Kings Advance in NBA Summer League

By: Morgan Ragan

The Sacramento Kings defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-86 Thursday in the Las Vegas Summer League Tournament to advance onto the quarterfinals.

Although you shouldn't assume and evaluate too much after each of these NBA Summer League games, there have been a few players on the Kings that you can tell are playing every game like they are fighting for a spot on this roster.

One of those players is 6-10 Eric Moreland. The lengthy forward has been grabbing rebounds and hustling after every loose ball. He has struggled offensively but puts forth the defensive energy and effort the Kings need on that end of the floor.

Rookie draft pick Nik Stauskas has been consistent during Summer league and is quickly proving his worth on the court. He's moved the ball around and goes to the rim with authority. He has a lot of work to do defensively but has shown the ability to have an impact on offense even when he's not scoring. Stauskas finished with five assists in the win on Thursday.

"If you understand the game and have a high IQ for it, you will be able to think your way through the game and I believe that's what I've done so far at this level," Stauskas said after practice on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

Derrick Williams was not at the game on Thursday afternoon and with all the Josh Smith rumors circulating people want answers. According to the Sacramento Bee, Michael Malone said he planned all along for Williams to play only three summer league games.