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Sacramento Kings: Ranking the four free agent additions in order of value

By Justin Fried

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Dewayne Dedmon #14 of the Atlanta Hawks guards Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Dewayne Dedmon #14 of the Atlanta Hawks guards Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 22: Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates in the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sacramento Kings (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Cory Joseph

One of the best parts about last season was witnessing the rise and true breakout season from point guard De’Aaron Fox. Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for the two players sharing the backup responsibility.

2017 second-round pick Frank Mason struggled through a wildly disappointing sophomore NBA campaign while free-agent acquisition Yogi Ferrell was solid, but unspectacular in the role.

This meant that acquiring a reliable backup point guard behind Fox was one of the top priorities for the Kings entering the offseason. And they appear to have done just that with the signing of former Indiana Pacers guard Cory Joseph.

Related Story. Sacramento Kings: An updated look at the projected starting lineup/rotation. light

Joseph is a defensive-minded point guard who has bounced around the league for a few years establishing himself as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA. And for a Kings team that struggled with their perimeter defense, Joseph makes a ton of sense.

The three-year, $37 million price tag is a bit steep for a player with a limited offensive game such as Joseph, but much like Ariza’s deal, the final year is only partially guaranteed. The third year of Joseph’s contract has just a $2.4 million guarantee if the Kings decide to part ways with him after two seasons.

If all goes right, however, Sacramento would have just landed their reliable backup point guard to play meaningful minutes with the second unit. While he’ll likely compete with Ferrell for the job, Joseph should have the upper hand given his defensive prowess.

Not a bad pickup for general manager Vlade Divac.

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