A wise man once described him as one of the Kings’ most important defenders. That wise man has the sixth most wins in NBA history, and is about to surpass Phil Jackson to get into the top five.
The player he is referring to is Kings’ center, Kosta Koufos.
Although Koufos is in his first season donning purple and black, it isn’t his first time playing for head coach, George Karl.
The two first teamed up in Denver when Koufos was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade. They would have two full seasons together in the mile-high city, and would go 95-53 during that time (Basketball-Reference.com).
In two seasons in Denver, the Nuggets would rank third and fifth offensively in the NBA respectively. In his two subsequent seasons in Memphis, the Grizzlies would rank seventh and fourth in the league on defense (ESPN.com).
It comes as no surprise, that Koufos’ own performances echo that of his teams’.
In his first full season with the Nuggets, Koufos posted his second-highest offensive rating at 120 points per 100 possesions. The following season, he would post a career-high 122.
Sans Karl, Koufos would see his offensive rating drop to just 106 and 103 in his two seasons in Memphis. However, both would be career-bests in defensive rating as he would give up only 101 points per 100 possessions in 2013/14, and then break the double-digit threshold last season at an impressive 99.
In short, Koufos can fill whichever role a team needs and he understands how important his skill set is for NBA teams.
“The NBA is a business,” Koufos said. “And for me, it’s an opportunity to help this team win games by doing the little things.”
In the offseason, that business brought him to the Sacramento Kings where he reunited with Karl.
Predictably, his offensive rating has since shot back up to 116 while his defensive rating has fallen a bit, giving up 105.
While in Denver, Koufos managed efficiency ratings of 17.3 and 17.2 respectively. Since joining the Kings, that number has returned to be 17.1. Those numbers are the three highest of his eight-year career.
The common thread between those three seasons?
George Karl.
And Karl knows the importance of having a player like Koufos who understands the value of playing solid defense and being a consummate professional.
“Tremendous. He’s one of our best defenders. One of our most important defenders,” Karl said. “He understands his role, probably as well as anybody. His role is, some nights it’s 15 minutes, some nights, it’s 25 minutes. Some nights he might be a starter, some nights he might be a bench player. He’s just really mentally ready for a lot challenges, and I think he’s playing really, really well.”
Koufos knows his role on this team, and he knows that it doesn’t necessarily mean big numbers on the box score.
“As a player, I was more of a scorer in college and high school,” Koufos said. “Now in the NBA, the roles have to change – finish around the rim and protect the paint. I’m an even better defender than I was before.”
He has quietly been one of the most efficient players on the roster. In fact, of the players who average more than 10 minutes per game, Koufos has the third-highest efficiency rating behind only DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo.
The Ohio State product would continue on to describe his role to Cowbell Kingdom.
“Doing the little things,” Koufos said. “Setting screens, rolling, getting rebounds, protecting the rim, running the floor and when the opportunity is there – score when needed.”
https://youtu.be/cKGV2BK4YcE
(Video Credit: NBA.com)
Averaging only 8.6 points per game, the need hasn’t been for scoring, but more for those little things that don’t always show up on a box score.
The defense that he seemed to pick up during his time in Memphis has been outstanding. On a team that is severely lacking on that end of the court, having a player like Koufos in the game is absolutely critical.
Post defense was a point of emphasis in the offseason as the Kings drafted Willie Cauley-Stein to give the team the rim-protection that Cousins lacks. Cauley-Stein’s progression has been slower than hoped though, and its ended up being Koufos who has been the defensive leader in the post.
Below we see the Thunder’s Enes Kanter get the ball on the block. Although Kanter is defensively the butt of many jokes in the NBA, he is offensively one of the best in the post. Koufos however, plays him physical at first, then patient and disciplined once Kanter makes his move.
With his hands straight in the air, Koufos waits until the perfect moment, then blocks Kanter’s attempt.
https://youtu.be/OHDGCDWEXtM
(Video Credit: NBA.com)
Koufos has also played a significant part on help-defense for a team that has largely given up free entry to the hoop.
Below, Omri Casspi gets beat on a backdoor cut by Kyle Singler. Koufos however, is there to meet Singler at the rim. Once again, the defense is both physical, patient, and disciplined. Much like against Kanter, Koufos keeps his hands straight up and makes the rejection.
https://youtu.be/8g_7E0xx6UY
(Video Credit: NBA.com)
On offense, Koufos’ “little things” have made a big impact. Below, we see three things.
First, Rondo waits for the right time to use the screen. It shows the high basketball IQ of Rondo, but it also shows the patience of Koufos. While he waits for Rondo to use his screen, Koufos is constantly and meticulously adjusting his feet to ensure he is always in good position for a solid pick when Rondo decides to use it.
Next, we see Koufos not only role to the basket, but also attack the offensive glass. When Rondo’s attempt is off the mark, Koufos’ efforts result in an offensive rebound and put back.
Lastly, after the play, we see Koufos help Rondo off the court. He not only cleaned up Rondo’s miss, but picks him off the floor as well. It speaks volumes to the type of teammate that he is.
https://youtu.be/uw7ntx1ecck
(Video Credit: NBA.com)
After the recent win against the Jazz, Casspi wasn’t shy in revealing his feelings about his teammate and what he brings to the table.
“He’s the type of guy that you know if you get up on your man, you know that if you get beat, he’ll be there to contest and make shots difficult for the opponent,” Casspi said. “He is a positive guy who knows what it takes to win and he’s always bringing it, night-in and night-out.”
Koufos doesn’t jump of the page when you look at the box score. His play is quiet, yet efficient. He plays with a blue-collar mindset that is both disciplined and physical.
He does the little things, and does them in a big way. Whether it be setting a screen, grabbing an offensive rebound, or helping a teammate off the ground, Koufos is there.
*Managing Editor Leo Beas contributed to the interviews
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