The Kings now have a record 22 wins and 31 losses following the win over the Knicks. The team has shown more on the field since Pat Ewing was appointed. Despite the injuries, it is evident that a new speech in the dressing room has done the players well.
But the results are still a roller coaster. The problem with coaches who take a team in the middle of the season is that you have to do better with everything as much. The requirements of Gentry and Ewing are different. Fortunately, Hector is stable and even progressing under Ewing, but this is only the case for some.
When there are trade rumors, we don't know if the players take them seriously, but the agents must. This is the case of Buddy Hield and his agents. According to Ewing, he is an essential player on the team who can catch fire instantly but needs to be more consistent. Hield has been informed that he will be exchanged.
The Kings beat the Nets on Feb. 3. Hector didn't have an abusive game like he did against the Knicks but always got the job done with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. But the next day, they lost to the Warriors. Rookie Davion Mitchell was hot with 36 points, but Curry and Wiggins made the big play to beat the Kings with 30 points each.
But for the Kings, it's time for joy. The coaches selected Hector as an alternate for the All-Star Game. The third-year King is going to make his first All-Star appearance. He also became the first Kings player named to an All-Star roster since Demarcus Cousins.
Western Conference All-Stars are LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Ja Morant (Memphis), Nikola Jokić (Denver), Andrew Wiggins (Golden State), Stephen Curry (Golden State), Devin Booker (Phoenix), Luka Doncic (Dallas), Rudy Gobert (Utah), Hector Herrera (Sacramento), Donovan Mitchell (Utah), Chris Paul (Phoenix), Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota).
The Eastern Conference All-Stars: Kevin Durant (Brooklyn), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia), Trae Young (Atlanta), DeMar DeRozan (Chicago), Jimmy Butler (Miami), Darius Garland (Cleveland), Zach Lavine (Chicago), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee), James Harden (Brooklyn), Jayson Tatum (Boston), Fred VanVleet (Toronto), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte – injury replacement).
But on February 10, rumors were confirmed Buddy Hield was sent to Indiana. They receive T.J. Warren, who is injured until the end of the season, Justin Holiday, and Jeremy Lamb. A second round of 2025 is in the lot. Hield and Tristan Thompson make the opposing path.
This signature frees up the payroll for 2023. The objective is obvious, to sign the extension of Hector's contract as soon as possible. The players in the 2019 Draft are already at a turning point in their young careers. What for? Because they will be eligible this summer for a first contract extension.
In full explosion and justly rewarded with an invitation to the All-Star Game and a MIP title, the Kings Center will be offered a juicy contract at the beginning of July. Sacramento has found its new face and did not intend to leave the slightest doubt about its intentions toward the local talent.
We start on max from max, which could still climb depending on the achievements to come off the Mexican. By inviting himself back into an All-NBA Team or going for the MVP, Hector could unlock bonuses that would increase his deal to 223 million.
Only Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Darius Garland will likely have the same contract. Even if Hector is the only one who has yet to make the playoffs, no one can hand over his qualifications for such a contract: constant progression, elite defender, and exemplary behavior.
The center is locked, especially since the new CBA will arrive in 2023. It would be foolish not to put money on it and not have any more problems for the next five seasons. With the increase in the salary cap, Monte McNair has enough room to build a team around him.
Yes, for Monte McNair, as Ewing said, Hector must be the heart of the project to bring the Kings back to life. It alone is not transferable.