2 Kings Who Can Steal Starting Spot From Harrison Barnes

After Monday's historic win over the Brooklyn Nets, the Sacramento Kings leaped back into first place in the Pacific Division. The Kings sit at 13-8 after winning 11 of their last 15 games but have a tough divisional road matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.

The Kings, despite a hot start to the season, have had one glaring concern within the lineup. Veteran F Harrison Barnes is having his worst season since moving to Sacramento, and Kings fans are calling for a roster upgrade. Many believe upgrading the starting lineup is the only option for the Kings to compete for a title.

Sacramento has proven they can compete with any team in the league, but how long can they keep up with the current lineup? Do moves need to be made?

While a trade might be the best option to build a big four next to De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray, the Kings could have their starting forward upgrade already on the roster.

There are two in-house options that the Kings can turn to if Barnes' woes continue: Trey Lyles and Sasha Vezenkov.

Lyles missed the first 13 games of the season due to injury but has returned to action with multiple impressive performances. In Monday's win over the Nets, Lyles contributed 17 points on 5-6 shooting from deep, along with six rebounds.

Statistically, Lyles is not an upgrade over Barnes, but he is a better fit within the Kings' starting lineup. Lyles, 28, is a more effective rebounder while providing better spacing for Fox.

Fox and Lyles are one of the most efficient duos on the team. When on the court together, they score 124.9 points per 100 possessions while giving up just 103.4 points per 100 possessions. Letting Lyles play significant minutes with the starting group would amplify his game.

While Lyles is the clear-cut best option for the starting group, Vezenkov makes a solid case to steal the spot from either Barnes or Lyles.

Vezenkov, the 28-year-old rookie, could have the highest basketball IQ on the team after spending 12 seasons playing in Europe. Despite being praised as one of the best shooters in the world heading into the season, his shot-making ability has not been the most impressive part of his game.

Vezenkov has been streaky to start his NBA career, but the more he plays, the more comfortable he looks. As he continues to improve defensively, Vezenkov can spend more time on the court, gaining valuable experience. Vezenkov is turning into a two-way threat that always seems to be in the right spot on the floor.

Neither Vezenkov nor Lyles are significant upgrades over Barnes, but they might fit better in the starting lineup. While it is difficult for HC Mike Brown to make lineup changes when the team continues to win, are the Kings contenders with Barnes starting?

Barnes, 31, seems to be regressing, and until he proves the Kings wrong, it could be time for a change.

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