De'Aaron Fox:

[funkykingston]

It happens to be that his 1-Trick is the most important trick in the NBA - high FG% I like him as an assassin. Quick release for his size. I'm not hung up on getting him, but I would not be unhappy if they did at 10 - especially with Fox. Same goes for Collins. Collins is the other side of the coin - getting probably the best shot blocker in the draft, and Collins looks to be a more complete player.

I wouldn't mind Markkanen either but if Skal develops then Lauri is an off the bench stretch four. Not terrible value as I don't see any reason (barring injury) that he won't fill that role well but not my favorite outcome. Collins is a guy I'm just not high on. I think he becomes a serviceable NBA big and the Kings already have Papagiannis.

I'd love it if Thibodeau fell in love with Markkanen or Collins. Markkanen is actually a great fit between Wiggins and Towns and addresses a major need.

The Wolves are the team most likely to draft Isaac with the Magic the next most likely. Both Philadelphia and Phoenix could surprise and nab him but I doubt it.

The hope would be that things shake out like this:

Fultz
Ball
Jackson
Tatum
Fox
Monk

Then if the Timberwolves were to take anyone but Isaac I think he'd be there at 10. He's too similar in skillset to both Porzingis and Harrison Barnes for the Knicks & Mavericks. I think the Knicks take Ntilikina (if they really are committed to the Triangle) and then Dallas nabs Smith Jr.

So I'm hoping Lauri Markkanen and/or Zach Collins absolutely shoot the lights out and look athletic enough that Minnesota drafts one of them.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

A year ago the Sacramento Kings couldn’t convince any top-10 picks to visit Sacramento for a workout. The highest pick to visit the Kings last year was Wade Baldwin IV, who ended up going 17th. So it’s with a bit of shock that not only will agents encourage their players to work out for Sacramento, but De’Aaron Fox apparently would be very happy to end up with the Kings, according to NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper.

It’s easy to see the appeal for Fox. The Kings absolutely need a point guard of the future, and if the Kings drafted him Fox would have every opportunity to earn that role. If he has a relationship with Willie Cauley-Stein, we’d assume that Willie has told De’Aaron all about Sacramento’s fans and how the city itself is a great place to live.

But still, it’s hard not to be surprised by the report. It’s such a stark contrast to last year. It certainly speaks to the changing perception of Sacramento as a franchise. Chalk it up to the front office gaining legitimacy, or credit the departure of DeMarcus Cousins. Whatever the reason, it’s a welcome change.

But, but, but...Chad Ford!

 

[jcwkings]

I cant see anyone in the top 5 outside of Fox working out with the Kings. They have nothing to gain from it since ot is perceived we will take whoever drops from that group.

 

[Chupacabra]

We're in the same boat. I can definitely see what Smith's critics on here are saying about his lack of effort on D some of the time. Fox definitely looks to be 100% engaged in the game all of the time. Fox seems to be in constant attack mode. In addition, Fox looks to be pretty damn tall in Baja's video. Are we sure he is 6'4?

 

[Dime Dropper]

High FG% the most important trick in the NBA? I don't think so, not even close to being that simple.

 

[biltalent]

It happens to be that his 1-Trick is the most important trick in the NBA - high FG% I like him as an assassin. Quick release for his size. I'm not hung up on getting him, but I would not be unhappy if they did at 10 - especially with Fox. Same goes for Collins. Collins is the other side of the coin - getting probably the best shot blocker in the draft, and Collins looks to be a more complete player.

I'm not the biggest fan of Markannen but I must admit that imagening Fox running a pick and roll with Markannen popping out and Willie diving to the rim is pretty exciting.

 

[kingdivac]

High FG% the most important trick in the NBA? I don't think so, not even close to being that simple.

Are you kidding me - it by far is the most important stat in basketball - please.... what stat has more sway on a game.....it is that simple. FG% can equalize poor performances and buoy a team from losing,or simply bury a team in 1Q time. It is usually the first stat shown in a boxscore.

 

[kingdivac]

I'm not the biggest fan of Markannen but I must admit that imagening Fox running a pick and roll with Markannen popping out and Willie diving to the rim is pretty exciting.

Yes, I think a Fox and Markennan would be a huge shot in the arm for the team - and sort of a tailored pair. The team still needs time together and focus on defense.

 

[King Baller]

Are you kidding me - it by far is the most important stat in basketball - please.... what stat has more sway on a game.....it is that simple. FG% can equalize poor performances and buoy a team from losing,or simply bury a team in 1Q time. It is usually the first stat shown in a boxscore.

I think Defense is the most important stat in basketball. That stat is how many points the other team scores. When I consider a player I always think about who he can defend to determine when and where he can play. Its great to score a lot of points but if your team is a turnstile on defense you probably won't win. IT is a good example. Same player on the Suns and Kings is just OK on poor defensive teams. Goes to Boston with a team of strong defenders to cover his defensive shortcomings and BOOM, All Star.

 

[funkykingston]

I've pretty much locked in on Fox as the Kings pick at #5.

Which means I'm likely to be disappointed.

If the first four picks are Fultz, Ball, Jackson and Fox then I think I'm now back to the idea of taking Jonathan Isaac at #5.

I want the Kings to get an elite PG but I just have too many doubts about Smith.

I want the Kings to draft a go-to scorer but I don't know that Tatum will be as effective in the NBA and while he shot decently when he had time, his mechanics concern me. Tatum is a midrange focused, isolation scorer who wasn't very engaged on defense. I think I'd rather have the swiss army knife defender who can be a 3&D guy but may never be a real offensive force.

If Isaac is the pick at #5 I'd be hoping for Ntilikina or Smith at #10 where I'd feel more comfortable taking DSJ.

If Fox is the pick at #5 I'd be hoping that somehow Isaac falls to 10 though I don't see a way for that to happen. Otherwise, I'd be looking for a trade down or Ntilikina, OG Anunoby, Markkanen or Justin Jackson.

 

[Kingsfan23]

I wouldn't mind Markkanen either but if Skal develops then Lauri is an off the bench stretch four. Not terrible value as I don't see any reason (barring injury) that he won't fill that role well but not my favorite outcome. Collins is a guy I'm just not high on. I think he becomes a serviceable NBA big and the Kings already have Papagiannis.

I'd love it if Thibodeau fell in love with Markkanen or Collins. Markkanen is actually a great fit between Wiggins and Towns and addresses a major need.

The Wolves are the team most likely to draft Isaac with the Magic the next most likely. Both Philadelphia and Phoenix could surprise and nab him but I doubt it.

The hope would be that things shake out like this:

Fultz
Ball
Jackson
Tatum
Fox
Monk

Then if the Timberwolves were to take anyone but Isaac I think he'd be there at 10. He's too similar in skillset to both Porzingis and Harrison Barnes for the Knicks & Mavericks. I think the Knicks take Ntilikina (if they really are committed to the Triangle) and then Dallas nabs Smith Jr.

So I'm hoping Lauri Markkanen and/or Zach Collins absolutely shoot the lights out and look athletic enough that Minnesota drafts one of them.

Orlando taking Monk? I don't know if SG is their biggest need. I think the Knicks plan is Porzingis at center and I can see Dallas nabbing his as their 4 next to Barnes/Noel. But I see Markannen a high Wolves/Mavs target and the Knicks going PG (Frank most likely) as reported

 

[funkykingston]

Orlando taking Monk? I don't know if SG is their biggest need. I think the Knicks plan is Porzingis at center and I can see Dallas nabbing his as their 4 next to Barnes/Noel. But I see Markannen a high Wolves/Mavs target and the Knicks going PG (Frank most likely) as reported

I don't see the Magic taking Monk either. I think Dennis Smith Jr will be their pick. Maybe Tatum if he's there.

Really the Sixers taking Monk might be the second key to Isaac possibly slipping to #10. The first is probably the T'Wolves passing on him for some reason.

 

[ockingsfan]

Really the Sixers taking Monk might be the second key to Isaac possibly slipping to #10. The first is probably the T'Wolves passing on him for some reason.

That would really be the dream scenario for the Kings.

I think the Sixers wanted Monk if they stayed at #4 or #5. He makes a lot of sense, since they seem committed to Simmons as a point guard, Monk gives them a knock down shooter at the shooting guard and he can handle to ball.

Phoenix would probably take Josh Jackson at 4 and the Kings would get Fox at 5.

 

[Blob]

I hate to end on a bad note, but to be honest, I don't think Fox is going to be there at 5. I think either the 76érs or the Sun's will grab him. Which will leave us most likely with Tatum or Jackson. Between those two, I have more questions about Jackson than I do Tatum. But that's another thread.

I have similar concerns. Fox is a great interview too. Articulate and bright. That's going to push up his stock relative to someone like Dennis Smith Jr, who frankly has poor social skills. Not anti-social but awkward. That is not the personality type we want with Buddy, Skal and Willie. For all the analysis fans may offer about Dennis Smith, which I think should eliminate him from contention at #5, he could also be eliminated because he fails the interview. If Fox is gone and we get Tatum at #5, I think Smith becomes a possibility if he slides to #10. But NO chance at #5!

Speaking of the Suns, they have 28M tied in PG next year (Bledsoe and Knight) and 30M the following year. Then one more year for Knight at 15.6M That's 75 million tied up two PGs! This is significant because if Suns draft Fox he's going to command minutes. With Booker at SG, there's no room for all three PGs. So if you play Fox (20-30 MPG) and Bledsoe (30+ MPG) there's really NOT enough minutes between these two, let alone Knight. You would have a negative asset rotting away on your bench with huge contract (45M due over 3 years) NO one will touch.

For this reason Kings can NOT and should not acquire Knight into cap space even if it means giving up nothing beside Affalo and filler because that opens the Suns books to take Fox. The only realistic way I can see the Suns taking Fox is if they have deal in place to unload Bledsoe or Knight. We should NOT help them out in this regard. With our upgraded front office, I presume they will be keen enough to draw this obvious conclusion.

 

[Blob]

A year ago the Sacramento Kings couldn’t convince any top-10 picks to visit Sacramento for a workout. The highest pick to visit the Kings last year was Wade Baldwin IV, who ended up going 17th. So it’s with a bit of shock that not only will agents encourage their players to work out for Sacramento, but De’Aaron Fox apparently would be very happy to end up with the Kings, according to NBA.com’s Scott Howard-Cooper.

It's called the Bye Bye Boogie Effect.

 

[funkykingston]

I have similar concerns. Fox is a great interview too. Articulate and bright. That's going to push up his stock relative to someone like Dennis Smith Jr, who frankly has poor social skills. Not anti-social but awkward. That is not the personality type we want with Buddy, Skal and Willie. For all the analysis fans may offer about Dennis Smith, which I think should eliminate him from contention at #5, he could also be eliminated because he fails the interview. If Fox is gone and we get Tatum at #5, I think Smith becomes a possibility if he slides to #10. But NO chance at #5!

Speaking of the Suns, they have 28M tied in PG next year (Bledsoe and Knight) and 30M the following year. Then one more year for Knight at 15.6M That's 75 million tied up two PGs! This is significant because if Suns draft Fox he's going to command minutes. With Booker at SG, there's no room for all three PGs. So if you play Fox (20-30 MPG) and Bledsoe (30+ MPG) there's really NOT enough minutes between these two, let alone Knight. You would have a negative asset rotting away on your bench with huge contract (45M due over 3 years) NO one will touch.

For this reason Kings can NOT and should not acquire Knight into cap space even if it means giving up nothing beside Affalo and filler because that opens the Suns books to take Fox. The only realistic way I can see the Suns taking Fox is if they have deal in place to unload Bledsoe or Knight. We should NOT help them out in this regard. With our upgraded front office, I presume they will be keen enough to draw this obvious conclusion.

Keep in mind that the Suns also already have a backup/change up pace PG that they like in Ulis.

 

[OffTheWallJamal]

But, but, but...Chad Ford!

Chad Ford can go kick rocks tbh.

 

[Blob]

Chad Ford can go kick rocks tbh.

Chad Ford was going back to archived drafts from like 2010 and changing his ratings to make himself look more accurate. Can you believe this guy? No integrity. No honor! Total cheater! That's a fireable offense to me but I guess ESPN doesn't care. Like he was moving up Lillard on his final draft board to rank him as a higher prospect. Deadspin caught him in the act and he to change back all his lousy forecasts.

http://deadspin.com/espns-chad-ford-has-been-retroactively-editing-draft-bo-1681631642

 

[Telemachus]

I have similar concerns. Fox is a great interview too. Articulate and bright. That's going to push up his stock relative to someone like Dennis Smith Jr, who frankly has poor social skills. Not anti-social but awkward. That is not the personality type we want with Buddy, Skal and Willie. For all the analysis fans may offer about Dennis Smith, which I think should eliminate him from contention at #5, he could also be eliminated because he fails the interview. If Fox is gone and we get Tatum at #5, I think Smith becomes a possibility if he slides to #10. But NO chance at #5!

Speaking of the Suns, they have 28M tied in PG next year (Bledsoe and Knight) and 30M the following year. Then one more year for Knight at 15.6M That's 75 million tied up two PGs! This is significant because if Suns draft Fox he's going to command minutes. With Booker at SG, there's no room for all three PGs. So if you play Fox (20-30 MPG) and Bledsoe (30+ MPG) there's really NOT enough minutes between these two, let alone Knight. You would have a negative asset rotting away on your bench with huge contract (45M due over 3 years) NO one will touch.

For this reason Kings can NOT and should not acquire Knight into cap space even if it means giving up nothing beside Affalo and filler because that opens the Suns books to take Fox. The only realistic way I can see the Suns taking Fox is if they have deal in place to unload Bledsoe or Knight. We should NOT help them out in this regard. With our upgraded front office, I presume they will be keen enough to draw this obvious conclusion.

I think the only way the Kings take on knight's contact is if they trade the 10th pick for the 4th. This would allow them to take both Fox and a SF.

 

[kingdivac]

I think Defense is the most important stat in basketball. That stat is how many points the other team scores. When I consider a player I always think about who he can defend to determine when and where he can play. Its great to score a lot of points but if your team is a turnstile on defense you probably won't win. IT is a good example. Same player on the Suns and Kings is just OK on poor defensive teams. Goes to Boston with a team of strong defenders to cover his defensive shortcomings and BOOM, All Star.

The objective of basketball is to score more baskets than your opponent. FG% is the efficiency measurement of that objective. I'd suppose if you sift through 100 random prior game box-scores, higher FG% would correlate to wins more often than any other statistic.

 

[Suicide King]

Not to get pedantic, but the goal is to have the higher score at the end of the game. There are a finite number of possesions. Defensive stops are like erasing points to me. Its a spent possesion the opponent could have scored.

 

[ParniValjak]

I wouldn't mind Markkanen either but if Skal develops then Lauri is an off the bench stretch four. Not terrible value as I don't see any reason (barring injury) that he won't fill that role well but not my favorite outcome. Collins is a guy I'm just not high on. I think he becomes a serviceable NBA big and the Kings already have Papagiannis.

I'd love it if Thibodeau fell in love with Markkanen or Collins. Markkanen is actually a great fit between Wiggins and Towns and addresses a major need.

The Wolves are the team most likely to draft Isaac with the Magic the next most likely. Both Philadelphia and Phoenix could surprise and nab him but I doubt it.

The hope would be that things shake out like this:

Fultz
Ball
Jackson
Tatum
Fox
Monk

Then if the Timberwolves were to take anyone but Isaac I think he'd be there at 10. He's too similar in skillset to both Porzingis and Harrison Barnes for the Knicks & Mavericks. I think the Knicks take Ntilikina (if they really are committed to the Triangle) and then Dallas nabs Smith Jr.

So I'm hoping Lauri Markkanen and/or Zach Collins absolutely shoot the lights out and look athletic enough that Minnesota drafts one of them.

But what happens if Magic take Smith Jr?!

I highly doubt Isaac is there at 10. I suspecs Thibs will be all over that pick.

 

[ParniValjak]

I think the only way the Kings take on knight's contact is if they trade the 10th pick for the 4th. This would allow them to take both Fox and a SF.

Precisely!

The only way Kings take on Knight's contract is if it means they move up from pick 10 to pick 4 giving them at least some chance to draft a PG and a SF with two top 5 picks. I say at least some chance because Philadelphia can still pee on the parade by taking Fox at 3 or another team trading up to 3 to draft him!

Philadelphia appears to be the team most likely to trade down from top 5.

 

[funkykingston]

But what happens if Magic take Smith Jr?!

I highly doubt Isaac is there at 10. I suspecs Thibs will be all over that pick.

It's definitely a pipe dream that Isaac will last until the 10th pick. If Ball, Fultz, Jackson & Fox go 1-4 Isaac would likely be my pick at #5

 

[kingdivac]

Not to get pedantic, but the goal is to have the higher score at the end of the game. There are a finite number of possesions. Defensive stops are like erasing points to me. Its a spent possesion the opponent could have scored.

But how do you (or the team) have a higher score.... You don't win if you don't score baskets yourself. If you're playing for defense, you're playing for a draw ultimately. This is the same in many sports. Having defense is very important, but having a balance of offense and defense imo is most important.

Anyway this gets away from the response of most important statistic. If a guy has a triple double with rebounds/blocks/assists, but goes 0-15, did he have a good game? Here's the opposite side of the coin - would you care if someone goes 15-15 for 40 pts, but had no rebounds, assists, steals, blocks (other stats), did he have a good game? In either case making or missing shots detracts/contributes most directly to not-scoring/scoring points and ultimately losing or winning. 0-15 or 15-15 in the stat line is either a hole or equalizer in a game. This is why you sometimes hear NBAers who had a horrible FG% game will publicly assume responsibility for the team loss.
It has that kind of weight.

It ought to be pointed out that there is a large difference between going 0-15 with a triple-double with going 0-0 with a triple-double. This is why you hear guys who are shooters have "the green light"; they are authorized to shoot at any time in the shot-clock.

http://www.sfandllaw.com/Articles/W...ules-and-Tools-for-Performance-Analysis.shtml

The other stat I was thinking could be considered closest to FG% is steals (turnovers).

 

[funkykingston]

But how do you (or the team) have a higher score.... You don't win if you don't score baskets yourself. If you're playing for defense, you're playing for a draw ultimately. This is the same in many sports. Having defense is very important, but having a balance of offense and defense imo is most important.

Anyway this gets away from the response of most important statistic. If a guy has a triple double with rebounds/blocks/assists, but goes 0-15, did he have a good game? Here's the opposite side of the coin - would you care if someone goes 15-15 for 40 pts, but had no rebounds, assists, steals, blocks (other stats), did he have a good game? In either case making or missing shots detracts/contributes most directly to not-scoring/scoring points and ultimately losing or winning. 0-15 or 15-15 in the stat line is either a hole or equalizer in a game. This is why you sometimes hear NBAers who had a horrible FG% game will publicly assume responsibility for the team loss.
It has that kind of weight.

It ought to be pointed out that there is a large difference between going 0-15 with a triple-double with going 0-0 with a triple-double. This is why you hear guys who are shooters have "the green light"; they are authorized to shoot at any time in the shot-clock.

http://www.sfandllaw.com/Articles/W...ules-and-Tools-for-Performance-Analysis.shtml

The other stat I was thinking could be considered closest to FG% is steals (turnovers).

The issue is that Markkanen doesn't provide any balance between offense and defense. He doesn't even provide any offensive flexibility. He is exclusively a shooter. He gets to the rim a bit because his shooting is such a weapon that he gets overplayed on the perimeter but he doesn't have a post game, isn't a good passer, is a relatively poor rebounder, doesn't block shots or create steals at even an average level and is heavy legged as a defender.

He's also not great at creating his own offense. At this point Markkanen is solely a complimentary player.

He's an elite shooter and the best shooting big man I've ever seen on the college level but I'm not sure he beats out Labissiere for a starting position. He's a safe pick and he has a ready made role but I'm not sure he's a difference maker.

 

[Jimbob]

I just saw some blog asking what would it take for the 76ers to trade down. It suggested if Monk is their ideal player but feel they can get him a few picks later that Orlando is the ideal trade partner because he wont be around much later than Orlando's 6th pick and they could swap their 6th and 25th pick for the 3rd.
That makes me think if the King want Fox but need to move up to get him then trade our 10th to Portland for any two of their 15th, 20th or 26th picks then give the 5th and one of our later 1st to Philli to assure getting Fox.
I would not want to give up our 10th just to move up two spots, but I would exchange the 10th for a later 1st rounder if its the difference of getting our desired PG while maintaining two 1st rounders.
Hope that made sense.

 

[kingdivac]

The issue is that Markkanen doesn't provide any balance between offense and defense. He doesn't even provide any offensive flexibility. He is exclusively a shooter. He gets to the rim a bit because his shooting is such a weapon that he gets overplayed on the perimeter but he doesn't have a post game, isn't a good passer, is a relatively poor rebounder, doesn't block shots or create steals at even an average level and is heavy legged as a defender.

He's also not great at creating his own offense. At this point Markkanen is solely a complimentary player.

He's an elite shooter and the best shooting big man I've ever seen on the college level but I'm not sure he beats out Labissiere for a starting position. He's a safe pick and he has a ready made role but I'm not sure he's a difference maker.

Seems like every year for a decade at least, watching the Kings I remark at some point, the Kings need an elite shooter. They haven't had one since Bibby really. Maybe Hield could be that in a year or two, who knows. In the draft this year, picking the best consensus shooter, especially at the 10 spot, is not a bad choice imo especially with 2 picks. McClemore has not come through unfortunately. Fredette nope. Bellineli nope, Casspi showed a bit of promise, but nope. If they don't want to pick Markennen I wouldn't mind. It could be the number one objective is to get Fox, in which case they blow up their 2nd pick to get him. Are teams allowed to make trade deals prior to the draft (Kings to Sixers, or Kings to Suns)? In this case the Kings could make their contingencies to get Fox as long as he's 3 or 4. The Suns especially could stand to gain in a 1-place trade down and nab another prospect. Another question is what is the actual value of a 1 or 2 place trade-down in the draft?

 

[funkykingston]

I just saw some blog asking what would it take for the 76ers to trade down. It suggested if Monk is their ideal player but feel they can get him a few picks later that Orlando is the ideal trade partner because he wont be around much later than Orlando's 6th pick and they could swap their 6th and 25th pick for the 3rd.
That makes me think if the King want Fox but need to move up to get him then trade our 10th to Portland for any two of their 15th, 20th or 26th picks then give the 5th and one of our later 1st to Philli to assure getting Fox.
I would not want to give up our 10th just to move up two spots, but I would exchange the 10th for a later 1st rounder if its the difference of getting our desired PG while maintaining two 1st rounders.
Hope that made sense.

I'd trade Malachi and the #5 to move to #3.

If Bogdanovic is coming over it clears a logjam at SG while ensuring the Kings get their PG.

I like what Richardson has shown but it's not a great position for the Kings to have four 1st rounders from the same draft, especially when two of them play the same position and you've got a steady vet (Temple) and possibly another talented youngster (Bogdan) that also play that position.

Would the Sixers want Malachi? I don't know. They've already got Luwawu and have Korkmaz likely coming over at some point.

That said I think teams looking to move into the Sixers slot will be doing so to get Josh Jackson.

 

[funkykingston]

Seems like every year for a decade at least, watching the Kings I remark at some point, the Kings need an elite shooter. They haven't had one since Bibby really. Maybe Hield could be that in a year or two, who knows. In the draft this year, picking the best consensus shooter, especially at the 10 spot, is not a bad choice imo especially with 2 picks. McClemore has not come through unfortunately. Fredette nope. Bellineli nope, Casspi showed a bit of promise, but nope. If they don't want to pick Markennen I wouldn't mind. It could be the number one objective is to get Fox, in which case they blow up their 2nd pick to get him. Are teams allowed to make trade deals prior to the draft (Kings to Sixers, or Kings to Suns)? In this case the Kings could make their contingencies to get Fox as long as he's 3 or 4. The Suns especially could stand to gain in a 1-place trade down and nab another prospect. Another question is what is the actual value of a 1 or 2 place trade-down in the draft?

Hield shot nearly 43% from three in his 25 games with the Kings. Can he keep that up? I don't know but it didn't feel like an aberration to me.

I wouldn't hate Markkanen as a pick but when he's in the game at PF the team is most likely losing rebounding and defense.

Teams can make trade agreements before the draft and can make deals contingent on a certain player or players being available at at pick.

I like Fox but I would hate to see the Kings deal the #10. That's just really poor value IMO. I would probably make that deal for Ball or Fultz but I have enough concerns with Fox's shot and have him ranked closely enough with a couple other guys that I wouldn't pull the trigger on such a trade.