Kings have gone from a dearth at center to a three-headed hydra headed by Holmes

Coming into the season, one of Sacramento’s biggest offseason priorities was shoring up the center position. Willie Cauley-Stein had run his course in Sacramento and both parties were looking to go their separate ways. The Kings threw big money at Dewayne Dedmon and also added Richaun Holmes. In doing so, they hoped they acquired the rim protection and depth they lacked last season.

While the initial strategy didn’t pan out, the Kings have finally seemed to fix their depth problems with a three-headed hydra in the middle.

Holmes is finally healthy and back in the lineup after missing 25 games with a shoulder injury. Until that injury, he was the team’s most surprising, consistent and effective player. Brought in to be an energizing backup, Holmes has provided the type of rim running and rim protection the Kings have sought for years, with the team’s only regret likely being that they didn’t sign him for longer than two years. The fact that the Kings were able to play so well despite his recent absence should bode well now that he’s healthy and hopefully fresh for the stretch run.

The trade of Dedmon brought back Alex Len, who has made more of an impact in nine games than Dedmon did in 34. When the news first broke about the Dedmon trade, much of the focus was on the Kings’ acquisition of Jabari Parker, the flashier name and former No. 2 pick. But it has been Len providing the most impact, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots at a career-high rate. According to NBA.com, in his short stint with the Kings, Len is allowing players he guards to shoot just 26.9 percent. He’s also rebounding at a team-high rate.

And Harry Giles, who was forced to play center out of necessity due to all the injuries, has finally started to come into his own. In his 17 games as the Kings’ starting center, he’s averaging 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field. His ability to make plays for others out of the high post adds a different dimension to the Kings offense.

All of these guys need to play, and how coach Luke Walton splits their minutes will be an important decision. Against Portland on Saturday, which was Holmes’ first game back, Len was the odd man out, playing just 10 minutes while Holmes played 19 and Giles played 18. The next day against Toronto once again saw Holmes at 19 with Giles and Len both around 14 minutes.

Going forward, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Holmes return to the starting lineup now that he has a couple of games back in the lineup. The starting unit has needed a little burst of energy and Holmes can provide that. He likely will see the majority of the minutes in any game barring injury or foul trouble. Len and Giles will likely be used more situationally depending on whether the Kings need more size and defense or more offense. It’s a good problem to have and hopefully Sacramento’s depth there provides a unique advantage as they chase the No. 8 playoff spot.