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

By Justin Fried

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a shot against the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center on January 10, 2019 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a shot against the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center on January 10, 2019 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 11: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings passes the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. Harrison Barnes

Probably the most controversial move of the Kings offseason was the decision to re-sign starting small forward Harrison Barnes. More specifically, the controversy came in regards to the contract that they handed out.

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Barnes was given a hefty four-year, $85 million contract in the offseason — a deal that many have claimed is a significant overpay. Now, we’re not here to debate the value of his contract because there’s an argument to be made for both sides.

After all, the Kings are a small-market team and slightly overpaying for a player of Barnes’ caliber is oftentimes necessary. Plus the deal is front-loaded meaning that Sacramento left plenty of cap room to sign their young core players in the future.

But I digress.

Regardless, Barnes will definitely be under scrutiny to perform this season after receiving his offseason payday. If he takes a step back in play — be it offensively or defensively — then the cries of “overpaid” and “bad contract” will only grow louder.

But with an impressive year in his first full season with the Kings, Barnes could prove his doubters wrong and help solidify the small forward position for the team.

Next. Sacramento Kings: Small forward has become a position of strength. dark

It may not be completely warranted or deserved, but no player will be facing more pressure to perform this season than Barnes. And as a result, he stands with the most to prove.

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