Draft position thread

Capt. Factorial

ceterum censeo delendum esse Argentum
Staff member
Tonight we locked in our pick for this year's draft - we can now finish no worse than ninth before the lottery, which in the worst case scenario would allow us to drop to #12 for that top-12-protected pick. Hopefully this will be the last year we have to worry about the draft for a bit.
 
You mean we can't pick worse than 9th? We're currently holding the 7th worst record as far as I can see. I'm assuming this is what you mean, but your post is a little ambiguous (or at least I interpreted it as so!).

In theory we can finish with joint 4th worst record, but that won't happen. Looks very likely we'll stay at 7, unless the Lakers win a a few of their last games (they won't), or we win a couple and drop to 8th behind the Pistons (we may well do this).
 
I think Capt. meant that the Kings will end up with, "at best," the 9th worst record. Which means that, worst-case scenario on lotto day, they could pick as low as 12. Because this year's pick is top-12 protected, the Kings are guaranteed to keep the pick (always likely, of course, but now assured).
 

hrdboild

Moloch in whom I dream Angels!
Staff member
I predict Parker stays in school and the Kings get the #3 pick ;)
Embiid, Wiggins, Exum. Not really a problem. :) But I'd be surprised if Parker opts to stay another year. He's got nothing more to prove at this level and nowhere to go but down in the draft.
 
S

SacKings2002NBAChampions

Guest
Who or what do we trade to get the #14 pick from Phoenix to get Cauley-Stein?
Too bad we can't trade IT...

If we draft Exum or another pg then I guess we could get rid of Ray Mac for a #14 or #17 pick but I don't know if Cauely Stein would already be picked or not. I wouldn't trade down with our pick. If we get 7th pick overall, I think he have a good chance of getting a potential star. You don't give up a lottery pick in this years draft...just no.

I also wouldn't mind Julius Randle in this team. I know he's not a great defender and shot blocker but next season Cousins could very likely be averaging 2 steals per game and 2 blocks per game. He's really worked hard to improve his defense and I have no doubt Shaq is the culprit for that.

However, my #1 choice barring the obvious 1-4 (Exum, Wiggins, Parker, Embiid) picks is Noah Vonleh. This kid can do a little bit of everything and everything we need at that PF spot. It would be a dream to get him but our chances of 4-5 are close to none. I don't see him getting picked after 5 but I guess crazier things have happened. Maybe the Lakers take Randle ;)
 
Who or what do we trade to get the #14 pick from Phoenix to get Cauley-Stein?
Too bad we can't trade IT...

If we draft Exum or another pg then I guess we could get rid of Ray Mac for a #14 or #17 pick but I don't know if Cauely Stein would already be picked or not. I wouldn't trade down with our pick. If we get 7th pick overall, I think he have a good chance of getting a potential star. You don't give up a lottery pick in this years draft...just no.

I also wouldn't mind Julius Randle in this team. I know he's not a great defender and shot blocker but next season Cousins could very likely be averaging 2 steals per game and 2 blocks per game. He's really worked hard to improve his defense and I have no doubt Shaq is the culprit for that.

However, my #1 choice barring the obvious 1-4 (Exum, Wiggins, Parker, Embiid) picks is Noah Vonleh. This kid can do a little bit of everything and everything we need at that PF spot. It would be a dream to get him but our chances of 4-5 are close to none. I don't see him getting picked after 5 but I guess crazier things have happened. Maybe the Lakers take Randle ;)
Someone will believe, that Aaron Gordon can shoot(you will hear "he went 4-6 from outside in the Tourney, he stepped up, when it really mattered!!!"), that Randle will be a 20-10 guy as a sophomore, McDermott can defend, if he really tries ("he never focused on defense, 'cause he had to carry his team offensively") or Ennis is the next elite playmaker. There will be forseable mistakes made in the lottery, and as always a couple of egregious ones. Let's just hope PDA is not the guy making one of those.
 

Glenn

Hall of Famer
Someone will believe, that Aaron Gordon can shoot(you will hear "he went 4-6 from outside in the Tourney, he stepped up, when it really mattered!!!"), that Randle will be a 20-10 guy as a sophomore, McDermott can defend, if he really tries ("he never focused on defense, 'cause he had to carry his team offensively") or Ennis is the next elite playmaker. There will be forseable mistakes made in the lottery, and as always a couple of egregious ones. Let's just hope PDA is not the guy making one of those.
This is a year where the only mistake should be to miss on a major stud and just get a very good one.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
Someone will believe, that Aaron Gordon can shoot(you will hear "he went 4-6 from outside in the Tourney, he stepped up, when it really mattered!!!"), that Randle will be a 20-10 guy as a sophomore, McDermott can defend, if he really tries ("he never focused on defense, 'cause he had to carry his team offensively") or Ennis is the next elite playmaker. There will be forseable mistakes made in the lottery, and as always a couple of egregious ones. Let's just hope PDA is not the guy making one of those.
You mean Gordon can't shoot? :eek::rolleyes: Just go ahead and pop my balloon.... By the way, in regards to McDermott, is there a difference between trying to defend, and actually defending. I know your referring to Fredette, and I know that some want to compare McDermott to Fredette. But McDermott does defend, its a matter of how well, and how that translates to the NBA. A question to which I have no answer...
 
This is a year where the only mistake should be to miss on a major stud and just get a very good one.
I remember a study, that showed, that every year 2 top-10 players are out of the league by the end of their rookie contracts, and 2 others end up 8-9th gut type. Of course it's averages, but at least one of each will happen this year as well. It's not just lack of skills, but also physical inability to handle 82-games season (Embiid broke down in the middle of 38-games one). Some have too much pressure and shut down, others get taste of millions and lose motivation to work on their game.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
I remember a study, that showed, that every year 2 top-10 players are out of the league by the end of their rookie contracts, and 2 others end up 8-9th gut type. Of course it's averages, but at least one of each will happen this year as well. It's not just lack of skills, but also physical inability to handle 82-games season (Embiid broke down in the middle of 38-games one). Some have too much pressure and shut down, others get taste of millions and lose motivation to work on their game.
I think the biggest reason for top ten failures is because of the one thing that's hardest to measure. The human element. It's hard to measure a players heart and dedication. However, I do think some telltale signs are always there. unfortunately we tend to let a players overwhelming talent blind us to those signs. Every single player is different because of what's between his ears. Of course there are the Jimmer's of the world, that are loaded with heart and desire, but just lack the tools to accomplish what their brain tells them to do. But your right, there will be some big disappointments this year just like other years.
 
I watched a Nik Stauskas game last night, and he is for real. This dude has an elite first step, a killer hesitation, gorgeous hard dribbles, and he's able to read & react to defense so fast.
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
Ok, which game have you seen, that Stauskas all of a sudden gained "elite first step" and "gorgeous hard dribbles"?
I think Stauskas is going to be a pretty good NBA player. You and I can agree or disagree on that. Truth is, no one knows for sure. So let me ask you this. How do you think he stacks up against Klay Thompson at the same point in time. I think Thompson was a junior when he came out, but some of the same questions that were asked about Thompson are being asked about Stauskas. People questioned whether Thompson could defend at the NBA level. They questioned whether he was athletic enough. In fact, I'd say that Stauskas is a little better athlete than Thompson, and without a doubt is a better shooter at the same point in time. He's also a better finisher at the basket than Thompson was in college.

Since everyone seems to be in love with Thompson, what is it that makes you think Stauskas can't be just as good a player as Thompson. If indeed that's what you think. If all your doing is trying to get everyone to take off their rose colored glasses, then I understand. There are no guarantee's.
 
They are comparable talents, and I don't have a problem with anyone drafting him in early teens, maybe even #9 or #10.
I think, Klay was a better shooter, while Nik is a significantly better playmaker in college. Klay is longer. Klay's only elite skill is his shooting, he can make nice passes to find the open man, if he's being closed out aggressively, but it's not a major part of his offense, so having them as comparable prospects means I don't see Stauskas as a major creator, ever getting to 4-5 apg on a good team.
 
Ok, which game have you seen, that Stauskas all of a sudden gained "elite first step" and "gorgeous hard dribbles"?
I direct you to 17:17 left in the 2nd half (44:10). There are many other times in that half when players can't stay in front of him due to his first step, but this is the one that made me forget that I was trying to watch Vonleh.
 
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bajaden

Hall of Famer
They are comparable talents, and I don't have a problem with anyone drafting him in early teens, maybe even #9 or #10.
I think, Klay was a better shooter, while Nik is a significantly better playmaker in college. Klay is longer. Klay's only elite skill is his shooting, he can make nice passes to find the open man, if he's being closed out aggressively, but it's not a major part of his offense, so having them as comparable prospects means I don't see Stauskas as a major creator, ever getting to 4-5 apg on a good team.
Well Klay is a better shooter now, or should I say, a proven shooter at the NBA level. But if you compare them at the same point in time at the college level, Stauskas is the better shooter, although not by a lot, shooting 44% from the three and 47% overall, compared to Thompsons 39% from the three and 46% overall. Where Thompson does have the advantage is with his overall length. he could easily play the SF position, which is what he played at Wash St. In no way do I see Stauskas playing SF. I mean he probably will at some point, but only in matchup situations where you need another good shooter on the floor.
 
I direct you to 17:17 left in the 2nd half (44:10). There are many other times in that half when players can't stay in front of him due to his first step, but this is the one that made me forget that I was trying to watch Vonleh.
Well, defender caught in a screen while on the move, stupid jump of another and good stutter step against average athlete. Such moves work in the pros for good ballhandlers, though they will usually get much more resistance at the rim and these situations happen once, maybe twice a game: if you notice, all 5 defenders return by the time he steps into the paint. Still don't see "elite first step" and "gorgeous hard dribbles".
 
Well Klay is a better shooter now, or should I say, a proven shooter at the NBA level. But if you compare them at the same point in time at the college level, Stauskas is the better shooter, although not by a lot, shooting 44% from the three and 47% overall, compared to Thompsons 39% from the three and 46% overall. Where Thompson does have the advantage is with his overall length. he could easily play the SF position, which is what he played at Wash St. In no way do I see Stauskas playing SF. I mean he probably will at some point, but only in matchup situations where you need another good shooter on the floor.
Thompson had much more volume on threes and clear #1 role: he certainly took much more tough shots, while Stauskas could afford to pick his moments. Also o-reb%, steal% and blk% markers suggest Klay is...not more athletic, but rather knows much better, how to use whatever athleticism he has.
 
Stauskas is getting to much burn in here for someone we have no shot in drafting. The FO beloved in Ben and won't take another SG. We will take a pg, PF, or center before we go for a 2guard.
 
Well, ideally you want to get the best player for your position. How's that NBA ready PF or secondary ballhandler/elite shooter next to Tyreke working out? And it's not like this team couldn't use more ballhandling, shooting and overall unselfish play. Stauskas is skilled, smart, really improved athletically and made a big jump statistically between seasons - one could argue he's one of the safer bets in the lottery and pretty close to contributing.
 
Stauskas is getting to much burn in here for someone we have no shot in drafting. The FO beloved in Ben and won't take another SG. We will take a pg, PF, or center before we go for a 2guard.
But there's only one SG on the team, Ben, and he needs to warm the bench for the next couple years, so the team is definitely in need of another SG.
 
If we lose out, and the Lakers win vs Utah and a last game vs San Antonio with starters resting... do we move up to 6th? Would it be based on traditional tie-breakers or a coin flip?
 
fantasy yes. but anyway... I guess bottom line there is not a lot to be picked up by that scenario, so I'm just trying to confirm that it is "draft position safe" for the Kings to win today and Wed :)
 

hrdboild

Moloch in whom I dream Angels!
Staff member
Kings and Lakers would both get half of winning combinations for 6th and 7th, but this scenario is a fantasy.
It's unlikely, but not impossible. Utah is just as pathetic as the Lakers and San Antonio is probably going to rest Duncan and Ginobili now that they've clinched home court advantage for the finals. I bet the Spurs win anyway, but the Lakers stumbling into a couple wins here at the end is a little bit more than fantasy. Boston plays Philly so they may pick up a win too and still end up in 5th by themselves. Somehow this always comes down to 1 or 2 wins and a weird scheduling quirk like us sweeping a back-to-back with Phoenix early in the season when Bledsoe was injured. The draft lottery has never done us any favors regardless. It's still just dumb luck.