NBA Insider Scrutinizes Sacramento Kings Offseason Move

It's hard to argue with Hollinger, as the talent level between Valančiūnas and Šarić is vast. Valančiūnas filled in well not only behind Domantas Sabonis last season, but was able to step into the starting center spot when Sabonis went down with an injury late in the season.

Now heading into this upcoming season, one of the Kings biggest question marks is at the backup center position. Šarić is the most proven option, but his best days seem like they are behind him.

The Kings also have young big Isaac Jones, rookie Maxime Raynaud, and veteran Drew Eubanks as options. Between those four, none stand out as guaranteed contributors.

The saving grace in trading away Valančiūnas though, is that there is now a clear avenue for Jones and Raynaud to get into the rotation. Sacramento isn't projected to do much in the daunting Western Conference, so giving time to their young bigs seems like one of the best things that can happen this offseason as they build towards the future.

Hollinger went on to criticize the Kings in how they are stuck in limbo with the roster as is, and point out how quickly they reverted to their old ways after a brief moment of success under Mike Brown.

"However, more than anything, the process from February to July highlights how the Kings muddle along, moving in fits and starts from one plan to another and from one front office to another, burning assets along the way. The relative normalcy of the Mike Brown era was all too brief."

Sacramento is entering the upcoming season in the dreaded middle zone of the standings. They are good enough to win games and compete on a night to night basis, but likely not good enough to compete for a true playoff spot or make a run in the postseason.

And for many, this move only accentuates that feeling as the Kings downgraded from one of the best backup centers in the league to a big question mark of who is going to back up Sabonis.