With the 7th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select .....

[bajaden]

and who is starting for the mavs? Shawn Marion the same guy kawhi Leonard is being compared to. IMO defense trumps shooting. sure it would be fun to have a team like the warriors that chucks up a ton of 3's and can score but they never win for a reason. 3pt shooting can win games and sometimes even playoff games, but it's a gimmick and not a constant. good defense will always win games. we already have Thornton and, if we get Leonard/singleton at sf, we have casspi off the bench.

my board would look like this right now:

Leonard/Biyombo either way
singleton
Hamilton (athletic and long enough to play defense and improve) and has skills that can contribute immediately.

Honestly I would have Kanter near the top if not for all my worries about him. he's got knee tendinitis and he isn't going to participate in any workouts even though he hasn't played in over a year? that's a huge red flag to me.

I don't think I would say that defense always trumps offense. If that were true, then there were some defensive players that should have been taken before Larry Bird. Who turned out to be a pretty good defender himself by the way. I'm all for defense, but there is one golden rule. The team that puts the ball in the basket the most times always wins the game. So I think you have to weigh the abilities of each player against the other players and see which one might be the most balanced, but without losing the emphasis on what holes your trying to fill.

Its seems your trying to do that. I don't have Biyombo on my list, simply because I know nothing about him other than what I've read. All star games and youtube is worthless as far as I'm concerned. Doesn't mean he's not the real deal. There are some here who've seen him play, and who really like him. And I respect their opinion. But I do have Leonard, Hamilton, and Singleton on my list. Any of the three would help the team in some area of need. With Singleton being the best defender and Hamilton being the best shooter, and leonard falling somewhere in between.

 

[hammystyle]

Okay, I've been debating this with myself, but I'm now convinced that we should take Burks. I think he's a huge sleeper and will end up being one of the best players in this draft. His biggest weaknesses are relatively easy to fix with time and coaching. He's got the frame, moves, solid-good athleticism, and ball skills to be a good 2-way wing in the NBA. Bad fit? Probably, but I think he's the likely BPA at our pick and I think with with some time he can be a combo 2/3. I think we need to stop looking at this draft pick like we need it to contribute to the team so badly, this is a weak draft, so you might as well just try to get the best talent there is on the board regardless of style and position, and worst comes to worst, just make some trades.

I don't think Burks is the BPA at 7. He's a decent prospect, but he's just as flawed as anybody else we are looking at there. He has some strong positives that you mention, but he's also a SG who doesn't shoot that well. And he'll be average athletically for the position.

I actually like Klay Thompson as the better 2-Guard prospect.

 

[hiero]

Knight is perfect for this team. He's a hybrid, and hybrids fit well with other hybrids. If the Kings had a "pure" pg, then that puts Tyreke in the position of being a "pure" SG, which he's not; and if the Kings draft a "pure" SG that puts Tyreke in the position of being a "pure" pg, which he's not.

he would be a perfect fit if we didn't already have Thornton who is also a hybrid and better than knight and doesn't require using the #7 pick on.

 

[hiero]

I'm beginning to agree with this. I've been saying that we need to fill our needs with this draft, but the more I look at the players, the more I see there is no guarantee that we can actually fill our needs with who's out there at our spot. What we need to do is sign Dally and Thornton. What we should do in the draft is go BPA. I'm more open to Walker, Knight or Burks when I look at it from this perspective. I have doubts that Walker or Knight will be there when we pick though.

there are only really 2 guys who are star caliber players and are clearly bpa. at the #7 pick I really do not see anyone who I wouldn't be able to pass on because they were clearly better than another guy who fills a position of need for the Kings. I really do not see Knight as that guy. I think Walker is actually the more likely of the two to be star. I definitely do not see Burks as bpa. maybe if Kanter falls and checks out medically that would probably be too hard to pass on.

 

[Vlade4GM]

I don't think Burks is the BPA at 7. He's a decent prospect, but he's just as flawed as anybody else we are looking at there. He has some strong positives that you mention, but he's also a SG who doesn't shoot that well. And he'll be average athletically for the position.

I actually like Klay Thompson as the better 2-Guard prospect.

I think Burks is at least an adequate athlete, if not an above average one. He's got the moves and athleticism to get to the basket and he's a quick leaper, that's good enough for me with his ball skills. He's flawed, but I think those flaws are relatively easy to correct. I think he's got the potential to improve his shot, especially in the set position, and I think he has the frame to add the strength needed to improve his finishing ability.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Small forwards we can use, if we go that route. With the Garcia-Greene-Casspi triumvirate, we can certainly use a bonafide athlete or a certified shooter at that position. But the shooters in mind (Jordan Hamilton, Klay Thompson) I just really question, and I don't consider Alec Burks a SF. So I'll go the uppity athlete route, which is better to secure in the draft rather than get in free agency anyway. I also have a massive favorite in Travis Leslie, but drafting him at #7 is overdrafting, and drafting any of these four here might be overdrafting to begin with (hence the list of the PFs I made is better).

1) Chris Singleton
--Elite level defensive playmaker. Very good rebounder for size (6'9").
--NBA athlete. Good leaper with good wingspan and strength. Terror in the open court.
--Poor offensive player. Might be a very bad shooter. Does attempt to slash and shoot from deep. Bad ballhandler/court vision.
--Questionable NBA-readiness. Might have bust potential.
Comparison: Gerald Wallace

2) Tyler Honeycutt
--Excellent defensive playmaker for size (6'8") without fouling. Also a great rebounder for size.
--Very good ballhandling/court vision for size. Average at best offensive player. Poor shooter with just OK offensive construct.
--Very good leaper straight up, and good leaper overall. Terror in the open court. Surprisingly poor wingspan and nondescript lateral quickness. Good conditioning.
--Really questionable NBA readiness. Might have bust potential.
Comparison: Early Dorell Wright

3) Klay Thompson
--Excellent scorer on the basis of great shooting ability. OK offensive construct. Questionable ballhandling abilities/court vision.
--Reasonably good defensive playmaker for size (6'7") without fouling.
--Poor wingspan. Borderline conditioning. Below average NBA athlete. OK lateral quickness. Really lacks strength.
--Questionable NBA readiness. Might have bust potential.
Comparison: Rasual Butler

4) Jordan Hamilton
--NBA-ready scorer. Inclined three point shooter. However, just OK offensive construct and ballhandling/passing abilities, and might be an overrated shooter in the league.
--Good rebounder at 6'8"ish. Conserves energy for offense. Rarely fouls or makes defensive plays.
--Poor wingspan. Below average NBA athlete. Ordinary lateral quickness/open court abilities. Questionable conditioning. Needs to add strength.
Comparison: Quentin Richardson

 

[KingsCitizen]

Trade it to Indiana with Casspi for Granger and their 15th pick!

Then draft Marshon Brooks at 15th and Bertans(legit shooter at 6'10") with our 35th pick!

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Trade it to Indiana with Casspi for Granger and their 15th pick!

That wouldn't even come close. Indiana would laugh and hang up.

 

[D13]

We don't need a big so badly, but I'd love to get Kanter if his workouts are even kind of solid... really doubt he drops though.

As far as our needs, SF and PG;... I don't see a potential star SF in this draft, or even a consistent starter. So I'm hoping we don't roll the dice on the guys being mentioned above. Lets find an experienced vet/floor general in trade or free agency.

So for me, that leaves PG... and I'm hoping Kemba or Knight fall to us. If not, I am really open to reaching for Jimmer at 7. He has arguably the best shooting in this draft. He's pretty sharp, and a hard worker... he's probably the next safest pick outside of the top 2 really. The reason's he's falling; size and defense, can be questioned about all 3 of Irving, Walker and Knight just the same..

 

[TTown Kings]

I'm on the Chris Singleton wagon at this point. We need a 3 and he just seems like a perfect fit. Great defensive player, good rebounder, sounds like a great role playing glue guy. I'm not really worried about his offense at this point. I fully believe he'll be able to get a consistent 3 point shot from the wing after a few years. With DMC, Reke and Thornton we don't need another high usage scorer.

With that being said, I cahnge my mind about who I want to draft most every 15 mintues!

 

[Dime Dropper]

We don't need a big so badly, but I'd love to get Kanter if his workouts are even kind of solid... really doubt he drops though.

As far as our needs, SF and PG;... I don't see a potential star SF in this draft, or even a consistent starter. So I'm hoping we don't roll the dice on the guys being mentioned above. Lets find an experienced vet/floor general in trade or free agency.

So for me, that leaves PG... and I'm hoping Kemba or Knight fall to us. If not, I am really open to reaching for Jimmer at 7. He has arguably the best shooting in this draft. He's pretty sharp, and a hard worker... he's probably the next safest pick outside of the top 2 really. The reason's he's falling; size and defense, can be questioned about all 3 of Irving, Walker and Knight just the same..

I'm sorry but this really isn't true. I like Fredette, but all three of those guys have shown far more defensively than Jimmer for whatever reason, and all three have the tools to be much better defenders than Fredette at the next level. I'm guessing you didn't watch much college ball during the season. Jimmer could be adequate defensively, but he won't be any more than that. All three other guys have the potential to be playmakers and very good defensive players, particularly Knight.

 

[bajaden]

I'm sorry but this really isn't true. I like Fredette, but all three of those guys have shown far more defensively than Jimmer for whatever reason, and all three have the tools to be much better defenders than Fredette at the next level. I'm guessing you didn't watch much college ball during the season. Jimmer could be adequate defensively, but he won't be any more than that. All three other guys have the potential to be playmakers and very good defensive players, particularly Knight.

having watched Jimmer play a ton of games on the BYU network, I can safely say, that if your basing your opinion on what you saw in those games, its hard to disagree with you. However, there is a caviot. I always thought that Jimmer looked fairly athletic on the offensive side of the ball, and wondered why that didn't show up on the defensive side of the ball. At times, there was absolutely little or no effort.. Then I saw and interview with his head coach when he was asked about Jimmers defense. He literaly said that he told Jimmer not to play defense, and save his energy for the offensive side of the ball. Plus, he said he had to have Jimmer on the floor at all times, and he did play all 40 minutes many times, and I believe he averaged 38 plus minutes per game. He was also afraid that if he had him play defense, he could get himself in foul trouble, and he couldn't afford to sit him down because of fouls.

Now, I know that sounds ridiculous, but I heard him say it with my own ears. And about a month ago, I heard Chad Ford say the same thing. Now that doesn't mean that Jimmer will suddenly become a great defensive player overnight, but, it may mean he won't be the liablity everyone thought he would be. I'm also sure you noticed that Jimmer had the third fastest time in normal lateral agility drills, and the second fastest time in the modified lateral drill, which I like because it tests your reaction time to the lights. I watched him play a lot. As a matter of fact, I don't think I missed one of his games, simply because he was so much fun to watch. My gut tells me he's not going to be that bad a defender once he gets up to speed. He certainly won't have to worry about fouls, or playing 40 minutes a game.

 

[Uncia03]

If I was GM for a day, here is what I'd try to do with our assets this offseason.

If we had managed to keep the 5th pick in the draft then I would have probably drafted either Knight or Kanter, but with our 7th pick I don't think either of these players will fall to us. So I'm assuming that neither of these players will be available.

1.) Trade Casspi, 35th pick, & 60th pick for AI. (I would throw in next year's first rounder instead of the 2nd rounders if ultimately it became necessary)

2.) Trade the 7th pick to Charlotte for the 9th pick & 19th pick as well as Matt Carrol.

(Matt Carrol is a shooting SG who averaged 10 minutes off the bench and shot 37% from 3pt land. The main issue is that he's owed 7.5 million over the next two years. So this trade would be like buying the 19th pick by absorbing Carrol's salary while providing us with another shooter. Charlotte also gets to move up two spots in the draft.)

3.) Draft Jordan Hamilton with the 9th pick. (If somehow he's gone, which I don't think likely then draft Chris Singleton.)

4.) Draft Faried/Fredette/Singleton/Brooks with the 19th pick.

5.) Re-sign Dalembert & Thorton

When starting the season Hamilton would be coming off the bench, but I think the future plan would be to insert him into the starting line-up with Tyreke and AI, while bringing Thorton off the bench. If Hamilton can grow into a starter's role after a year or so of playing, that would be a very formidable starting line-up with a good bench crew.

Year One Roster (We pick Faried with 19th Pick)

PG: Tyreke/Beno/Jeter
SG: Thorton/Garcia/Carrol
SF: AI/Hamilton/Greene
PF: Cousins/Faried/Whiteside
C : Dalembert/Thompson

Year Two Roster (Slide AI to SG and Move Hamilton to starting SF)

PG: Tyreke/Beno/Jeter
SG: AI/Thorton/Carrol
SF: Hamilton/Greene/Garcia
PF: Cousins/Faried/Whiteside
C : Dalembert/Thompson


Just looking at that 2nd year line-up, I like how it matches up against Miami's big line-up they've been using down the stretch in the 4th quarter to close games out. (Wade, Miller, James, Haslem, Bosh), and I think that our bench is much stronger than what Miami has right now. Now the expectation is that Miami is going to get a better bench, but that may be difficult for them to do depending on what happens with the CBA.

I really like the scoring that Hamilton can provide, as he can be used coming off screens, posting up smaller players, and is much, much better than Garcia/Casspi/Greene at using the dribble to create his own mid-ranged shot (especially with a dribble from the right wing down towards the baseline).
So that scoring can be extremely important in keeping a team from loading up on Tyreke/Cousins.

But with all that said, if Singleton can learn to consistently knock down the open shot, then I would have no problems seeing him in that 2nd year line-up, which would create a monster defensive team. Hamilton should be a decent defender at the next level, but Singleton will be a beast, but won't come with the scoring diversity that Hamilton can provide, especially in a tight spot. (I currently will still take Hamilton over Singleton for the primary reason that since Hamilton will at best be a 3rd scoring option, he should be putting more energy and dedication into defense, and he has the potential to be a good defender, and he's also a better rebounder than Singleton.)

I think that the above off-season moves could be made, but for me it all hinges on getting AI. I doubt it would happen, but would love to see it done, as more so than any person we draft this year, he'd be the main piece to help move us into playoff contention along with the growth of our current young players.

 

[ElRey]

Uncia, by AI, you mean Andrew Iguodala, and not Allen Iverson right?

 

[Bricklayer]

Sigh. These propositions where Philly gives us A.I. for free just make my head hurt. Or at least that's always what happens when fans of other teams do the same thing with our guys. Raef Larentz, Eduardo Najera AND a 2nd round pick for Chris Webber!! Woot!

 

[funkykingston]

Sigh. These propositions where Philly gives us A.I. for free just make my head hurt. Or at least that's always what happens when fans of other teams do the same thing with our guys. Raef Larentz, Eduardo Najera AND a 2nd round pick for Chris Webber!! Woot!

Not for free. For an ENORMOUS amount of cap relief for a team that very much wants to move a player that no longer wants to be there.

Iguodala for Casspi and next year's 1st (when next year's draft will be substantially stronger) IS a good offer.

 

[Kingster]

having watched Jimmer play a ton of games on the BYU network, I can safely say, that if your basing your opinion on what you saw in those games, its hard to disagree with you. However, there is a caviot. I always thought that Jimmer looked fairly athletic on the offensive side of the ball, and wondered why that didn't show up on the defensive side of the ball. At times, there was absolutely little or no effort.. Then I saw and interview with his head coach when he was asked about Jimmers defense. He literaly said that he told Jimmer not to play defense, and save his energy for the offensive side of the ball. Plus, he said he had to have Jimmer on the floor at all times, and he did play all 40 minutes many times, and I believe he averaged 38 plus minutes per game. He was also afraid that if he had him play defense, he could get himself in foul trouble, and he couldn't afford to sit him down because of fouls.

Now, I know that sounds ridiculous, but I heard him say it with my own ears. And about a month ago, I heard Chad Ford say the same thing. Now that doesn't mean that Jimmer will suddenly become a great defensive player overnight, but, it may mean he won't be the liablity everyone thought he would be. I'm also sure you noticed that Jimmer had the third fastest time in normal lateral agility drills, and the second fastest time in the modified lateral drill, which I like because it tests your reaction time to the lights. I watched him play a lot. As a matter of fact, I don't think I missed one of his games, simply because he was so much fun to watch. My gut tells me he's not going to be that bad a defender once he gets up to speed. He certainly won't have to worry about fouls, or playing 40 minutes a game.

I heard Jimmer talk about this subject and he didn't exactly corroborate the version of truth his coach is telling. But I don't think the story matters much anyway. After he goes through the Petrie test/drills they should have a very good idea of his defensive capabilities.

 

[bajaden]

I heard Jimmer talk about this subject and he didn't exactly corroborate the version of truth his coach is telling. But I don't think the story matters much anyway. After he goes through the Petrie test/drills they should have a very good idea of his defensive capabilities.

Yeah, I agree. It doesn't really matter. Teams will find out for themselves. I didn't hear what Jimmer had to say on the subject. But I did hear his head coach. And I heard the same thing from Chad Ford, who teaches a class at BYU. All talk however. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. I'm big on coconut cream myself..

 

[Uncia03]

Jimmer's defense is going to continue to be a big question mark with nba fans until he can get into games and prove his ability/in-ability to defend. I imagine that the individual team workouts will do enough to convince GMs one way or the other in regards to his potential defensive liabilities.

I don't see him getting more than 15-20 minutes a game no matter where he lands, and for that reason I do expect him to be a better defender than he showed in college.
He's a tremendous competitor, and if he can put a lot more energy on the defensive end, then I think he can do a adequate job.

He won't be a defensive stopper, but I don't think he'll be a complete liability either. As with most things, his defense will fall somewhere between.

I wouldn't take him with the 7th pick, but out of the guards out there I only like Irving and Knight more at this point.

 

[MANoICE]

In the spirit of Unica03's idea, I propose this:

Trade the #7 & #35 to Houston (I know, not again right?) for #14 & #23.

At #14 take (in this order) - Chris Singleton, Jordan Hamilton, Kenneth Faried or Dontas Motiejunas
At #23 take - Darius Morris, Reggie Jackson, Nolan Smith or Malcom Lee

Either ship #60 out or draft an overseas guy that you can stash for a few years.

The more I see on Chris Singleton, the more I like his drive. I like that he compares himself to Scottie Pippen. And I can see the similarities, although he would be more like Pippen when he first came to the league. He seems like a defender first and takes pride in that. He can shoot deep, but it VERY streaky.

I like Darius Morris alot at 23. He has the size to play both guard spots and has a nose for the ball. He is a heck of a competitor as well. He had a good FG% even though he is not much of a 3-pt threat yet. His asst-to-turn ration is so-so, but I could see him supplanting Beno in a 3 guard rotation by next year (being that we re-sign Thorton) if he gets that under control.

 

[Hallama]

Jimmer's defense is going to continue to be a big question mark with nba fans until he can get into games and prove his ability/in-ability to defend. I imagine that the individual team workouts will do enough to convince GMs one way or the other in regards to his potential defensive liabilities.

I don't see him getting more than 15-20 minutes a game no matter where he lands, and for that reason I do expect him to be a better defender than he showed in college.
He's a tremendous competitor, and if he can put a lot more energy on the defensive end, then I think he can do a adequate job.

He won't be a defensive stopper, but I don't think he'll be a complete liability either. As with most things, his defense will fall somewhere between.

I wouldn't take him with the 7th pick, but out of the guards out there I only like Irving and Knight more at this point.

Hard to believe his D could be worse than Bibby's back in the day. I think Fredette could adapt well to a teams defensive scheme. He can move his feet, just a matter of how much desire he has to do it. John Stockton was a great defender with similar physical attributes, and a bulldog mentality.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

I'm not a huge Jimmer guy. I like him, but not on this team or with our high pick.

But for those knocking Jimmers defense - I dont think he'll be a great defender either, but when you look at JJ Redick (who has turned himself into a pretty decent defender) I would say anything is possible.

 

[Hallama]

I'm not a huge Jimmer guy. I like him, but not on this team or with our high pick.

But for those knocking Jimmers defense - I dont think he'll be a great defender either, but when you look at JJ Redick (who has turned himself into a pretty decent defender) I would say anything is possible.

Right on cue, Jimmer talks about playing D in the NBA:
http://www.indystar.com/article/201...In-move-from-BYU-NBA-Fredette-focuses-defense

 

[bajaden]

In the spirit of Unica03's idea, I propose this:

Trade the #7 & #35 to Houston (I know, not again right?) for #14 & #23.

At #14 take (in this order) - Chris Singleton, Jordan Hamilton, Kenneth Faried or Dontas Motiejunas
At #23 take - Darius Morris, Reggie Jackson, Nolan Smith or Malcom Lee

Either ship #60 out or draft an overseas guy that you can stash for a few years.

The more I see on Chris Singleton, the more I like his drive. I like that he compares himself to Scottie Pippen. And I can see the similarities, although he would be more like Pippen when he first came to the league. He seems like a defender first and takes pride in that. He can shoot deep, but it VERY streaky.

I like Darius Morris alot at 23. He has the size to play both guard spots and has a nose for the ball. He is a heck of a competitor as well. He had a good FG% even though he is not much of a 3-pt threat yet. His asst-to-turn ration is so-so, but I could see him supplanting Beno in a 3 guard rotation by next year (being that we re-sign Thorton) if he gets that under control.

Chris Singleton won't be there at 14 in my opinion. He may not even be there at number 7, since the Wizzards are extremely high on him, and are looking for size and defense from this draft. Singleton went down to Golden state and shut down everyone there including Jordan Hamilton in his workout, and he shot the ball well. So Golden State is very high on him. If we stay at number 7, then my current choices are first, Brandon Knight, second, Chris Singleton, and third, Jordan Hamilton. My fourth choice would Kawhi Leonard. Why not Leonard higher? He's not proven in any area of the game. He may be a lockdown defender or he may not. He may become a decent to good offensive player with an outside shot, or he may not. I like his motor and desire, and that usually translates into results. But?

But with Knight, I know what I'm getting for sure. A very good athlete that can defend, maybe not quite at the NBA level yet, but, Im more confident about him than I'am Leonard, and he can definitely score, handle, and pass the ball. In Singleton I'm getting a proven defender that is the ACC defensive player of the year for the past two years. He's one of the best athlete's in the draft and he has very good size and length. And, right now, he's a better offensive player than Leonard. In Hamilton, I'm getting one of the best scorers in the draft at the SF position. And he's proven to be a good defender when guarding other SF's.

So at the SF position, I have Singleton as my top choice. He is the perfect fit for the Kings system, and the best player available at that point after Knight, who I don't think will be there. And personally, I don't care if he's considered a reach or not. I should also point out that Petrie doesn't get caught up in the reach business either. Peja was a reach. Hedo was a reach. J. Will was a reach. Some considered J.T. a reach.

 

[Hallama]

Chris Singleton won't be there at 14 in my opinion. He may not even be there at number 7, since the Wizzards are extremely high on him, and are looking for size and defense from this draft. Singleton went down to Golden state and shut down everyone there including Jordan Hamilton in his workout, and he shot the ball well. So Golden State is very high on him. If we stay at number 7, then my current choices are first, Brandon Knight, second, Chris Singleton, and third, Jordan Hamilton. My fourth choice would Kawhi Leonard. Why not Leonard higher? He's not proven in any area of the game. He may be a lockdown defender or he may not. He may become a decent to good offensive player with an outside shot, or he may not. I like his motor and desire, and that usually translates into results. But?

But with Knight, I know what I'm getting for sure. A very good athlete that can defend, maybe not quite at the NBA level yet, but, Im more confident about him than I'am Leonard, and he can definitely score, handle, and pass the ball. In Singleton I'm getting a proven defender that is the ACC defensive player of the year for the past two years. He's one of the best athlete's in the draft and he has very good size and length. And, right now, he's a better offensive player than Leonard. In Hamilton, I'm getting one of the best scorers in the draft at the SF position. And he's proven to be a good defender when guarding other SF's.

So at the SF position, I have Singleton as my top choice. He is the perfect fit for the Kings system, and the best player available at that point after Knight, who I don't think will be there. And personally, I don't care if he's considered a reach or not. I should also point out that Petrie doesn't get caught up in the reach business either. Peja was a reach. Hedo was a reach. J. Will was a reach. Some considered J.T. a reach.

I'm just not intrigued by Leonard either. I think he will fill a nice role off the bench for a playoff caliber team someday, but he won't be one of the top 10 players from this draft, imo. I do like Singleton a lot, a guy who has a NBA ready skill with his defense, and the mindset to be a good team player that doesn't need shots, can hit the offensive boards, and fill the lane on the break. He won't be as dynamic as Hamilton offensively.

I have the same reaction when people say you've "reached" for a player. Compared to what, mock drafts? And sure, you'll get your Shelden Williams mistakes here and there. If the Kings take Singleton, it wouldn't be a reach at all.

 

[sterö]

Considering we're getting Knight, is it thinkable to have Knight, Thornon and Evans together on the floor with Reke moving to the 3 on a regular basis?

 

[Glenn]

Considering we're getting Knight, is it thinkable to have Knight, Thornon and Evans together on the floor with Reke moving to the 3 on a regular basis?

Not as far as I am concerned. Reke would be an undersized SF, he can't shoot from distance, and he needs the ball in his hands to have an offense. So far he doesn't move well off the ball.

 

[funkykingston]

I'm just not intrigued by Leonard either. I think he will fill a nice role off the bench for a playoff caliber team someday, but he won't be one of the top 10 players from this draft, imo. I do like Singleton a lot, a guy who has a NBA ready skill with his defense, and the mindset to be a good team player that doesn't need shots, can hit the offensive boards, and fill the lane on the break. He won't be as dynamic as Hamilton offensively.

I have the same reaction when people say you've "reached" for a player. Compared to what, mock drafts? And sure, you'll get your Shelden Williams mistakes here and there. If the Kings take Singleton, it wouldn't be a reach at all.

I also love how analysts say a guy was a "reach" because the team could have traded back and got the same guy later in the draft. Really? How on earth could they know that? Simply because THEIR personal board had him in a certainly slot in no way proves that the next team wouldn't have snapped up the same player. Well, unless you're talking about the Raiders and Darius Heyward-Bey.

Ok, cheap shot to Oakland fans. But the mentality is the same as post-draft "grades". At worst the guy grading a team's draft is a sportswriter (or just an internet hack) who has never done any real scouting and is just basing his "grade" on whether he likes the guys the team picked. At best it's a former GM or scout (more often in the NFL than NBA though) who has some insight but who also made plenty of their own mistakes throughout their career.

What I find really funny about the whole thing is that teams that draft well (say the Baltimore Ravens or New England Patriots in the NFL or the Spurs in the NBA) start to get the benefit of the doubt from writers doing post-draft grades. Where they might have criticize a different team that made those picks, they praise those teams because history has shown their drafts to be strong and they don't want their "grades" to be way off the mark when looking back years down the line. The whole thing is absurd.

Which is why I have never ever cared what grade any website or publication gives the Kings draft. Petrie's MO (like it or not) is to make almost no moves during the draft and just take the guy he has rated the highest when he's on the clock. And history has shown that he very rarely makes an awful pick and most often makes a good one (sometimes very good) relative to who is available and who gets picked after his selection.

I'm not completely sold on anybody in this draft. But I will be onboard with whoever Petrie nabs.

 

[Hallama]

Chad Ford saying Kings are working out Fredette soon, and like him if Knight and Walker are gone. I'm actually pretty intrigued by Fredette, but don't want to publicly admit it.

This may be a draft where you go after a specialist: Fredette's shooting, Singleton's D, Faried's hustle/motor. At least you know you're getting something.

 

[rainmaker]

Considering we're getting Knight, is it thinkable to have Knight, Thornon and Evans together on the floor with Reke moving to the 3 on a regular basis?

no.