While his defense and rebounding has improved, his perimeter shot has disappeared. What's worse is that a large number of Sac's fanbase wants him and Huerter gone. If Mike Brown doesn't turn this wreck around, and get them back to the playoffs, then he and Monte McNair can also pack their bags.Safe to say that as of now Keegan isn't earning that Max Salary contract extension.
I agree. Most thought that he could be the 3rd or 4th scoring option this year, but we know how that's worked out. His body language on the court says it all about what he's going through. A lot of us thought, "Well, just keep shooting, and eventually they'll fall." We're 20 games into the season and Sac is 9-11. That's a good sample size. You'd think by now his shots would improve, but they're not. He's not helping the team offensively. Maybe park him for awhile when DeMar gets back. I don't know.I really thought Keegan would thrive this year. Although adding DeRozan knocked him down a peg on the offensive totem pole. The regression on his 3 point shot is baffling. From setting the 3 point rookie record two years ago to shooting <30%. Have to think he’s having confidence issues at this point that aren’t helping. He needs to keep shooting, and hopefully he’ll string a few games together where he shoots well because right now, he’s struggling shooting in every single game.
I would disagree with this since there actually several teams who would gladly be more than open about a trade involving him. His offense has regressed, but he offers rebounding and defense, and has shown that he can get to the rim to score.Gone from foundational piece/untouchable to we can’t give him away.
Kings lose to Memphis 115-110. Keegan had 11 pts, 11 rebounds, 2 ast, and 2 steals in 40 min. 4-12 FG's and 1-7 on 3's.
I wish I knew the answer to what the hell is going on this year lol. Keegan is not the only one struggling from distance. It's team wide, except for maybe Monk and Sabonis. (Yes, Sabonis!). Now, I'm wondering about roster construction and what Mike is doing with this team. The only real draft capital they have aside from the top 4 pieces, is Keegan. Monte traded Barnes, Mitchell, and Duarte this year, and drafted Devin Carter who may not be available until Jan or Feb. The Kings bench was outscored 60-15 if memory serves me correct.In 2023 the Kings were the #3 seed in the playoffs. Things appeared to be on the upswing.
Two seasons later: we are over 1/4 of the way into the season and the Kings have the 12th best record in the 15 team Western Conference.
I wish I knew the answer to what the hell is going on this year lol. Keegan is not the only one struggling from distance. It's team wide, except for maybe Monk and Sabonis. (Yes, Sabonis!). Now, I'm wondering about roster construction and what Mike is doing with this team. The only real draft capital they have aside from the top 4 pieces, is Keegan. Monte traded Barnes, Mitchell, and Duarte this year, and drafted Devin Carter who may not be available until Jan or Feb. The Kings bench was outscored 60-15 if memory serves me correct.
When Monk was put in the starting lineup, they lost the "Lion's Share" of bench production. There is such a multitude of issues with this team, that it's difficult to extrapolate, because of the ups and downs. Even if they traded Keegan for an upgrade to the starting lineup, they'd still have an extremely deficient bench.
I watch multiple podcasts to get breakdowns of game play, as well as my observations after watching a game. I see a lot of agreement between what the analysts are saying and what I see. If nothing happens real soon, then I'd expect to see some action around the Trade Deadline. The thing that stands out to me the most is from Sac fans who've had to endure year after year (16) of not making the playoffs. That streak ended 2 years ago, and now the team has regressed. Not only do some of the fans want Keegan to go, but also Huerter, Mike, and Monte. Some fans are even calling for a DeAaron Fox and Sabonis trade! Lol. Fans will be fans. Some are saying "Tear it down and start over." It's a mess.
2 years ago Sac had a team full of players with very defined roles, one of which was Keegan as a clearly defined 3 point specialist. Last year, Brown wanted more defense and RB's from KM and I think it has hurt his game. He absolutely can't make a 3 this year, but that is pretty much team wide.Does the blame go the GM for the moves he's made?
Like I said, they were the 3rd best team in the West just 2 years ago.
I agree his overall game has improved. Especially defensively and rebounding. I’m wondering if adding DeRozan and Keegan falling to that 4th/5th option has really impacted his rhythm and confidence. He went from shooting 43% from 3 and setting the rookie record to shooting 27% two years later. I think that’s what most of the detractors focus on. If he’s just going to stand on the perimeter and shoot open threes, he does need to hit them at better than a 27% clip. He did shoot decent against Houston. But if you look at his game log and focus on 3 point shooting, it’s ugly for him. Pretty rare where he shoots 40+%.Sacramento is underachieving as a team. Keegan had a good shooting game against Houston a few days ago, and his overall floor game continues to be great. The Kings would be crazy to deal him. On offense, he mostly stands on the perimeter, in the corner or on the wing, and hits the offensive boards as another player shoots. He guards the other team's best 2-4 player. On offense, he is now the 4th or 5th option. Keegan is not a go-to offensive player, but otherwise he is a critical piece to having a good team.
Oh...... there's enough blame to go around for everyone there.Does the blame go the GM for the moves he's made?
Like I said, they were the 3rd best team in the West just 2 years ago.
Well said. He'll never be the Alpha but he can be a good role player. I hope he reaches All Star status some day and enjoys a long career.Sacramento is underachieving as a team. Keegan had a good shooting game against Houston a few days ago, and his overall floor game continues to be great. The Kings would be crazy to deal him. On offense, he mostly stands on the perimeter, in the corner or on the wing, and hits the offensive boards as another player shoots. He guards the other team's best 2-4 player. On offense, he is now the 4th or 5th option. Keegan is not a go-to offensive player, but otherwise he is a critical piece to having a good team.
I tend to believe this as well. However, one source also said, "That just illustrates that he is not as good as thought." And so it goes.Brown wanted more defense and RB's from KM and I think it has hurt his game.
Kings win. Keegan scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.
I hope they do. The Pels have several on the injured list. However, the Kings have proven they can lose to a depleted roster. This team just has Sac's number.Pels are struggling big time this year so Kings need to change the dynamic tonite.
Kings squeak out a victory over the Pels 111-109. Keegan with 18 points and 9 rebounds.
As I mentioned in an above post, the Pels have the Kings number, so they were fortunate to come out of there with a win. The Pels have 3 or 4 of their main guys out, including Brandon Ingram. The Pels will be close to full strength soon and the Kings have to play them 3 more times. Need to make a couple of moves by the Trade deadline to bolster the bench which only scored 9 points compared to 18 for NO.shoot, i forgot about this game!
The Kings won the game despite shooting 29% from 3 and 40% overall. Yikes!
Keegan's other stats, in 34 minutes:
3-7 (43%) from 3
4-7 (57%) from 2
........................................
7-14 (50%) overall
1-1 (100%) FTs
18 Points
9 Rebounds (6 offensive)
0 Assists
0 Steals
0 Blocks
I'm surprised that this person was surprised. Keegan has been going to the rim a lot this year, especially since he's struggled from 3. Almost sounds like over a year ago.