The Oklahoma City Thunder are the well-deserving champions of the NBA, and there is much to like about this team. Without question they play a high tempo, energetic defense, and that same energy resonates throughout the entire team.

Their starting five are a good group, but the Thunder would never have hoisted the Larry Obrien trophy had it not been for their amazing bench.

As we turn our attention to the hometown Kings, I'll stack up our starting five against anyone in the league, but the real question mark is the Sacramento Kings bench.

I'm still in shock that new G.M. Scott Perry did not value what he had in Jonas Valanciunas, who in my humble opinion represented the best backup center in the NBA. A more than capable starting center, Valanciunas publicly stated that he was content to do whatever the team asked of him, and that he would happily back up Domantas Sabonis and be proud to do so.

Great player with a team spirit, and yet the short-sighted Kings turned a blind eye and let him walk out the door. Mistake, oh yes it was a herculean mistake, so now the Kings will be rolling the dice with a combination of Drew Eubanks, Darion Saric, and rookie Maxime Raynaud. Only time will tell if Scott Perry made the right decision, but the question remains, who will comprise the primary players from the bench starting the season.

The Kings waived little used Terence Davis last week, opening a roster spot — though the hope that Russell Westbrook would fill it ended when Westbrook announced his retirement a few weeks back.

Westbrook has been much traveled, and his on-court presence would have been a real difference maker for the Kings. Russell walked away in the twilight of a hall of fame career, and the NBA's all-time leader in triple doubles will be missed around the league.

More importantly, the Kings will now have to look elsewhere for the veteran bench presence Westbrook would have provided.

Unfortunately, like Jonas Valanciunas, Trey Lyles is no longer with the team, so the forward position for the Kings remains their weakest spot. A glaring week spot for the Kings since the days of Chris Webber, Sacramento needs to consummate a trade and work with the youngsters that are already on the roster.

In my opinion that means it's time to pay some real attention to Issac Jones. This athletic big man needs to get his share of minutes every game and becomes a consistent player that can be counted on night in and night out.

Jones is a late bloomer, entering high school at 5'5" and graduating at 6'4". He played for Wenatchee Valley College for 3 years before transferring to Idaho, and eventually to division one Washington State, where he averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game.

Going undrafted in the 2024 draft, the Kings offered Jones a 2-way contract which has since been converted to a standard NBA contract.

Isaac is signed only through the upcoming season and will become a free agent in 2026 if the Kings don't offer him an extension.

Jones had an opportunity to strut his stuff in the NBA summer league and acquitted himself admirably. At 6'9" and with an undeniable degree of athleticism jones has a nice touch for a big man around the rim and is a capable shot blocker that looks to be a nice compliment to Domantas Sabonis.

Without question Jones can help Sabonis on the boards, and he loves to dunk the basketball. I can see a of offensive rebounds turning into two points for the Kings if Jones gets his hands on the ball.

The question of Isaac Jones and how good he can be, will be an ongoing debate until Doug Christie makes a commitment to playing him on a regular basis, and for Jones's sake and fans alike, I hope this season is when it happens!

Yes, Kings fans, the Westbrook option is off the table now that he's retired, but don't give up on the possibility that Jonathan Kuminga may join the Kings family instead.

Blink, and the preseason will be here, so it's time to get excited Kings fans. Say your prayers and buy your tickets, because with just a little luck, this season could surprise you!

All the best!

V.G. Harris