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Alex Karaban isn't a star; he's a role player, and that played a part in his Summer League struggles before rounding into form for the Sacramento Kings.
Karaban scored seven points in his first three games, including a 0-point performance in the Las Vegas Summer League opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. He shot an abysmal 1-9 from three, which was his strength in college (37.4% for his career).
Sacramento's 29th overall pick bounced back in the final two games with 21 points against the Boston Celtics and 14 points against the Charlotte Hornets. He thrived without fellow rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and second-year teammates.
Those performances are a promising sign for his growth. On nights when the team is dealing with injuries or a back-to-back, Karaban can be relied on to be more involved in the offense.
It raises a question about whether he'll play better with his NBA teammates. Karaban took a couple of games to adjust, but even during his struggles, his basketball IQ shined.
Akis Yercostas, editor for The Kings Herald, highlighted his spatial awareness and how he played within the flow of the offense on "The Drive Guys" with Kevin Gleason and Allen Stiles. Role players' performances fluctuate because they aren't the primary offensive creators; they are the connectors.
The former UConn Husky will be tasked to play defense and catch-and-shoot threes. He grabbed eight rebounds (four defensive) against Boston and shot 46.7% from three in the last two games.
Sacramento needs that kind of skill set next to Acuff, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Those three, given the veterans are healthy, will break defenses down with their rim penetration and playmaking.
If Karaban is asked to do anything beyond that, then he'll struggle, like he did throughout the summer. He'll grow throughout the regular season, as he logs more minutes with his teammates.
The 6-foot-8 forward has a championship pedigree, and he's bringing that to Sacramento. At UConn, he posted a 116-24 record with two national championships playing within coach Dan Hurley's system.
His storied career as a Husky has helped prepare him for the NBA. The Kings, who may need to worry about draft relegation, have an older, experienced rookie who could contribute immediately.
Yercostas said he wouldn't have traded assets with the Cleveland Cavaliers to move up in the draft for Karaban. Many mock drafts projected him as an early-second-round selection, so general manager Scott Perry could've waited, but pulled the trigger early.
Perry paired Acuff with experience, as Sacramento prioritizes his development during its rebuild.
Karaban's true value will unveil itself alongside better players. His hustle, IQ and off-ball movement are the makings of a valuable role player.
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Karaban scored seven points in his first three games, including a 0-point performance in the Las Vegas Summer League opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. He shot an abysmal 1-9 from three, which was his strength in college (37.4% for his career).
Sacramento's 29th overall pick bounced back in the final two games with 21 points against the Boston Celtics and 14 points against the Charlotte Hornets. He thrived without fellow rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and second-year teammates.
Those performances are a promising sign for his growth. On nights when the team is dealing with injuries or a back-to-back, Karaban can be relied on to be more involved in the offense.
It raises a question about whether he'll play better with his NBA teammates. Karaban took a couple of games to adjust, but even during his struggles, his basketball IQ shined.
Akis Yercostas, editor for The Kings Herald, highlighted his spatial awareness and how he played within the flow of the offense on "The Drive Guys" with Kevin Gleason and Allen Stiles. Role players' performances fluctuate because they aren't the primary offensive creators; they are the connectors.
The former UConn Husky will be tasked to play defense and catch-and-shoot threes. He grabbed eight rebounds (four defensive) against Boston and shot 46.7% from three in the last two games.
Sacramento needs that kind of skill set next to Acuff, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Those three, given the veterans are healthy, will break defenses down with their rim penetration and playmaking.
If Karaban is asked to do anything beyond that, then he'll struggle, like he did throughout the summer. He'll grow throughout the regular season, as he logs more minutes with his teammates.
The 6-foot-8 forward has a championship pedigree, and he's bringing that to Sacramento. At UConn, he posted a 116-24 record with two national championships playing within coach Dan Hurley's system.
His storied career as a Husky has helped prepare him for the NBA. The Kings, who may need to worry about draft relegation, have an older, experienced rookie who could contribute immediately.
Yercostas said he wouldn't have traded assets with the Cleveland Cavaliers to move up in the draft for Karaban. Many mock drafts projected him as an early-second-round selection, so general manager Scott Perry could've waited, but pulled the trigger early.
Perry paired Acuff with experience, as Sacramento prioritizes his development during its rebuild.
Karaban's true value will unveil itself alongside better players. His hustle, IQ and off-ball movement are the makings of a valuable role player.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
