Brett Davis-USA TODAY
The Sacramento Kings should consider keeping John Salmons for next season, but not as a starter. By coming off the bench, Salmons might be able to rivalitalize an 11-year career that’s gone downhill in the past two NBA seasons.
As a starter, Salmons might think he has to do too much. When he comes off the bench, the pressure won’t be as intense.
For the 2012-13 season, Salmons started 72 of 76 games and averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds a game He got his scoring average up from 2011-12 when, his first season back with the team, he only averaged 7.5 points per game.
Salmons, prior to last season, had eight straight seasons when he averaged in double figures. For the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2009-10 season, he was at 19.9 points per game, the highest of his career. His minutes were usually around 37 per game in those days.
His scoring average was down in recent seasons and it could simply be Salmons’ age which is now 33, has caught up to him. He adds plenty of value to the team but he had too many off nights last season. The Kings have to figure out how to use him more effectively so he can deliver more consistently. They’ve got some good young talent but still need veterans like Salmons who can be depended upon to give the team quality minutes at key times.
If the team moves to Seattle, Salmons can also be a steady force for the franchise during a period of transition. If the team stays in Sacramento, it’s always nice to have a familiar face coming from off the bench.
