National Basketball Association

Sacramento Kings: Best Defensive Lineup

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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A Royal Pain has begun a new series where we analyze the best lineups in certain situations for the Sacramento Kings. This article will discuss which five players on the roster would make up the best defensive lineup.

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Scenario

With seconds left in the final quarter, the Kings lead by one point. With their opponents due to having the last offensive possession, the Kings would need a defensive stop to clinch the victory. Who should Dave Joerger call upon to get the job done?

Garrett Temple (PG)

Although Garrett Temple isn’t a pure point guard, he has had some experience as a facilitator. The Sacramento Kings signed Temple this summer because of his ability to lead and play defense. The Kings’ perimeter defense was horrid last season, and Temple should be able to improve it with his presence. There is a reason why Temple is getting paid around $8 million annually. If the Kings are in a situation where creating a stop would seal them the game, Temple should be on the hardwood for Sacramento. He has proven in his last couple of seasons that he will be one of the best defenders on the Kings this season.

Arron Afflalo (SG)

What made Arron Afflalo a nice pickup for the Kings this summer is because he is a player that can excel on both ends of the floor. Afflalo is a good choice to have at two-guard for the Kings’ All-Defensive lineup because he has had enough experience and a good sample size to prove that he is the best defending two (excluding Garrett Temple) that the Kings have.

Rudy Gay (SF)

When people refer to Rudy Gay, they think of him solely as an offensive asset. Although that may be accurate to a degree, I think Gay can be effective as a defender as well. Rudy has the athleticism and the length necessary for him guard well at his position. I believe if the Kings were in a position to clinch the game with a defensive stop, Rudy could rise up to the challenge.

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Willie Cauley-Stein (PF)

Willie Cauley-Stein is one of the better defensive players out of the Kings’ bigs. Physically, he is a freak athlete that is over 7-feet tall, an ideal body for a versatile defender which is what the Kings hope Willie can be one day. In terms of mindset, Cauley-Stein is a player that values defense. So when the game is on the line and his team needs a stop, you can be certain that Trill is going to give it his all on that possession.

DeMarcus Cousins (C)

Similar to Gay, DeMarcus Cousins does most of his damage on the offensive end, but he is still a solid defender. Boogie is also a player that loves to win, and maybe even more, hates to lose. If the Kings are put in a position where the game is determined by one possession, it would be smart to put in a player like Cousins that has the fiery desire to be victorious.

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