Looking ahead to the 2023 Draft

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

Honestly I thought N'Faly Dante played great last night for Oregon. He's both active and alert on defense for a big guy that size... Would really enjoy seeing him on the SL/ G-League team.

He's out there chasing offensive players down on the break.. crazy to see from someone built like that.. He runs the floor hard!

Dante is honestly excellent defending the passing lanes. I know thats only a small sliver of defense but if your being objective this is something he really excels with. You cant throw sloppy post entry feeds to the guy Dante is guarding, he's good at jumping infront of weak passes n grabbing or knocking them away.

Kelel Ware threw down a few thunderous alley oops in his few minutes on the floor.

Ware has been taking too many 3pt attempts, n not converting them. In 3 of his last 5 games now he has 0 3pt attempts, its gonna be interesting to see if he tries to close the season out focused on 2's, thats probably a good plan for his sake.

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

Lettuce not forget that our own Trey Lyles, whos shot 37% from three in his time with the Kings, shot 14% from 3 at UK.

(I bring this up relating to Ware's 28% from 3)

N the story goes that in Lyles workouts with Utah they were amazed at his accuracy from 3 especially from the corners(iirc Trey hit like 47 outa 50 or something crazy like that). Which was a big factor into why they selected him one pick before noted college benchplayer Devin Booker.

I love stories like that quite a bit.. There's too many people when discussing matter of NBA like to make it all about stats, and sometimes stats can be deceiving, those are stats collected on one team, in one set of unique circumstances n they dont always translate over verbatim to the next team/set of circumstances.

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

Ohio State falls to 11-13 and 3-10 in Big10 play.

Brice Sensabaugh 1-8 with 4 turnovers in 16 minutes...

With a player projected near the lottery and some of the surrounding peices OSU has, that team should be much better.. Its fair to say that.. As I've mentioned before, it kinda stinks this team gets Freshman Bruce Thornton, with a year or 2 of polish he should really be a whole different animal.

This loss to Northwestern really does illustrate how if Sensabaugh isnt hitting 3's, how bad their 3pt shooting really is. Kinda wish they'd unleash Roddy Gayle, everytime I watch OSU I end up coming to that conclusion --- It's just they have Ikekele the super senior there whos a very good defender but pretty much a non factor scoring n shooting the ball.

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

I hate how the phrase "5th year senior" has increasingly replaced "super senior". Super senior is so much funnier. Reminds me of the George Carlin routine about how unnecessary syllables often get added to phrases to make the language sound softer.

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

Yannick Kraag 6'8 wing with a 7'2' wingspan from the Netherlands is starting to get more burn in the ACB. He looks good in the open court. Interested to see how he can close the season out, he shows flashes its just a matter of how much will he develop. Born in '02. He's obviously below 200lbs n needs to bulk up some. Possible draft n stash candidate.

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

Malcolm Cazalon from the other 3pt line! Even if this player doesnt get drafted, I'd expect to see him at SL at a minimum. He was once billed as this 3pt sniper seems more like he's a pretty good shooter rather than some deadeye, but he's got long arms n can pass it a little, has a knack for getting steals. He'll get looks.

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

6'7" Michael Caicedo from Spain is drawing some attention. He's obviously crazy long. He's got a reputation as sort of a glue guy, do-it-all type.

Hes 9/14 from 3 in 11 games according to his gamelogs on realgm..

Just had a career high 15 points on Sunday. Born in June 2003.

If this player doesnt make the NBA, which seems unlikely, It sure seems he'll be on Spains senior national team for sometime.

Ozymandias · Feb 10, 2023

The NBA announced there will be a BWB camp in Utah February 17-19th. Ousmane N'Diaye will be there. So even in a camp designed for HS aged players, we could get some interesting reports on a player whos eligible for this years draft. Here's the full list of attendee's.

Hard for me to imagine that Elliot Cadeau has anything less than a great showing vs this type of competition. Lightning quick PG who's decsion making is well beyond his years.

serbiangoat · Feb 10, 2023

Ozymandias said:

He's a guy with a NBA skillset that legit has not improved since the moment he came to Mega 3 years ago (to be fair he's never been featured he always played 3rd fiddle), he's the same player and he's always had a sneaky good pick n roll game. Based on what he can do he should be way better/dominant. 100% he will get a spot in SL he's a lot like Kent Bazemore.

Tetsujin · Feb 10, 2023

Ozymandias said:

Taiga Okada getting an invite is hilarious. Kid’s like 5’6” and not particularly athletic lol

Ozymandias · Feb 11, 2023

Creighton vs UConn was a good game.

Andre Jackson (UConn) and Arthur Kaluma (Creighton) both played so poorly in this one though.. honestly

Im not really sure what to make of Adema Sanogo shooting 3's, he went 3/7 in this game he hit a buzzer beater at the end of the first half.. He sorta flings the ball no doubt... Its going in at a 39% clip so far which seems quite unsustainable ---- Its some noteworthy development though, his FT shooting has improved substantially since he showed up at UConn, from like a low 60's guy to a mid 70's.

Ozymandias · Feb 11, 2023

IDK tho the more I watch our Kings team.. What stands out to me is that if we're gonna select a 6'10 C it should probably be James Nnaji.. The other 6'10 C's we mention here are not on his level.

What gets me about Nnaji is ---- I'm not sure if we can draft someone better to be dropped into our frontcourt rotation off the bench when it comes to hording offensive rebounds..

Even when comparing Nnaji in the first to a rebounding specialist like Bryce Hopkins (whos stocks gotta be on the rise) in the late 2nd, theres a strong case to be made for Nnaji being able to step in right away n give us more productive minutes.

206Fan · Feb 12, 2023

One thing I didn't realize was that we have the Pacers' 2nd round pick. They're currently #36 in the standings which would make it a really high 2nd round pick.

Our organization hasn't done a good enough job hitting on 2nd round picks even under McNair. However, our 2nd round picks that we traded to other teams have been absolutely hits. Recently have been Gary Trent Jr, Kenyon Martin Jr, Xavier Tillman, and James Hardy. They were all drafted with our picks... I'm hoping we can do a better job scouting those 2nd round guys.

bajaden · Feb 12, 2023

Ozymandias said:

I'm sure Hawkins will be available when we pick. Not so much George who is going in the lottery. Hawkins is going on the 2nd rd, just a matter of where.

bajaden · Feb 12, 2023

Ozymandias said:

Yeah, Porter had a great game. I generally watch Pepperdine to see Max Lewis play, but every time I watch one of their games, Porter always does something to make me take notice. His ability to stretch the floor at 6'11" will certainly boost his draft stock. The question is, will he enter the draft? Obviously he needs to get stronger if he's going to play some 5 in the NBA, but the way he plays right now, he could certainly play the PF spot.

My hope would be that he declares, goes to the combine and get's feedback from the teams, and then makes his decision to stay in or not. The kid is loaded with potential on both sides of the ball.

bajaden · Feb 12, 2023

206Fan said:

A lot of times it comes down to roster spots. Is the 2nd rd pick your choosing going to be better than one of the players that already has a spot on the roster. That's likely what happened in the Hardy pick. They probably had already worked out a deal with Ellis prior to the draft to sign a two way deal, and going into freeagency they didn't want to tie up a roster spot with whomever they might draft in the 2nd rd.

bajaden · Feb 12, 2023

Ozymandias said:

People tend to forget that players get better. Once in the NBA the only job they have is to work on their game. If they're willing to put in the work, they will get better. Lyles is just one example of that. That doesn't mean that Ware will become a lights out shooter, but he'll likely become at least respectful. I think whomever drafts Kel'el or Lively is thinking long range. Neither is ready to play any important minutes in the NBA. But the potential is there. However I always go back to the quote by the great coach Vince Lombardi. "The word potential means you haven't done anything yet"

bajaden · Feb 12, 2023

Ozymandias said:

Yeah, there are several teams that when you look at the talent, you think they should be better. Ohio St. has some talent, but not like last season when they looked to have final 8 potential. Sensabaugh is the best player on that team, and most of his play is in isolation, which he's very good at. But if Ohio St. is depending on their 3 pt shooting to help carry them at times, they better hope that Brice is having a good game. Ane he didn't in that game. To be honest, he looked a bit slow and tired. He's been carrying a lot of the load all season long for them, and he plays such a physcial game, that I'm sure it's wearing on him.

I really like him. Not sure about his fit on the Kings, and maybe I'm overthinking it. But Brice is more of an isolation player and the Kings have become a ball movement team. However, there's always a place for a good isolation player.

bajaden · Feb 12, 2023

Keyontae Johnson: SF/SG, 6'6", 229 Lb's, 6'11" wingspan, Senior, Kansas St.
33.2 mpg - 17.6 ppg - 51.3% fgp - 41.1% 3pp - 7.6 rpg - 2.1 apg - 1.1 stl's. - ORtg-108.8 - DRtg-94.6

About 3 years ago, Keyontae was one of my favorite players to watch. He was a highly touted player coming out of highschool and most projected him to be a 1st rd pick. He was having a steller year, when on Dec 12th he collapsed on court face down and almost died. God was watching out for him that day, because there just happened to be a cardiolgist at the game, and he saved Keyontae's life. As I said, that was in 2020 and now, he's back, and he's looking like the player he was before the incident. They now call him the walking miracle!

Because of his current age, and his prior health problems, I would think all chances of him busting into the first rd are slim and none. However, he's a very talented player, who is a three level scorer, and an excellent defender. He can play both SF and SG. Although he's only 6'6", he has a huge wingspan, and he's as strong as a bull as well. He's a very good passer, and a very smart player. In a way, because of his age, he fits into the Kings timeframe.

Obviously he's been medically cleared to play, but I have no idea whether the medical standard he's being held to now matches NBA standards. But if you watch him play, you'd have no idea that he almost died on the court. I think Johnson is NBA talent and could be a solid rotational player for some team, and I wouldn't mind if it were the Kings. But then I'm biased. He was one of my favorite players a few years ago, and to my eye, he looks like the same player. Plus, he's an older player with experience and more ready to step in and contribute than a 19 year old player who is likely a year or two away from being a solid contributer.

Regardles, I hope he gets drafted by some team and his dream comes true!

bajaden · Feb 12, 2023

Tucker DeVries: SF, 6'7", 210 Lb's, Wingspan NA, Sophomore, Drake
33.5 mpg - 19.5 ppg - 46.1% fgp - 40.9% 3pp - 82.9% ftp - 6.0 rpg - 1.8 apg - 1.0 stl's

If you want someone that can put the ball in the basket, DeVries is you guy. He has a silkly smooth jumper and a high and quick release. He may be the best movement shooter in the draft. His ability to come off a staggered screen at full speed, make the turn and somehow in the air, get totally squared up is a rare talent. He's a three level scorer, and loves to post up when guarded by a smaller defender. He's also a high BBIQ player.

Tucker is a very good passer and could play point forward. He has excellent court vision and is an unselfish passer. He's not a great athlete and isn't going to blow by you off the dribble, but he's crafty, and a good opportunitist, taking what's there. He gets a bit loose with his handles at times when he tries to do too much in isolation off the dribble. Defensively, he puts out the effort and I wouldn't call him a liability. But at the NBA level I suspect he'll struggle at times.

He definitely doesn't look in NBA shape, and with some physical reconstruction in the weight room etc. it might help his defensive quickness. Especially laterally! He seems to have good anticipation but not the athleticism, so any imporvement in that area will certainly help his career. Aside from obvious defensive weaknesses, he's the entire package offensively, and someone will want to give him a shot. I like DeVries, and he could end up being better than I thought. He's probably going in the 2nd rd, and could be a steal there.

iowamcnabb · Feb 12, 2023

We need more Iowans on the team so I’m in favor.

I am really curious what Monte does this next draft. I highly doubt he makes 3 selections as we might not have the roster space but who knows. Metu, Len and KZ are not likely to be back. TD is a tough call but I’m guessing he lands elsewhere. Can we afford to bring Lyles back? My guess is it’s an either or with Sasha. Delly might stick due to his coach/player status. Do we give minutes to Ellis who looks like he can be a player? What decision are we making on Queta? My guess is we sell off our second rounder and use the Indiana pick. Tucker could be be a candidate in that range

Ozymandias · Feb 13, 2023

bajaden said:

Roddy Gayle got inserted into the starting lineup after I made that post, and they got beatdown by MSU even worse Sensabaugh 1/7 from 3, 3/14 fromt he field with 0 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Interested to see how he bounces back from a rough 2 game stretch.

Cant help but wonder what Sensabaugh's gonna look like in his mid 20's.. He's built like a tank already at 19

Ozymandias · Feb 13, 2023

Also on the WTF was that front, Cason Wallace with an uncharacteristically poor performance in Kentucky's loss to Georgia, n UK needs wins desperately right now..

On a night where Kentucky's entire team was really struggling to make shots Wallace couldnt get any sort of offense going..

Ozymandias · Feb 13, 2023

30 points on 13 FGA's... (9/13, 4/5 from 3, 8/10ft's) 5rebs 3 asts 2stl

twslam07 · Feb 13, 2023

I’m starting to really like Taylor Hendricks as a target for our pick but wouldn’t be surprised if he’s gone before us. Seems like a great fit as a long term PF between Sabonis and Murray.

Ozymandias · Feb 13, 2023

iowamcnabb said:

We can definitely afford to bring Lyles back but when it comes to him and TD we'll have a lot more clarity on them at the end of the season.

I think it would be pretty risky to rely on Vezenkov stepping into Lyles shoes, he's definitely not suited to play any backup5 like what we do with Lyles.

Queta, imo, it stands to reason he gets the Q/O and resigned. We might just have to wait for another 2 trade deadlines to finally unload Richaun Holmes so letting Queta walk doesnt make much sense, and Len's roster spot is waiting for him... At that point too I think we'd be in the market for a new g-league c project.

As for Delly and Ellis I actually dont have much of an opinion on either rn.

On selling the 2nd rd picks, I can only say that I'd think this will be as good a draft as any to maybe take a draft and stash overseas guy or stash in the g-league types.. Using the draft to replenish the g-league squad which polishes the players to be 3rd stringers --- thats really the new circle of life (cue the lions king music) that I hope we start to see league wide, the Kings have less holes to fill than most, so yeah I'm really hoping we dont just sell the 2nd rders. I'm still a big believer that Player Development is how the Kings can take big steps forward, doesnt all gotta be win-now.

The Kings have been super healthy this season, it wont always be this way, getting proper reinforcements ready to bolster the bench is the type of thing, its too cheap for the Kings not to go full force/max effort at, IMO, this is one of the great benefits of having a g-league team, lets maximize it I say.

Ozymandias · Feb 13, 2023

bajaden said:

He looks solid but honestly I lean towards Baylor Scheierman just because Scheierman looks more like a natural wing player to me, definitely a better passer, not to say DeVries isnt a solid passer, Scheierman is just well above avg some of his passes look like what you'd expect from a PG. I could be wrong haven't dug thru extensive footage, but from what I see at times DeVries kinda looks mechanical n like a 6'7 PF. I'm also biased towards lefties so maybe I'm doing that to a foolish extent here.

I could see DeVries being selected near the mid 2nd though, I'd be plenty interested to see what he'd do in SL if picked here.

I was all for taking Corey Kispert with the pick that became Davion so dont think I'm gonna write off these players like Schierman n DeVries in the deep 2nd rd.

For me when I look at the DeVries footage, I ask myself --- would I take this player over Durisic or Vukecevic n the answers no. So after them is where I'd think his range begins.

Ozymandias · Feb 13, 2023

goin thru some of the metropolitans 92 (Wembanyama + Coulibaly) recent footage on their yt channel.

Coulibaly is such a sleeper... This player is SMOOTH in his movements for someone built like that.. He plays with a low center of gravity, uses that length well... If Coach Brown likes Thybulle, cant help but wonder what he'd think of a player like this.

Wembanyama is amazing though, very good player already. He goes to pull up for a fadeaway midrange J n halfway thru the shot he decides instead to pass it to an open cutter for an easy basket. His 3pt range is well beyond NBA range. He just threw a fullcourt pass dead on the money.

Lets all hope Wembanyama lands in the east. The west is stacked enough.

Ozymandias · Feb 13, 2023

twslam07 said:

This is a really good take. Hendricks stands out as a player who can help us right away too.

iowamcnabb · Feb 13, 2023

Ozymandias said:

We can definitely afford to bring Lyles back but when it comes to him and TD we'll have a lot more clarity on them at the end of the season.

I think it would be pretty risky to rely on Vezenkov stepping into Lyles shoes, he's definitely not suited to play any backup5 like what we do with Lyles.

Queta, imo, it stands to reason he gets the Q/O and resigned. We might just have to wait for another 2 trade deadlines to finally unload Richaun Holmes so letting Queta walk doesnt make much sense, and Len's roster spot is waiting for him... At that point too I think we'd be in the market for a new g-league c project.

As for Delly and Ellis I actually dont have much of an opinion on either rn.

On selling the 2nd rd picks, I can only say that I'd think this will be as good a draft as any to maybe take a draft and stash overseas guy or stash in the g-league types.. Using the draft to replenish the g-league squad which polishes the players to be 3rd stringers --- thats really the new circle of life (cue the lions king music) that I hope we start to see league wide, the Kings have less holes to fill than most, so yeah I'm really hoping we dont just sell the 2nd rders. I'm still a big believer that Player Development is how the Kings can take big steps forward, doesnt all gotta be win-now.

The Kings have been super healthy this season, it wont always be this way, getting proper reinforcements ready to bolster the bench is the type of thing, its too cheap for the Kings nogo full force/max effort at, IMO, this is one of the great benefits of having a g-league team, lets maximize it I say.

Lyles is an interesting situation. He has been fantastic for us and us worth more than the couple mil he is getting now. Is it like 3 years 15 mil? It’s hard to say what a back up 4 can get on the open market

I hope Monte does use all three picks to restock the cupboards.

Looking ahead to the 2023 Draft

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