The Sacramento Kings were confident they were the frontrunners to sign forward/center Andrea Bargnani in free agency. In fact, several reports indicated the deal would be complete on Saturday night. However, the Brooklyn Nets managed to steal him away at the last second. The good news for Sacramento is Brooklyn inking Bargnani to a deal could very well be a blessing in disguise.

Despite the Kings offering more money, Bargnani decided a two-year deal with the Nets was the better opportunity for him. Considering the second year is a player option, he could very well be right depending on how he produces next season. It also is a good deal for Brooklyn. The Nets needed a big man with a perimeter game, which is exactly what Bargnani brings to the table. Plus, he will provide a veteran presence as a backup for center Brook Lopez.

Even though the Kings wanted someone to stretch the defense, missing out on Bargnani is not something they should lose sleep over. He is incredibly injury prone, as evidence of appearing in just 71 of a possible 164 games for the New York Knicks the past two seasons. That includes only playing in 29 games in 2014-15. And, he does not play a lick of defense. It is not as if he fails to do some parts well on defense, it is more that he is considered a major liability. Clearly, not something the Kings should want on their roster.

It is true that Bargnani’s 14.8 points per game on 45.4 percent shooting in limited action last season indicates he can still be successful. But, the truth is scoring is really the only attribute he will showcase. The Kings need someone who can not only score, but also rebound and play defense at a high level. Unfortunately, Bargnani has proven to be incapable of doing both.

It is certainly disappointing losing out on a player they were convinced they were going to sign, but Sacramento clearly emerged as a winner by not signing Bargnani.