Sacramento Kings: First Impressions On Ray McCallum

Feb 1, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ray McCallum (3) puts up a shot over San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings rookie Ray McCallum has started to put together a string of games that has proven to be quietly productive in limited minutes. McCallum was the Kings’ second-round pick in the 2013 draft. Since being drafted, McCallum has made his name known in the Kings organization. Right off the bat during the summer league McCallum showed his abilities as a player and the things he had learned while being a coach’s son. Ray’s ability to run a team was what blew most away from the start. McCallum showed his poise as a player and that being on the big stage was not going to affect him.

Ray McCallum was immediately signed to a contract after a very positive summer league run where he had averages of 12 points, four assists, and two steals. The Kings happened to be overloaded at the point guard position once the season began; this made McCallum take advantage of the Kings newest partners–the Reno Bighorns–a team in the D-League that will help develop some of Sacramento’s younger players.

Through seven games with the Bighorns, Ray McCallum showed his complete repertoire on both ends of the floor. McCallum has great defensive potential because of his athleticism and long arms. Ray’s offensive game is also a work in progress; he has a nice handle and is very athletic which gives him the ability to put up some really nice dunks. However there are two major flaws in his game.

One, Ray needs to reconstruct his jump shot. McCallum’s jump shot needs some tampering with, Ray seems that he does not get the elevation and looks to shoot with his arms instead of with his legs. Having this problem leaves his shooting with great inconsistency. The Kings are now giving time to their young point guard and he has been playing great in his limited minutes. McCallum’s flaws, however, have led him to shoot just 38 percent from the field. Rays second flaw also is a big reason why he is shooting such a low percentage as a pro.

Although Ray McCallum has great athleticism and has the ability to make a highlight or two with his dunks, McCallum has a difficult time finishing and or getting to the rim. This is mainly due to the basic fact that he still needs to put on weight. At 6-foot-3, Ray is a very lean 190 pounds. During this upcoming offseason hitting the weight room should be at the top of his list of things to do.

For a first impression on the rookie, Ray McCallum, I would say he has some good potential and nice upside. McCallum has shown that he is a nice player to have on the Kings roster and has the potential to be a very productive backup point guard. I do not personally see a superstar or top tier point guard in his skill set, but the ability to be a nice role player, someone like a Toney Douglas or Beno Udrih; a guy who comes in and you can feel comfortable with him running your team and knowing that he knows his role on the floor. This is no knock on McCallum and who knows, maybe he proves me wrong.