Promising. That's the best way to describe Hector's rookie season. The expectations were low, but it is one of the steals in every draft (or not).
A draft steal is a good move made by a franchise. Every year, teams have a sharp noses and make good deals with three pieces of string and a roll of tape. In each NBA Draft, the best players are supposed to be chosen first. But it only sometimes happens like that. Some up-and-coming players can sometimes "slip" at the end of the first round or even in the second round of a draft for various reasons.
Hector needs to be an available prospect who fits this definition. Scheduled at the end of the first round, the Kings had the flair and the audacity to dare the selected pick 16.
Hector shot an average of 58.5 percent from the field and 74.6 from the free throw league. He is by far the best rebounder among rookies, with 7.62 rebounds and the one with the most blocks, with 1.76 per game on average. He is also tied for first with Mathysse Thybulle in robbing among rookies, with an average of 1.4 and 2.3 assists per game. He also led all recruits with an efficiency rating of 22.6.
Hector did not win the NBA Rookie of the Year award due to a combination of factors, including the Kings' overall record. But he undoubtedly deserves his place on the NBA All-Rookie team, given his defensive impact. In addition, the play and opportunities of other top recruits, Ja Morant, Kendrick Nunn, and Zion Williamson, have had a more significant impact on their teams than he has.
The only factor that needs to attract more attention is his personality. How can you not love this guy? The way he manages and interacts with the media, before and after the game, from the team's point of view, is excellent. Say that he is only 19 years old; his level of maturity is impressive for them. He has lived twice, but he will never say it at the risk of being captured by not very social scientists.
It would be very easy for someone accustomed to winning to react more negatively to a team in conflict without a clear direction. He did not. He understands the context of the situation and will look to strengthen next season. The rest is not his responsibility.
Another part of his overall game that stands out is his movement. The way he was able to run on the ground, place screens, and move without the ball impresses for a seven-footer. One speaks of an old 3&D. If he did not know how to do this, his career would never have happened.
This season has offered fans many exciting moments, from blocks, alley-oops, and floats to fade in. Hector has shown and will try to confirm the promises this season.
10.7 points, 7.62 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks average.
While the spotlight is on Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, we see potential. Still, no one could have foreseen that this person would make his reputation become the cornerstone of an NBA championship team over time.
In total darkness, the Kings reorganize and come to the GM. They entered the season with the current longest NBA playoff appearance drought at 14 seasons, last qualifying in 2006. On August 14, Patrick Willis resigned from his position as general manager. Monte McNair was named his replacement on September 17, who will fabricate the revolt of the unloved of California, the former assistant GM of the Houston Rockets and now GM of the Kings, Monte McNair. And he will have work to do to put this franchise in order.
Bogdanovic's departure to Atlanta will hurt offensively, and both centers Alex Len and Harry Gilles have also jumped ship. Alex went to the Raptors, and Gilles to the Blazers. The interior sector was reshaped with the arrivals of Frank Kaminsky, Chimezie Metu, and Hassan Whiteside. To finish free agency, Glenn Robinson II came from Philadelphia.
The first vital decision will be made in the draft. Marvin Bagley was traded to the Pistons in a three-way trade with the Pacers. The Pistons got Bagley from the Kings and Cleveland's 1st round pick in 2023. The Pacers went down to get the Kings' 12th pick to select Tyrese Haliburton and received two 2nd-round picks of 2026 from the Pistons. The Kings host Jeremy Lamb, Sekou Doumbouya, and Boston's first-round pick in 2023.
The Kings got two players out of contract next summer, the Pacers the player they wanted, and the Pistons a promising player and a 1st round pick. Everyone is happy.
(PS: This is how the rookie season ends. Regarding the sophomore season, there will be a few match events (not sure), and will be shorter. As I've said, the real things will start in the third season. If you want to visualize what Hector will be like later, imagine Kirilenko measuring 2m18, the same size as Bol Bol in reference, with Drummond's rebounding ability. There's something to be excited about, isn't it?)