The vibes were positive all around the Kings’ practice facility at Media Day and Italy’s pride would flex and smile when the camera lights would flash.
When the lights were off him, he would just stand alone minding his own business. He had just arrived the night before from Italy, which is why it seemed he hadn’t built many relationships yet with his new teammates.
But one thing is for certain; he loves the game of basketball, loves his ex-teammates and has approached his new journey with lots of confidence.
The good thing is that his new teammates know how dangerous of a shooter he is and that in itself will make Marco Belinelli’s tenure in Sacramento a positive one.
With so much speculation on whether or not Belinelli starts or comes off the bench, he understands his veteran leadership and 3-point range will serve the Kings well since that’s one of the biggest needs they lacked last season.
“I don’t know about that, honestly I really don’t care to be in the starting five or be a guy from the bench,” Belinelli said. “My job is to go on the court and try to do my best.”
Those are words from a guy who understands what winning basketball is all about and team basketball is what helped him win his first NBA championship two seasons ago with the San Antonio Spurs.
Ben McLemore might have the early advantage to start the season in the eyes of many but Belinelli knows he can provide a spark as a starter or off the bench.
And in any given moment, if the young McLemore struggles, Belinelli will not shy away from the opportunity.
Belinelli loves the big moments and has given all of his teams the confidence to put the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.
His most recent heroics were over the summer for his national team. In back-to-back games, Belinelli had the ball in his hands and knocked down two game winning baskets.
“I really love that,” Belinelli said on taking the big shots. “I really love to play basketball. I’m not scared about tough moments in games.”
That’s the type of confidence that should push a young player like McLemore to the limit because competition always keeps you looking over your shoulder.
With that said, I expect Belinelli to be a great teammate and help McLemore become consistent with his 3-point shooting.
Having a specialist like Belinelli can only help the growth of McLemore and provide the depth the Kings haven’t had since their last playoff run.
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