Kevin Garnett Believes Sacramento Kings May Be a Legit Playoff Contender With Zach LaVine Commerce

The Sacramento Kings’ acquisition of Zach LaVine continues to be a thriller for some NBA followers. Before the NBA commerce deadline kicked off, rumors that De’Aaron Fox may be traded had been already spreading, however everybody was shocked when LaVine was concerned within the deal. For Kevin Garnett, this was a win-win for the struggling Kings.

In an aggressive try to stay aggressive, Sacramento traded for a two-time All-Star from the Chicago Bulls. The Kings now count on LaVine to be the puzzle piece that enhances their postseason push.

Zach LaVine’s Impact on the Kings’ Offense

Prior to the commerce, LaVine was producing high quality numbers for the Bulls, scoring 24.0 factors, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per sport whereas taking pictures 51.1% from the sector, 44.6% from past three, and 79.7% from the free-throw line. After a subpar 2023-24 season, in line with Sports Illustrated, LaVine returned robust this yr and seeks to search out his All-Star self once more.

LaVine is reunited with former Bulls teammate DeMar DeRozan in a revamped dynamic duo with Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk. The Kings had excessive hopes going into the season, however their up-and-down play has them ninth within the Western Conference with a 28-27 report as of the All-Star break. They are at the moment tied with the Golden State Warriors.

NBA Legend Kevin Garnett Weighs in on Kings’ Potential

Despite their creating chemistry, some suppose Sacramento can flip it round. NBA icon and 15-time All-Star Kevin Garnett lately weighed in on the Kings’ signing of LaVine, making a daring prediction relating to their playoff potential.

“Zach LaVine trade ain’t nobody talk about,” Garnett instructed Paul Piece in a KG Certified interview. “That’s going to help Sac. Zach LaVine can come in and get buckets. Sac can make the playoffs. You see how Sac playing?”

Early Struggles But Playoff Potential

Since Zach LaVine grew to become a member of the crew, the Kings have performed 3-3. Though his statistics are nonetheless good—averaging 21.5 factors, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists—his three-point share has slid to 26.1%.

As he continues to develop into adjusted to Sacramento’s system, LaVine is certain to be an much more menacing scoring risk. That’s not going to be simple, for positive.

The Kings’ most urgent subject has been their rotation on protection, particularly when Monk, LaVine, and DeRozan are on the courtroom collectively. But the firepower on offense cannot be questioned, and if they’ll step up on that aspect of the ball, Sacramento may be an unstoppable opponent through the playoffs.

Interim Head Coach Doug Christie’s Influence

Since taking up as interim head coach, Doug Christie has confirmed that he can information the Kings to the playoffs. With a star-studded core of LaVine, DeRozan, Sabonis, and Monk, complemented by key position gamers comparable to Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, Jonas Valanciunas, Trey Lyles, and newly-signed Markelle Fultz, Sacramento possesses the items to make a official playoff run.

Kenny “The Jet” Smith believes that the Kings ought to reward Christie with a title change, per NBC Sports.

Will the Kings Prove Garnett Right?

Kevin Garnett’s optimism with the Kings must also carry optimism to followers that the crew could make some noise within the Western Conference. If LaVine can step his sport up and Sacramento shores up on protection, they won’t solely acquire a playoff spot however develop into the dark-horse contender.