Kings sign one-time NBA champion in low-risk, potentially high-reward move
The Sacramento Kings have signed Juan Toscano-Anderson. The exciting Western Conference team has added the small forward, who has been a free agent since leaving the Utah Jazz at the end of last season. The Kings now have 15 players under contract this season, with Toscano-Anderson filling their empty roster spot.
Toscano-Anderson will bring versatility and grit to Mike Brown's rotation, along with some reliable bench scoring. Most importantly, he will provide championship experience. The five-year veteran was part of the Golden State Warriors team that won the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2022. He played in 73 regular-season games that year, along with 14 appearances during their playoff run.
Throughout his career, the 30-year-old forward is averaging 4.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists over 191 regular-season appearances. He's shooting 50.6% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range.
Sacramento is 19th in the NBA in defensive rating. Toscano-Anderson will provide an additional boost to the team's wing defense. He's also capable of switching onto guards or forwards as part of a versatile system to guard against the pick-and-roll or any other screening actions.
Brown already has a relationship with Toscano-Anderson. The pair worked together during the 2021-22 season with the Warriors while Brown was an assistant on Steve Kerr's staff. As such, the Kings will be well aware of the player they're acquiring and how he will fit into the locker room and on the court.
Toscano-Anderson could potentially earn a legitimate role in the Kings rotation. However, it's more likely that he's been acquired to provide depth while also being a potential energy shifter when checking into games off the bench. Either way, Sacramento has added a player with championship experience to its young and upcoming roster — without giving up any assets. At this point of the season, the addition should be seen as a win for the franchise.
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