Last season, the Kings had relied heavily on DeMarcus Cousins for this role. Cousins had been a reliable go-to scorer, with CJ and Gay able to contribute in crunch time as well. But since trading Cousins, the dynamic had changed. Rudy Gay's abilities, while still strong, had inevitably declined, and even though Jokic had grown tremendously, the team's overall firepower wasn't as potent.
Jake sighed, watching the play unfold. He knew the limitations of the current roster, and he had been unable to address them fully. The Kings' tactical brilliance would serve them well in the regular season, but the playoffs were a different game. Without a dominant closer, their resilience would be tested. But for now, the fans were captivated by the artistry on the court, and so was Jake.
Finding an All-Star could indeed elevate the Kings' ability to make crucial plays in tight situations. Jake had seriously considered this path before. But what about the potential trade-offs? Basketball isn't just about adding stars; it's a delicate balance, and bringing in an All-Star would mean sacrificing some of the young players' roles and development. Jake knew the immense potential of the young talent on the team. Delaying even one season of their growth could lead to incalculable setbacks for both the players and the team as a whole.
This thought led Jake to reflect on his decision to trade Cousins. With Cousins on the team, Jokic's growth would have remained limited, relying on a slower, incremental development. It reminded Jake of other talented players who only reached their potential after their rookie contracts, held back by limited roles. The Kings needed immediate growth to contend now, not years from now.
As Jake mulled over these thoughts, his attention was drawn back to the game. A young player in a purple No. 13 jersey took advantage of a Jokic screen and launched a shot from beyond the arc. "Swish!" The ball sailed smoothly through the net.
"Good shot!" Miller, a fellow coach, admired. "It's impressive to see a rookie that decisive and confident."
Jake's gaze followed Devin Booker, who roared in celebration and ran back to defend. Booker had shown exceptional offensive talent in summer training, enough that Coach Malone and Chip had dedicated extra hours to honing his skills. Watching Booker, Jake couldn't help but wonder if he should consider making him a central part of the team's strategy sooner than planned. If Booker could mature faster, he could be the game-changer the Kings needed, adding that much-needed "hard solution" player alongside Jokic.
On the Raptors' next possession, DeRozan took control of the ball at the top of the arc, calling for a double pick-and-roll. Patrick Patterson and Bismack Biyombo set high screens, creating a clear shooting lane for DeRozan. Known for his classic forward play, DeRozan expertly navigated the screens and found himself facing Booker. Recognizing DeRozan's sweet spot, Booker went to defend him closely. But DeRozan, always one step ahead, lowered his shoulder and created a small space, then effortlessly turned and released a perfectly executed jump shot from mid-range. The ball went straight through the hoop.
"Tsk! So smooth," Jake muttered, admiring DeRozan's ease with the mid-range shot, as if it were second nature. He couldn't help but envy that skill. In an era less dominated by the three-point shot, DeRozan's game would have shone even brighter, a talent unfortunately ahead of its time.
The game ended with the Kings pulling off another home victory, 102–94. But Jake's mind was already racing. Could Booker be nurtured into that indispensable scorer, that hard solution player who could elevate the team in critical moments? Watching his team's triumph and promise on the court, Jake knew they were closer than ever to something truly special.