallow, especially with recent chatter about one of their key players, Zach LaVine.
LaVine, who joined the Kings in a trade from the Chicago Bulls just before last year’s deadline, was recently spotlighted as one of the most overrated players in the NBA. This designation comes from Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, reflecting on LaVine’s career struggles to translate individual talent into team success.
LaVine’s playoff track record is sparse, with only one appearance in his 12-year career and no series wins. This, coupled with substantial contracts, has fueled the overrated label.
Swartz points out that LaVine has a career swing rating of minus-3.2, with negative scores in 10 of his 12 seasons. Despite this, LaVine's on-court earnings will surpass $300 million by the season's end.
His athletic prowess hasn't translated into defensive strength, often negating his offensive contributions. The decision to bring him to Sacramento, especially as part of the De'Aaron Fox trade, remains a head-scratcher for many analysts.
Unfortunately, LaVine’s season has been cut short due to surgery on a tendon in his right hand. Before his injury, he played 39 games, averaging 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. With a salary nearing $49 million this season, it’s understandable why some might question the return on investment, given the Kings' struggles.
As the Kings look ahead, the focus will likely be on rebuilding and reevaluating key pieces like LaVine, hoping to shift the narrative in the seasons to come.