Sacramento Kings: Top 3 players with the most to prove next season

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 01: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at TD Garden on March 01, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Sacramento Kings (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. Trevor Ariza

The Kings did a great job of completely revamping their bench depth in the offseason. On top of that, the small forward position looks as deep as it has in years.

However, much of that will depend on what Trevor Ariza the Kings get.

Ariza was signed to a two-year, $25 million contract in the offseason and the veteran is expected to serve as the Kings’ primary backup small forward behind the returning Harrison Barnes.

The 34-year-old has been a very reliable three-and-D wing throughout most of his career but he’s coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. And now the question remains, are the Kings getting an Ariza on the decline or was last season simply a fluke?

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There’s an argument to be made for both.

Ariza played last season split between the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns — two of the worst teams in the NBA. And as a result, Ariza’s shooting numbers were way down — just 33% from three-point range and under 40% from the field.

His defensive metrics were slightly down but nothing too significant.

Overall, Ariza will be out to prove that last season was simply a product of a poor supporting cast. With a Kings team that should be excellent at spacing the floor and taking some threes, Ariza should see his numbers skyrocket from last season.

But if he struggles again, the reality of an aging veteran past his prime could begin to set in.

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