Baja Den's way too early, worthless 2023 mock draft:

[iowamcnabb]

If you're the Kings, do you draft an NBA-ready player like Keyontae Johnson or Julian Strawther who can contribute Day 1.... or you draft a raw kid like Sidy and hope that he can get to Keyontae/Strawther level by year 3?
.

yeh it’s something that I go back and forth on. If we bring back Lyles, bring over Sasha and either sign or replace Barnes you wonder if any rookie is going to get playing time barring injury. All the back up 5 (Lyles and maybe Queta) minutes would be accounted for and assuming Keegan gets more minutes and Sasha backs him up so would the 4. Fox and Davion eat up all the minute at .the point and Huerter Monk will get almost all the guard minutes. That really leaves the back up 3 and one swing position. With Kessler getting most of the 3 minutes in theory you might only have 5-10 minutes open on a regular basis.

 

[SacTownKid]

I like the potential of Jackson, but he is a project. If you draft him, don't expect much meaningful production until his 2nd or 3rd season.

I personally find it unlikely any player picked at 24 finds much floor time next season the way Brown ran his rotations last season. Maybe a backup C gets time but almost every spot on the team has about 2 bodies at every position if they keep things pretty much the same and Sasha comes over.

 

[SacTownKid]

I don't think I can blur my vision that much.

When Tatum came out he had one of the most polished offensive games and elite footwork I've seen from a freshman. My only concerns with him as a prospect were if he was too midrange focused for the NBA game and if his first step would be quick enough on the NBA level. Clearly neither was an issue at all.

With Jackson he's just so raw that it's hard to even say what he can hang his hat on in the NBA. Very good athlete, hard worker on defense, but not elite on that end. He's definitely an upside swing.

I see a similar overall iso game. The polish is for sure a question but that right there is a similar huge wing/F with guard skills capable of getting shots off in similar ways if he develops. Also a similar athletic ability that doesn't jump off the page at an elite level but a great combo of size and skill with that type of athleticism can be special. If GG develops, and he's for sure a major boom or bust type, you just scored and scored big time. For where the Kings are at I think taking a chance is worth it.

 

[funkykingston]

I've soured on Jackson at 24, we'd be better off with Kris Murray I think.

Leonard Miller is the forward I'd want, he seems safer and a better fit -- 3.3orebs for Miller in 30mpg in the g-league this season , 11 rpg. 79% ft's! Followed by Noah Clowney then James Nnaji and O-Max Prosper followed actually by Tristan Vukcevic.

Vukcevic now is above TJD on ESPN's best available list, and I gotta say I dont hate that. At this point too, I think I'd take Jordan Walsh over TJD but thats just me.

Walsh will need to improve his shot enough to stay on the floor, but I like the potential he brings to be a big defensive wing similar to how the Nuggets use Aaron Gordon. Right now we're hoping Kessler Edwards can be the guy but it's an important enough role to take a few swings at it. And if both Walsh AND Edwards hit? Then you have a lot of bench options. Offense with Lyles, Vezenkov, and Monk as the main pieces and defense with Davion, Kessler and Jordan as the guys. It will depend on how the board falls, but in the abstract I like Walsh a lot at 38.

 

[SacTownKid]

My thing about Kris Murray is if Barnes comes back and Sasha comes over I think Murray would have a rough time getting on the floor and he's far from an upside pick. He's a role player type from day 1. If Lyles comes back I think Kris Murray could be doomed. Ham brought up the teams lack of athletic ability at F and I agree with him. Barnes, Murray, Murray, Sasha, and Lyles is skilled for sure but at some point you have to try and find answers. Not whiffing on a pick shouldn't be the priority if you're drafting that deep IMO.

I've been looking at Miller, I'd put him above Murray but he looks like a skilled big to me. Clowney is another stretch 4, but I can maybe see a quicker Christian Wood at his peak which is interesting.

 

[206Fan]

yeh it’s something that I go back and forth on. If we bring back Lyles, bring over Sasha and either sign or replace Barnes you wonder if any rookie is going to get playing time barring injury. All the back up 5 (Lyles and maybe Queta) minutes would be accounted for and assuming Keegan gets more minutes and Sasha backs him up so would the 4. Fox and Davion eat up all the minute at .the point and Huerter Monk will get almost all the guard minutes. That really leaves the back up 3 and one swing position. With Kessler getting most of the 3 minutes in theory you might only have 5-10 minutes open on a regular basis.

The lack of PT for the rookies will be a fair question. it really depends on our FA moves and who we bring back. There are a couple players who had really poor outings during our playoff series that made me doubt how guaranteed their minutes would've been if we had better options and shooters. Kevin was awful in the playoffs, but we couldn't afford to bench him because no one else off the bench was a better 3pt threat. We tried our hardest to make it work with TD, but it wasn't there. Barnes was also bad, but the alternative was Kessler Edwards (not a scoring threat at all).

Any rookie we end up drafting will be competing for those role player minutes that we split between Kessler, Metu, TD, Len, and maybe even Davion... There's playing time for the rookies if they can help us win.

Just looking at #24, I'm confident we can find someone who could play big minutes and possibly even fight for a starting spot.

 

[206Fan]

My thing about Kris Murray is if Barnes comes back and Sasha comes over I think Murray would have a rough time getting on the floor and he's far from an upside pick. He's a role player type from day 1. If Lyles comes back I think Kris Murray could be doomed. Ham brought up the teams lack of athletic ability at F and I agree with him. Barnes, Murray, Murray, Sasha, and Lyles is skilled for sure but at some point you have to try and find answers. Not whiffing on a pick shouldn't be the priority if you're drafting that deep IMO.

I've been looking at Miller, I'd put him above Murray but he looks like a skilled big to me. Clowney is another stretch 4, but I can maybe see a quicker Christian Wood at his peak which is interesting.

In a scenario where we bring back Barnes and get Sasha to come over, I still think there would be minutes leftover in other areas and positions. However, it would absolutely make F a lot less of a need, and you're getting Kris who might not project as a long-term replacement for Barnes.

I think Kris' value on the team would be more for Keegan having his brother on the same team than anything... maybe it can help propel Keegan into a star player? There's been a lot of NBA teams who have paired their young stars with a sibiling. The Bucks have had Thanis on the team since 2019. They also have Giannis' younger brother playing for their GLeague team. The Cavs drafted Isaiah Mobley as a late 2nd round pick last year. Orlando re-signed Mo Wagner for his brother, Franz, who was an incoming rookie. It happens in the NBA. However in this case, Kris is a better NBA player than all of those guys except Wagner.

With Kris, you knock out 2 birds with 1 stone. You get someone who can contribute right away, and you also give Keegan his brother. If having Kris on the team helps unlocks Keegan's potential as a star... you draft him and don't look back.

 

[Ozymandias]

My thing about Kris Murray is if Barnes comes back and Sasha comes over I think Murray would have a rough time getting on the floor and he's far from an upside pick. He's a role player type from day 1. If Lyles comes back I think Kris Murray could be doomed. Ham brought up the teams lack of athletic ability at F and I agree with him. Barnes, Murray, Murray, Sasha, and Lyles is skilled for sure but at some point you have to try and find answers. Not whiffing on a pick shouldn't be the priority if you're drafting that deep IMO.

I've been looking at Miller, I'd put him above Murray but he looks like a skilled big to me. Clowney is another stretch 4, but I can maybe see a quicker Christian Wood at his peak which is interesting.

I mean if he's like Christian Wood, thats probably who we should take then. Wood would cost us quite a bit in free agency this summer, to get a much cheaper younger version would be a major, major coup at 24.

I was honestly a big Christian Wood fan back at UNLV and was floored when he went undrafted. I want to review some footage comparing them ill post on it if i see something, they do have similar frames thats for sure.

 

[Ozymandias]

Walsh will need to improve his shot enough to stay on the floor, but I like the potential he brings to be a big defensive wing similar to how the Nuggets use Aaron Gordon. Right now we're hoping Kessler Edwards can be the guy but it's an important enough role to take a few swings at it. And if both Walsh AND Edwards hit? Then you have a lot of bench options. Offense with Lyles, Vezenkov, and Monk as the main pieces and defense with Davion, Kessler and Jordan as the guys. It will depend on how the board falls, but in the abstract I like Walsh a lot at 38.

Well I would think if its really important Walsh's outside shot improves, that maybe O-Max Prosper would be a better choice as he seems to be a bit further along in that area.

But yeah at 38 I have no problems with Walsh, I'm unsure if Edwards is really a factor with a pick like that tbh.

 

[Ozymandias]

According to Barlowe, multiple sources have said that the Jazz plan to take Coulibaly at 9.

I believe it. Seems like a Jazz kind of pick. Its funny I actually have mentioned Dante Exum a few times when it comes to Coulibaly, could the same team that drafted Exum 3rd or 4th whatever it was take Bilal 9th? Coulibaly is taller and longer, more explosive, Exum obviously more a PG, but they both had this sort of lanky frame and enough smoothness and balance to them on offense for intrigue, whats most similar to me is just this long gait both can cover crazy ground in like 2 steps.

No player has really improved their stock since last summer quite like Bilal. He's on a meteoric rise and we're still weeks away.

 

[SacTownKid]

I mean if he's like Christian Wood, thats probably who we should take then. Wood would cost us quite a bit in free agency this summer, to get a much cheaper younger version would be a major, major coup at 24.

I was honestly a big Christian Wood fan back at UNLV and was floored when he went undrafted. I want to review some footage comparing them ill post on it if i see something, they do have similar frames thats for sure.

Maybe, but remember I'm saying at his peak though. Yeah, if he were guaranteed to be that then fine but look at Wood, even with his skill his value is never what the numbers suggest. PF's are a tough sell. Sounds like people see him as a 5 at some point which is possible and would greatly increase Clowney's value. Wouldn't mind Clowney at 24. Personally, I like the fit of Jackson-Davis although Clowney might have more upside for sure, the upside of GG Jackson, or one of the wings or droppers if it happens, like Lewis more if it were a choice.

 

[SacTownKid]

In a scenario where we bring back Barnes and get Sasha to come over, I still think there would be minutes leftover in other areas and positions. However, it would absolutely make F a lot less of a need, and you're getting Kris who might not project as a long-term replacement for Barnes.

I think Kris' value on the team would be more for Keegan having his brother on the same team than anything... maybe it can help propel Keegan into a star player? There's been a lot of NBA teams who have paired their young stars with a sibiling. The Bucks have had Thanis on the team since 2019. They also have Giannis' younger brother playing for their GLeague team. The Cavs drafted Isaiah Mobley as a late 2nd round pick last year. Orlando re-signed Mo Wagner for his brother, Franz, who was an incoming rookie. It happens in the NBA. However in this case, Kris is a better NBA player than all of those guys except Wagner.

With Kris, you knock out 2 birds with 1 stone. You get someone who can contribute right away, and you also give Keegan his brother. If having Kris on the team helps unlocks Keegan's potential as a star... you draft him and don't look back.

If Kris were a 2nd round pick, the Kings didn't have so many other more so skilled, less athletic 4/3's on board, etc. Murray would be an easy choice. The idea is still fun and Kris would help no matter what his minutes would be considering he's ready to go, but it always comes down to the minutes. He might be BPA anyway but if names like Jackson, Lewis, Rupert, or a few others are there I think it's a better bet to gamble on that. The reason I have come around around on Jackson-Davis is the potential for him to kind of be a Domas lite. Do the Kings need a Keegan lite? A Domas lite could be a game changer considering the teams lack of system play without a big like that to spot Domantas. That's where Sasha and Barnes factor in heavily because most of those F minutes might be gobbled in short order and we know some games Brown will go G ball and/or look for a defender at SF/SG. I still wouldn't mind seeing Keegan play some smallball C. A return to a Murray/Murray frontcourt spot unit like at Iowa could be a very interesting wrinkle but I can't see Brown doing that with how reluctant he was to even put Lyles there at times.

 

[Ozymandias]

Maybe, but remember I'm saying at his peak though. Yeah, if he were guaranteed to be that then fine but look at Wood, even with his skill his value is never what the numbers suggest. PF's are a tough sell. Sounds like people see him as a 5 at some point which is possible and would greatly increase Clowney's value. Wouldn't mind Clowney at 24. Personally, I like the fit of Jackson-Davis although Clowney might have more upside for sure, the upside of GG Jackson, or one of the wings or droppers if it happens, like Lewis more if it were a choice.

From what I've seen so far chances are slim that Clowney's on the board for at 24. Lively moving way up to lotto range doesnt help. No measurements from Clowney at the combine either, does he have a promise somewhere thats shut him down? The Nets?

 

[Ozymandias]

this games highlights are must see when it comes to clowney btw, or at least i think so. look at how he started this first half the first ~10 mins

 

[Tetsujin]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

They only do the first round because they're the Ringer and totally not serious about covering sports but the Ringer's KOC now has us drafting Kris Murray in his latest mock.

 

[funkykingston]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

They only do the first round because they're the Ringer and totally not serious about covering sports but the Ringer's KOC now has us drafting Kris Murray in his latest mock.

Based on past mocks I don't think KOC is very plugged in around the league and his own scouting talent is pretty suspect (Killian Hayes was his #1 prospect in the 2020 draft).

Givony always seemed to have pretty reliable sources. Near draft day his boards were generally pretty well aligned to how things actually went down. Bummer that it's now behind a pay wall at ESPN.

But I digress. O'Connor is doing the same thing as most mock drafters these days - moving Sheppard and Prosper into the first round, though he continues to keep Podziemski out (he's currently 36th on his big board). I'm always curious who different draft "experts" push down to make room for the hot names as the draft gets closer. For KOC it's James Nnaji, Max Lewis, and Rayan Rupert that get pushed to the early 2nd round and he also has Clowney dropping to #30 in his mock.

If that were actually to happen I'd really hope Monte trades up from #38 to the top of the 2nd and/or trades for another 2nd round pick.

If the board were to actually fall this way I'd be good with Kris Murray at 24 (he has Sheppard and OMP going at #23 and #24) but I'd 100% look to grab two of Lewis, Nnaji, Podziemski, or Walsh in the 2nd. But I don't see Lewis actually making it into the 2nd round.

But just in terms of fit, I'm not sure that having both Murray twins is ideal. Olivier-Maxence Prosper as the Kings version of Jarred Vanderbilt holds a lot of appeal honestly. As does Sheppard in that 2/3 swing role.

At 24 right now I'm hoping for Prosper or Lewis.

But being able to snag Nnaji and Walsh in the early 2nd would be a coup. I'm thinking it would mean using #38 and trading for #32 or #33.

 

[ESP47]

My thing about Kris Murray is if Barnes comes back and Sasha comes over I think Murray would have a rough time getting on the floor and he's far from an upside pick. He's a role player type from day 1. If Lyles comes back I think Kris Murray could be doomed. Ham brought up the teams lack of athletic ability at F and I agree with him. Barnes, Murray, Murray, Sasha, and Lyles is skilled for sure but at some point you have to try and find answers. Not whiffing on a pick shouldn't be the priority if you're drafting that deep IMO.

I've been looking at Miller, I'd put him above Murray but he looks like a skilled big to me. Clowney is another stretch 4, but I can maybe see a quicker Christian Wood at his peak which is interesting.

We're picking at 24, I don't think any player in that range can be considered ready for anything from day 1 in the NBA other than riding the bench.

Remember the Kings were basically the least injured team in the NBA last year. Highly doubtful that they don't revert back to the mean, which should open up minutes. I don't have a problem picking more wings but someone made a good point that the slow foot speed on the perimeter is a worry defensively if you add another Murray into the mix.

Not sold on Clowney being a stretch 4 at all. 65% FT and 28% 3PT spells long shot odds there. Nice player but I'd really like more insurance shooting wise if we aren't picking a defensive 5. Would love Miller but I have a feeling he'll go in the teens.

 

[Tetsujin]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1666118736086966274

23. Trailblazers:
Best Available - Jamie Jacquez Jr.
Best Fit - Kris Murray

24. Kings:
Best Available - Dariq Whitehead
Best Fit - Brandin Podziemski

25. Grizzlies:
Best Available - Kris Murray
Best Fit - Jamie Jacquez Jr.

 

[funkykingston]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1666118736086966274

I thought Podziemski was good value (and longterm potentially a lower cost Huerter replacement) at #38, but I'm not sure how he's the best fit at #24.

Huerter and Monk will eat up all the SG minutes and other than being a strong rebounder as a guard, he doesn't address any of the Kings needs for improved defense and athleticism.

 

[The_Jamal]

I thought Podziemski was good value (and longterm potentially a lower cost Huerter replacement) at #38, but I'm not sure how he's the best fit at #24.

Huerter and Monk will eat up all the SG minutes and other than being a strong rebounder as a guard, he doesn't address any of the Kings needs for improved defense and athleticism.

Podz has quickly become one of my favorite prospects in this draft. Just a bit of an enigma where he's not some overwhelming athlete, but gets to his spots at all three levels. Doesn't have great size, but is the best rebounding guard in the class and probably that we've seen in a few years. I think absolutely qualifies for the Monte criteria where he likes to see his FRP take a real leap in college and show that growth too from his freshman to sophomore year. Just flat out one of the better players in college basketball last season.

But then comes the positional value argument. You have your franchise player already locked in, you have an above-average starter in Huerter locked in for 3 more seasons, you have your lotto pick back-up PG and you have another combo guard in Monk who very much should be a core guy for years to come as well.

I think if we took him at 24, that would really showcase we're shopping one of the guards. I just don't know how you justify him over some of the wings that will be available in that draft slot for us. Even if he is rated significantly higher on our board. At pick 38, you obviously just do it and take the value.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

23. Trailblazers:
Best Available - Jamie Jacquez Jr.
Best Fit - Kris Murray

24. Kings:
Best Available - Dariq Whitehead
Best Fit - Brandin Podziemski

25. Grizzlies:
Best Available - Kris Murray
Best Fit - Jamie Jacquez Jr.

Well, one thing doesn't make a ton of sense. At #23, Jaquez is BPA, but not best fit. At #25, Jaquez is still available, but is no longer BPA.

Also, who in the world did the Blazers "take" at #23 if they didn't take either BPA or best fit?

 

[ESP47]

Podz has quickly become one of my favorite prospects in this draft. Just a bit of an enigma where he's not some overwhelming athlete, but gets to his spots at all three levels. Doesn't have great size, but is the best rebounding guard in the class and probably that we've seen in a few years. I think absolutely qualifies for the Monte criteria where he likes to see his FRP take a real leap in college and show that growth too from his freshman to sophomore year. Just flat out one of the better players in college basketball last season.

But then comes the positional value argument. You have your franchise player already locked in, you have an above-average starter in Huerter locked in for 3 more seasons, you have your lotto pick back-up PG and you have another combo guard in Monk who very much should be a core guy for years to come as well.

I think if we took him at 24, that would really showcase we're shopping one of the guards. I just don't know how you justify him over some of the wings that will be available in that draft slot for us. Even if he is rated significantly higher on our board. At pick 38, you obviously just do it and take the value.

It depends on who is left on the board but I don't have a problem with selecting a better rebounding Huerter type player if we think that guy has the best odds of being an NBA talent. Picking at 24, I'll take a guy who has higher odds of being an NBA talent at a redundant position over a big swing on a wing who needs to develop his shot. At least if you wind up with an NBA level player, you have leverage and flexibility with your roster that you don't have if you wind up with a bust.

It would also depend on how Monte views Keon Ellis. Keon looks like his shooting is more than likely for real but it's hard to say if he's an NBA player next year.

 

[The_Jamal]

It depends on who is left on the board but I don't have a problem with selecting a better rebounding Huerter type player if we think that guy has the best odds of being an NBA talent. Picking at 24, I'll take a guy who has higher odds of being an NBA talent at a redundant position over a big swing on a wing who needs to develop his shot. At least if you wind up with an NBA level player, you have leverage and flexibility with your roster that you don't have if you wind up with a bust.

It would also depend on how Monte views Keon Ellis. Keon looks like his shooting is more than likely for real but it's hard to say if he's an NBA player next year.

Yeah I forgot to type this, but basically my question in terms of BPA vs Fit/Positional archetype/need. Say Podz is your 17th ranked player and Max Lewis is your 25th ranked player while both are available on the clock. Do you just stick to your BPA and take Podz or go for the swing at wing?

 

[funkykingston]

Podz has quickly become one of my favorite prospects in this draft. Just a bit of an enigma where he's not some overwhelming athlete, but gets to his spots at all three levels. Doesn't have great size, but is the best rebounding guard in the class and probably that we've seen in a few years. I think absolutely qualifies for the Monte criteria where he likes to see his FRP take a real leap in college and show that growth too from his freshman to sophomore year. Just flat out one of the better players in college basketball last season.

But then comes the positional value argument. You have your franchise player already locked in, you have an above-average starter in Huerter locked in for 3 more seasons, you have your lotto pick back-up PG and you have another combo guard in Monk who very much should be a core guy for years to come as well.

I think if we took him at 24, that would really showcase we're shopping one of the guards. I just don't know how you justify him over some of the wings that will be available in that draft slot for us. Even if he is rated significantly higher on our board. At pick 38, you obviously just do it and take the value.

For me I know I'm being biased by the fact that a number of guys I really liked in the 2nd are now getting 1st round attention. Ozymandias was the only person I saw talking about Olivier-Maxence Prosper and I went back and watched what I could on him and was convinced he'd be a great pick at 54. Then I saw Sheppard in the Combine scrimmage and pegged him as another great option for that later 2nd round pick.

Now both are slotted in most mocks to go in the 1st, sometimes before the Kings pick at 24. Podz was another. At 38 I liked him a lot since if you can just get a contributor at that pick you're doing well as a franchise. But to take him at #24 when the Kings have more pressing needs AND don't have a pick next year, it is harder for me to want to see him be the selection.

A month ago I was thinking a draft of Max Lewis, Podziemski, and Prosper was feasible. Now the Kings may not even have all three on the board when they pick in the 1st.

 

[Ozymandias]

I still want to wait another week or two (draft is in 16 days!) to really make a determination on Prosper. I want to see more feedback.

I heard about him first in recruitment before he ever played a game at college. I was a big fan of Marquette in general this season there's surely a few posts on it in the other thread.

O-Max does check a lot of the boxes for us on the Kings far as I'm concerned though. We could play Lyles at 5 and O-Max at the 4 and one of the things i learned watching this seasons Kings was, lineups like that are perfectly reliable off the bench (*for the regular season at least).

 

[Ozymandias]

I agree that the methodology of the whole best available / best fit thing in that mock seems funky but I also do think Podziemski is in fact a great fit here.

Simple as it may sound - on the depth chart, thats where he fits the best. He's a combo guard but most importantly for us, a flamethrower who cant be left open, so there will be times he could actually function as the SG, SF when super small and even the PG at super big lineups, n there's the dream he's gonna keep getting better with his combo skills and the rebounding will translate.

It may sound strange but I really do think we could just give him Delly's spot on the roster, the 3rd string PG.. I know a lot of people might be looking at him as a SG but I still think thats worth mentioning. For the Kings, in the early stages, he'd function as a possible hot hand, Monk is a SG on the depth chart but really he has earned that 3rd string PG spot outright, so putting the rookie there is no biggie far as I can tell.

Also we can say that at the combine we learned he's 6'5 in shoes, not 6'6.


I think I mentioned this a while ago but in a scenario where Fox is out for any sort of time, Podz is the type of player I'd like to have deep on our depth chart to try and step up and get hot.

Podziemski fits the Kings in this type of way too, this was pointed out many months ago, that if Fox goes to the bench and Podziemski subs in, hits a few 3's, thats huge because we're now winning or even on the minutes with Fox off the floor. The Kings offense was prolific, adding more firepower in our price range isnt exactly easy, Podz represents a swing at it, this kid comes in and hits his 3's moves the ball grabs boards efficiently its gonna make everyone elses jobs that much easier..

 

[The_Jamal]

I agree that the methodology of the whole best available / best fit thing in that mock seems funky but I also do think Podziemski is in fact a great fit here.

Simple as it may sound - on the depth chart, thats where he fits the best. He's a combo guard but most importantly for us, a flamethrower who cant be left open, so there will be times he could actually function as the SG, SF when super small and even the PG at super big lineups, n there's the dream he's gonna keep getting better with his combo skills and the rebounding will translate.

It may sound strange but I really do think we could just give him Delly's spot on the roster, the 3rd string PG.. I know a lot of people might be looking at him as a SG but I still think thats worth mentioning. For the Kings, in the early stages, he'd function as a possible hot hand.

Also we can say that at the combine we learned he's 6'5 in shoes, not 6'6.

And while he's not a need "next season" I think it's fairly likely he will be the following year. I just don't see how you afford to keep our current 4 guard rotation together and pay everybody. We especially have to factor in the massive raise that's coming for Domas and how that plays into the new CBA. Monk will be a UFA, Davion will be on the last year of his rookie deal, etc. Letting Podz develop for a year as the "5th guard" in the TD role and then he eventually fills the slot of whoever we end up trading/not resigning between Huerter/Monk/Davion.

I would fill super comfortable playing Podz next to any of our guards though. You maybe want to see a little more ball-handling from him if it's him and Huerter in the back-court, but that would be my only real qualm.

 

[Ozymandias]

And while he's not a need "next season" I think it's fairly likely he will be the following year. I just don't see how you afford to keep our current 4 guard rotation together and pay everybody. We especially have to factor in the massive raise that's coming for Domas and how that plays into the new CBA. Monk will be a UFA, Davion will be on the last year of his rookie deal, etc. Letting Podz develop for a year as the "5th guard" in the TD role and then he eventually fills the slot of whoever we end up trading/not resigning between Huerter/Monk/Davion.

I would fill super comfortable playing Podz next to any of our guards though. You maybe want to see a little more ball-handling from him if it's him and Huerter in the back-court, but that would be my only real qualm.

Yep. Podz fits next to all of our guards!

 

[SacTownKid]

We're picking at 24, I don't think any player in that range can be considered ready for anything from day 1 in the NBA other than riding the bench.

Remember the Kings were basically the least injured team in the NBA last year. Highly doubtful that they don't revert back to the mean, which should open up minutes. I don't have a problem picking more wings but someone made a good point that the slow foot speed on the perimeter is a worry defensively if you add another Murray into the mix.

Not sold on Clowney being a stretch 4 at all. 65% FT and 28% 3PT spells long shot odds there. Nice player but I'd really like more insurance shooting wise if we aren't picking a defensive 5. Would love Miller but I have a feeling he'll go in the teens.

Clowney is super young though. He could actually be way more than a stretch 4 which is why I wouldn't mind it. He looks like a Claxton but honestly, looks better. Could very well tread into Woods territory if a team takes it's time.

 

[Ozymandias]

Will Jett Howard fall on draft night?