Hodges’ Unsung Heroes – Ray McCallum

The University of Detroit alum has impressed since entering the Kings’ rotation.

Recently, the Sacramento Kings (23-42) made headlines by waiving former first-round draft pick Jimmer Fredette.

The decision to severe ties with Fredette was just one of many roster-altering moves the Kings have made since they were purchased by Indian businessman Vivek Ranadivé last May. Under Ranadivé’s ownership, the Kings extended C DeMarcus Cousins, acquired F Derrick Williams from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and acquired F Rudy Gay in a trade with the Toronto Raptors. At the trade deadline, the Kings acquired G Jason Terry and F Reggie Evans from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for G Marcus Thornton. Lastly, the Kings signed former Pacers G Orlando Johnson after Terry declared that he would spend the remainder of the season rehabbing his knee.

With players coming and going, it has been hard for head coach Michael Malone to find consistency on a regular basis. However, with Fredette’s departure, a spot in the Kings’ rotation has opened up behind starting PG Isaiah Thomas.

Allow me to introduce you to Ray McCallum, my TLM Unsung Hero of the Week.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, the 22-year-old guard was highly recruited coming out of high school. A former McDonalds High School All-American, McCallum decided to play at the University of Detroit, where his father, Ray McCallum, Sr., was the team’s head coach. In his rookie season, McCallum became the first Detroit player to make an all-Horizon League team as a freshman, leading the Titans in points (13.5), assists (4.9), and total steals (54). McCallum continued to improve his game throughout his time at Detroit, earning two consecutive First Team All-Conference honors as well as the Horizon League Player of the Year in 2013.

After three seasons at Detroit, McCallum entered the 2013 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round (36th overall). McCallum impressed in the Summer League, but he has since spent the majority of this season with the Reno Bighorns of the NBA D-League. However, McCallum has played extremely well for the Bighorns, averaging 20.0 points a game on 46.2 percent shooting (39.3 percent from beyond the arc). The young guard has also established his defensive prowess in Reno, averaging 2.0 steals a game.

With the departure of Jimmer Fredette, McCallum has stepped into the void left by the former BYU superstar. He has gotten off to a slow start, but has shot the ball well for the Kings nonetheless (37.5 percent from 3-point land). Recently, McCallum scored a career-high 15 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. Unlike Isaiah Thomas, who is only 5’9″, McCallum (6’3″, 190 pounds) has the ideal size to play the point guard position in the NBA. His ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter allows the Kings to stretch the opposing team’s defense, creating opportunities for his teammates to make high-percentage shots. He is also a solid defender, something the Kings are severely lacking. Nevertheless, there are still areas in which the young guard can improve. He has yet to demonstrate the ability to penetrate on a consistent basis and collapse the defense, but most rookies become more aggressive as they become more accustomed to the league. He also must improve his free-throw percentage, which currently sits at 67.9 percent with the Bighorns.

Thomas is set to become a free agent after this season and the Kings seem hesitant to commit to him long term. If McCallum continues to develop his game he may find himself with a much larger role next year.