The Sacramento Kings haven’t been in the NBA Playoffs since 2006 but the fortunes of the franchise could be changing. After landing promising point guard De’Aaron Fox near the top of the 2017 NBA Draft, the Kings caught a break in the 2018 lottery, vaulting to the No. 2 spot in what is a loaded draft.
However, there is no “consensus” No. 2 player in a world in which Deandre Ayton is projected to be off the board at the top and there is a great deal of consternation as to what the Kings might do. In fact, it would be easy to argue that Sacramento holds the keys to the entire draft with the second pick and, in the same breath, this isn’t a pick that the Kings can afford to “miss” on, especially given their future draft obligations as a result of previous trades.
Without further ado, here are a handful of players that the Kings could examine on June 21, either at No. 2 overall or with their second round pick at No. 37.
- Deandre Ayton – C, Arizona – Everyone believes that the Suns are taking Ayton and that includes me. With that said, he has to be listed on at least one additional team’s list of potential fits and the Kings win the prize. Sacramento would likely pounce immediately if the Suns threw a curve ball and Ayton is the No. 1 prospect in this class in the eyes of many scouts and team personnel.
- Marvin Bagley III – C/PF, Duke – Bagley has been a popular mock target in Sacramento and some of the buzz indicates that he actually wants to land there. That could go a long way but, as a prospect, Bagley brings an enticing package of offensive skills and high-end athleticism to the table. Defense is a big question but, if he can prove worthy as a switch defender in space, some of the concerns with his lack of rim protection could fade away.
- Bruce Brown – SG/PG, Miami – It is exceedingly difficult to figure out who will be left standing at No. 37 overall but Brown might be. One year ago, he was on track to be a top-20 pick but Brown ran into a nightmare season in Coral Gables that was fueled by injuries. He’s still a very talented player and he would bring size, defensive acumen and basketball IQ to the table as a quality third guard.
- Luka Doncic – SF/PG, Slovenia – When the lottery results came to light, everyone assumed that Doncic would land in either Phoenix or Sacramento. Since then, momentum seems to have built concerning potential slippage but the latest reporting indicates Doncic is still in the mix at No. 2 overall. He wouldn’t be a flawless fit with De’Aaron Fox but a team like Sacramento should simply take the best prospect available and figure it out later. Doncic, for me, is that prospect.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. – C/PF, Michigan State – If the Kings want a defensive anchor to pair with Fox, Buddy Hield and others, Jackson Jr. is the guy. He brings incredible rim protection to the table while also being able to serve as a high-end switch defender and, for good measure, Jackson Jr. projects as a plus three-point shooter at center. There are things to improve on defensively but the youngest projected first round pick has a ton of ceiling to explore.
- Shake Milton – SG/PG, SMU – Milton could certainly be gone by the time the Kings pick for the second time but he would be a great value at No. 37 overall. He won’t blow anyone away with athleticism but Milton stands 6’6 with a 7’1 wingspan, is a plus shooter and can guard four positions. That sounds like the perfect role player in today’s NBA.
- Michael Porter Jr. – PF/SF, Missouri – In recent days, the Kings have emerged as a potential landing spot for Porter Jr., even as skeptics scoff at the idea of a player with his uncertainty flying off the board at No. 2 overall. Porter Jr. is probably a top-five talent in this class, though, and the Kings may be ready to take a big swing if they become fully enamored with what he could be, should everything come to pass.
