Progress visible to the naked eye and a victory in the Slam Dunk Contest. 14.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks. That's the average production of Hector during his sophomore season.
People realize Hector's potential as the season progresses. The flashes seen during his rookie season became more consistent, and after the All-Star break, he never played games below 11 rebounds. He is second in total rebounds on the season with 937 rebounds. Only Rudy Gobert does better with his 960.
He is fourth on average, with Jonas Valanciunas at 12.5, Gobert at 13.5, and Clint Capela at 14.3.
He is the best stealer, 149 steals and averaging 2.1 per game. He is far ahead of T.J. McConnell of the Pacers and has the same average as Jimmy Butler, who played only 52 games, far from Hector's 71, who played every game of the season.
He is sixth overall in the 2020-21 regular season with 120 blocks and seventh average.
Sophomore or not, it's remarkable. It is the only one to have made the top 10 in these,e two categories. Excluding the collective performance, Hector's season is what we expect from a second year. Exemplary in training, friendly in everyday life, and voluntary on the field, he silenced Whiteside with facts and is a vital element in the squad.
It's no exaggeration to say he's considered one of the future best big men, along with Jarrett Allen. We're waiting to see how he evolves. Hector is an efficient player, making few turnovers. He has to take care of his foul problems, and once all this is erased, he is sure he is a future elite defender. Anyway, we already have one. His statistics show it, but how do you evaluate the best defender on a bad team? That prevented Hector from making an All-NBA Team that would have been fully deserved.
But he became recognized by his peers and by specialists. A journey that impressed Harrison Barnes, who was able to see his evolution since last year, in addition to pulling the group up with his behavior.
"It's just a pleasure to be by his side. Not only is he a fabulous player, but he's an even better person. We joke about it in the room, wondering if Hector has had bad days. He laughs, he smiles, he shouts. " said Harrison Barnes.
For De'Aaron Fox, his young teammate can aim very, very high: "I think we found an All-Star over time," he bluntly dropped on the potential of his comrade.
For Alvin Gentry, he highlights his hard-working aspect: "The kid is so talented, he goes so fast, on both ends of the court, he can shoot at a great level and play without the ball. And he continues to work as if he came out of a university. It's just that he's working, and I think it will be another big summer for him. I can't wait to see where it can take us because when he has the ball in his hands, we can do many things... »
On May 13, 2021, the franchise officially defaulted for a playoff berth for the 15th consecutive season, tying the record for the longest non-playoff streak in league history with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Kings had a terrible campaign last season, finishing 12th in the NBA Western Conference with a 31-41 record. Coach Luke Wharton was fired, and De'Aaron Fox led the team in points (25.2) and assists (7.2) last campaign.
The Sacramento Kings have won 39 games in an NBA regular season since 2006. So there will be pressure on the team to improve on their previous season's record of 31-41.
The Kings will fancy their chances of a good run if injuries do not plague their roster. Although coach Alvin Gentry isn't considered a highly-rated tactician, the team has good chemistry. If they stay fit, the Kings could have a better campaign than 2020-21.
In the 2021 NBA Draft, the Kings selected Davion Mitchell of Baylor University with the ninth pick and Neemias Queta with the thirty-ninth pick. Richaun Holmes, Terence Davis, and Moe Harkless signed a contract. Alex Len is also back to Hector's pleasure.
In the hanger Justin James who arrived at the same time as Hector and Hassan Whiteside, left for Utah during the free agency. Monte McNair seeing that he could do nothing with the Fox–Hield axis, decided to turn the page and put the Kings back on track. Kyle Guy also decided to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. And especially Buddy Hield is on the rumors of transactions but nothing concrete.
McNair took precautions and used his chips to return the Kings to the top. He dialed a number and spoke, "I'd like to sign a confidentiality agreement with you. If Alvin Gentry leaves, you are my first option to replace him. Feel free from your contract so you don't have any complications, and be ready."
Repeating last season's performances would be devastating for this young team. With this uncertainty, the Kings will have to start their season.
(PS: THIS IS HOW THE FIRST VOLUME ENDS. PLEASE LEAVES YOUR REVIEWS ON THE BOOK SO FAR, okay? THE NEXT VOLUME WILL BE CALLED "THE MISTAKE GROWTH TO ERROR" IT'S TIME TO START THE SERIOUS THINGS.)