Former Marshall center Hassan Whiteside is looking at a crowded front court with the Sacramento Kings.
Besides Whiteside the Kings selected Kentucky center Demarcus Cousins with the 5th overall pick. As the 5th pick expect the Kings to give Cousins every opportunity to start right away. Sacramento also acquired veteran big man Samuel Dalembert from Philadelphia before the draft. Much like Whiteside, Dalembert is known as a defensive presence. During his seven year NBA career Dalembert has averaged over 8 points and 8 rebounds per game while almost averaging 2 blocks.
The Kings also have a number of big men from last years roster. Second year pro Jason Thompson started for Sacramento at center last season, he average 12 points, 8.5 rebounds, and one blocked shot per game. At the power forward position Sacramento started former Purdue Boilermaker Carl Landry. At 6 feet 9 inches Landry averaged almost 17 points and 6 rebounds per game in 09 – 10. Besides those two the Kings carried four more big men on last years roster including Omir Casspi (averaged over 25 minutes per game, former 1st round pick), Sean May (8.9 minutes per game), Spencer Hawes (over 26 minutes per game), and John Brockman (12.6 minutes per game).
With the addition of Cousins, Dalembert, and Whiteside every Sacramento forward from last season will not be returning but, Whiteside still faces an uphill battle for a roster spot, much less playing time. Second round draft picks do not receive guaranteed contracts and can be signed to 1 – 5 years deals for as little as $400,000 per season.
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