Mike Bibby on why the DeMar DeRozan move will help the Kings

Aug 16, 2024, 8:10 AM | Updated: 8:35 am

Former Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby and curent forward DeMar DeRozan....

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Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Now that the 2024-25 NBA schedule has been released, Sacramento Kings fans can mark their calendars for when they’ll finally be able to see DeMar DeRozan take the floor for the Beam Team.

Kings legend Mike Bibby stopped by The Drive Guys this week to discuss why he feels the move to bring DeRozan to Sacramento will help alleviate some pressure on the roster, break down what makes the six-time All-Star a game-changer, and much more.

Plus, Bibby shares his thoughts on who belongs on Sactown Sports’ 40-best Kings list as we celebrate 40 seasons of Sacramento Kings basketball.

You can watch the entire Mike Bibby interview on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube page.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More on Kings forward DeMar DeRozan

The Kings and DeRozan came to an agreement on a three-year, $76 million deal (third year is partially guaranteed at $10 million) on July 8th.

DeRozan has been one of the NBA’s top scorers over the past decade, averaging 23.5 points per game since the start of the 2013-14 season. The 6’6 wing is coming off an impressive 2023-24 campaign that saw him average 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 48/33/85 shooting splits.

The veteran is a gifted scorer in the mid-range, knocking down nearly 50 percent of his jumpers from 10-to-16 feet. DeRozan is also reliable in crunch time, posting top-three finishes in Clutch Player of the Year voting over the past two seasons.

Getting to the foul line is an art form for DeRozan, as the newest member of the Kings ranked second among all NBA leaders in made free throws, third in attempts, and fifth in attempts per game (7.7).

DeRozan is one of 15 NBA players to average 25+ points and 5+ assists per game over the past three seasons–joining potential future teammate De’Aaron Fox–while ranking fifth in Win Shares among the talented group.

Adding DeRozan’s scoring and playmaking abilities to Sacramento’s core is a clear upgrade for a roster that has been in need of a facelift.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

Now that we know when the Kings will suit up for their season-opener, we can look forward to October 24th for the Beam Team’s season-opening matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Training camps will begin at the end of September, meaning there could still be a move or two up general manager Monte McNair’s sleeve to round out Sacramento’s roster before players report to Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Sacramento Kings news on player signings, trades, game recaps, and more for the upcoming season.