Sacramento Kings wing Ben McLemore
Ben McLemore languished under former head coach George Karl in Sacramento, and played with a team that just doesn’t mesh well at all.
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The Kings desperately need outside shooting and McLemore only came into his own as a long-range option late in the season. His offensive game works better as a slasher and rim runner for a higher-pace team. McLemore might fit better with the Chicago Bulls, if the Bulls need to replace Dwyane Wade after his two years are up (or if he leaves sooner).
McLemore is only 23 years old and he can still develop both his offense and defense, but it will be up to the front office if they still think McLemore is worth more than say, Tony Snell, a taller and longer player.
You can’t teach explosive athleticism and being unstoppable on fast breaks. As a slasher, McLemore can play like Butler below the foul line, attacking from the side or run out after the guards pick off passes.
If the Bulls truly want “young and athletic”, a former top draft prospect who can use his strong slashing game in the place of Wade is a good, cheap option in the free agency pool next year. The Bulls already like McLemore and would have completed a trade for Pau Gasol, if not for the Kings hedging on losing the top-10 protection on their lottery pick.
In the video above, McLemore shows his long range, catch-and-shoot game. He may turn around this coming season and be a more consistent piece in the Kings’ system with their new head coach Dave Joerger.