National Basketball Association

Sacramento Kings: Shooting Guard Rankings

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

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Dec 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) high fives forward Omri Casspi (18) with forward Rudy Gay (8) during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings have added a few new faces to their roster this season, but where does each player rank within their position?

Today’s article is part of a five-part series where I rank each player on the Sacramento Kings and see where they stand in the depth chart. This article is Part 2, where the position is the two-guard spot. Right now, the Sacramento Kings have Ben McLemore, Arron Afflalo, Garrett Temple, Malachi Richardson, and Lamar Patterson at that position.

With that being said, enjoy this slideshow to see where I ranked these five players, starting from worse to best.

Sep 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Lamar Patterson (13) poses for a photo during media day at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

5) Lamar Patterson

Lamar Patterson showed flashes of his potential with the Atlanta Hawks last season, but it will be tough for him to climb the ladder in the rankings.

The Kings currently have two veteran guards (Afflalo and Temple) and two young guards that have high ceilings (McLemore and Richardson). How Patterson fits into the equation is still a mystery.

It’s curious to see what the Kings will do with Patterson this season. Will he be on the opening night roster? Will he spend some time in the D-League? Will he actually get some solid playing time? The next James Anderson? Time will tell…

Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) drives to the basket against North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the second half in the 2016 NCAA Men

4) Malachi Richardson

Considering that Richardson is a rookie and that the Kings currently have five shooting guards on their roster, it looks like the former Syracuse baller will see limited playing time this season.

Richardson has the potential to be the Kings’ future premier two-guard, but the franchise is looking to win now and probably won’t throw Malachi into the fire just yet.

Richardson still needs to develop, and there is the possibility that he will spend some time this season in the D-League with the Reno Bighorns.

Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

3) Ben McLemore

Ben McLemore is probably the biggest X-factor on the team. His potential screams future All-Star, but his production has said otherwise.

His wildly inconsistent play has been the bane of his NBA tenure so far, but if he is able to figure it out and be reliable for the Kings this season he can make his way up the rankings. On the other hand, if he continues his infrequent ways, he definitely can go down the order.

I foresee Ben continuing to be inconsistent, but not to the degree that he displayed last season. He has a possible chance of fighting Temple for playing time if he starts the season out strong.

Apr 1, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Wizards guard Garrett Temple (17) reacts on the court in the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

2) Garrett Temple

Garrett Temple is a pretty safe choice for the second string two-guard spot. The Kings last season lacked leadership and perimeter defense, and based off Temple’s resume, he fits both bills.

Bottom line, Temple is a smart player that plays hard on both ends of the floor. The Kings need more balance at the two-guard position this season, and Temple’s play should help improve that.

Jan 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Arron Afflalo (4) reacts after making a three-point shot against the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Jazz 118-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

1) Arron Afflalo

Arron Afflalo’s resume gives me confidence that he will be the Kings’ most consistent and productive two-guard this season.

The words consistency and balance come to mind when explaining Afflalo. You have a good idea of what he brings to the table as he is effective on both ends of the court.

He’s not going to be your star player, but Arron has proven in his career that he is a quality starting shooting guard for a team. I don’t see a realistic scenario where another two-guard takes over Arron as the starter unless he faces an injury or suspension (fingers crossed).