De'Aaron Fox:

[bajaden]

I'd love the Fox-Markkanen pairing. I think Kaminsky was the better overall player(passing ability, PnR understanding, post play, shotblocking etc), but Markkanen is the elite shooter and younger.
I've fallen in love with Skal, and it's hard not to have his upside blind me from looking at other PF prospects. I think if you draft Markkanen, he'd fit much more next to Willie than Skal. Despite Willie's lack of shot blocking in the NBA, he still has a lot of upside as a rim protector. He can handle PFs or Cs. With Skal, he's very limited to PFs right now, and struggled tremendously on that end. Markkanen would probably fair a little better.
The only problem I'd have with drafting Markkanen is our hole at SF. I don't think we have a shot at Porter Jr(unless we're aiming for Michael next year in the draft). I also think there's 0 chance Skal can play SF. Malachi could bulk up and play SF, but he's ball dominant. I don't think it would fair well next to Fox. Maybe Temple could be a short-term solution for this season?

I don't want to hammer on Markkanen, but all one can do right now is deal with what is, and what you think might be, when considering who to draft. I'm not sure why anyone would draft Markkanen over Zach Collins. He (Markkanen) is a more proven shooter, that's for sure. Even though Collins shot a better percentage from the three, it was such a small sampling, I don't think it's a reliable stat at this point. But, he did shoot a good percentage, small sampling or not, and that's a good thing.

Aside from that, Collins is a better post player, better shot blocker and defender, and better rebounder, and it's not even close in those areas. Both players are 7 footers, so that's a push. I guess my point is, Collins has at least shown he does have a 3 pt shot, and also has all the other tools of a big man. Markkanen has shown he has an excellent 3 pt shot, maybe the best in college, but other than having a few good rebounding games, he hasn't shown much else, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

If the Kings end up selecting Markkanen, I won't be totally disappointed, but I'd be remiss if I wasn't a little disappointed. I just think they can do better. However, once he puts on a Kings uni, he''ll be one of my favorites.

By the way, the comparisons to Ryan Anderson only holds up with the shooting. Anderson was one of the best rebounders in the Pac 10, and was an excellent post player as well. Just because Anderson lives on the perimeter now, doesn't mean he's incapable of playing inside as well.

 

[allrightythen]

There sure is a lot of noise about Fox going in the top 3-4. Is it real or is it just noise? Will the workouts hurt him just enough to let him be there at 5? I hope so because he's the best PG that we have a legitimate shot at barring a trade.

 

[Chupacabra]

There sure is a lot of noise about Fox going in the top 3-4. Is it real or is it just noise? Will the workouts hurt him just enough to let him be there at 5? I hope so because he's the best PG that we have a legitimate shot at barring a trade.

I think all the recent top 3-4 noise about Fox is because people have ran out of material to write about. Scouts and GM's have had the entire year to evaluate talent, there isnt anything new that has caused them to change their minds on their top 5 draft pick.

 

[ParniValjak]

If I were in charge of the pick at either Philadeplhia or Phoenix there is every chance I would pick Fox at either 3 or 4. Hell even LA should be pausing and thinking about it.

 

[hrdboild]

It depends a lot on what we do with the #5 pick but I wouldn't be locked into thinking we need to take a prospect at #10. We can use that pick to trade down, trade it for a player, package it for a player and a pick. I'll be happy if we manage to get two very good players out of the draft this year. I'm hoping one of them is a PG and particularly De'Aaron Fox but I'd also like Dennis Smith or Frank Ntilikina. If Minnesota falls in love with a PG at their pick maybe we could work out a deal for Kris Dunn who I'd love to see running point in a different offense. Or maybe work on a deal with Portland or Detroit who both seem eager to shed salary and/or picks.

I have to admit I'd be pretty disappointed if we just pick Markkanen or Collins there. They're fine prospects but we have three young bigmen already with that level of talent and next year's draft is stacked with elite bigs too. Get the best player we can get at 5 and then wheel and deal until we end up with a wing and a PG to develop that would be my draft strategy this year.

 

[kingsboi]

It depends a lot on what we do with the #5 pick but I wouldn't be locked into thinking we need to take a prospect at #10. We can use that pick to trade down, trade it for a player, package it for a player and a pick. I'll be happy if we manage to get two very good players out of the draft this year. I'm hoping one of them is a PG and particularly De'Aaron Fox but I'd also like Dennis Smith or Frank Ntilikina. If Minnesota falls in love with a PG at their pick maybe we could work out a deal for Kris Dunn who I'd love to see running point in a different offense. Or maybe work on a deal with Portland or Detroit who both seem eager to shed salary and/or picks.

I have to admit I'd be pretty disappointed if we just pick Markkanen or Collins there. They're fine prospects but we have three young bigmen already with that level of talent and next year's draft is stacked with elite bigs too. Get the best player we can get at 5 and then wheel and deal until we end up with a wing and a PG to develop that would be my draft strategy this year.

why draft a PG at 5 and trade for Dunn? There are other positions to be filled.

 

[funkykingston]

why draft a PG at 5 and trade for Dunn? There are other positions to be filled.

If Fox is gone then maybe Tatum or Isaac at 5 and trade for Dunn?

I was really high on Dunn and he was solid defensively but he struggled to get where he wanted on offense which surprised me given his handle and ability to change gears.

 

[kingsboi]

If Fox is gone then maybe Tatum or Isaac at 5 and trade for Dunn?

I was really high on Dunn and he was solid defensively but he struggled to get where he wanted on offense which surprised me given his handle and ability to change gears.

I still wouldn't pass up on Smith for Isaac/Tatum and by no means is Dunn a finished product. He didn't get much burn last season because let's face it, he was dreadful. I was high on him last year too prior to the draft and I still am, a change of scenery might do him some good but I don't see him available at this particular point in time.

 

[hrdboild]

why draft a PG at 5 and trade for Dunn? There are other positions to be filled.

It would be more of a one or the other deal. If we get our PG at 5 great. If Fox goes early and Smith doesn't wow in the interview process (if we even get him in for a workout that is) or maybe Jackson slips to 5 or something and we go a different way with that pick I'd at least explore the possibility of getting Dunn. I'm just throwing stuff out there but my bigger point was why settle for anyone? I wouldn't expect our top two targets to fall into our lap but we should be looking for specific players who fit the direction of the team and we have two picks in the lottery. So go BPA with the first one and then get a little creative with the second one. If we bring Bogdanovic over we'll have him, Hield, and Richardson at SG plus Skal, Willie, Georgios and whoever we take at #5 all developing together. That's half the team already before you count the holdover vets like Kosta and GT or our second round picks from this year and last year or whoever we might take at 10 if we keep it. We're nowhere near the salary cap but we're looking at a roster crunch to stay under the maximum number of guys. We have very specific needs (longterm PG, veteran PG, defensive wing, spot-up shooter) and we should be able to fill all of them with some creative wheeling and dealing. Vlade defied the draft mockers last year and it seems to have worked out so far. I'd like to see us be one of the most active teams on draft night again.

 

[206Fan]

I don't want to hammer on Markkanen, but all one can do right now is deal with what is, and what you think might be, when considering who to draft. I'm not sure why anyone would draft Markkanen over Zach Collins. He (Markkanen) is a more proven shooter, that's for sure. Even though Collins shot a better percentage from the three, it was such a small sampling, I don't think it's a reliable stat at this point. But, he did shoot a good percentage, small sampling or not, and that's a good thing.

Aside from that, Collins is a better post player, better shot blocker and defender, and better rebounder, and it's not even close in those areas. Both players are 7 footers, so that's a push. I guess my point is, Collins has at least shown he does have a 3 pt shot, and also has all the other tools of a big man. Markkanen has shown he has an excellent 3 pt shot, maybe the best in college, but other than having a few good rebounding games, he hasn't shown much else, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

If the Kings end up selecting Markkanen, I won't be totally disappointed, but I'd be remiss if I wasn't a little disappointed. I just think they can do better. However, once he puts on a Kings uni, he''ll be one of my favorites.

By the way, the comparisons to Ryan Anderson only holds up with the shooting. Anderson was one of the best rebounders in the Pac 10, and was an excellent post player as well. Just because Anderson lives on the perimeter now, doesn't mean he's incapable of playing inside as well.

I'm not the biggest fan of Markkanen, but have come into terms with every prospect in this class for the Kings(excluding Mitchell, see him as a SG). I could see Vlade favoring Markkanen because of his shooting ability. I think Collins can become a good shooter in the NBA, while Markkanen already is a great shooter.
Markkanen is athletic, but he's really stiff. It's almost like all of his coaches throughout his youth forced him to stand at the 3pt line, and never allowed him to drive. If an NBA team is able to correct his stiffness, then I think he'd be a lot more effective with his attacking ability on offense. Could also help with his ability to close out as a defender.
I really like Collins, but he's not a sure-fire prospect. On offense, I don't think you can point to one area where he excels. He's an ok shooter. He's an ok post-up player. He's an ok rim runner. On defense, he's a good shotblocker and rebounder, but is undisciplined which leads to silly fouls. A Marquese Chriss problem. Collins plays with a high motor and good energy, but he gets down on himself really easily. I think he has a lot of fire, but he wears his emotions on his sleeves. His overall IQ is questionable.

I'd personally prefer Collins over Markkanen, but could see why Vlade would pick Marrkanen. He's already established himself as an elite shooting PF. Collins on the other hand, is a it more of a question mark. Very limited college PT. Vlade invested the 13th overall pick on Papagiannis a year after drafting Willie at 6. Both of those guys are Cs, and Collins is also more of a C in today's game. If he ends up drafting Collins, then he'd basically admit that he screwed up with drafting Willie or Papa. I think Collins can play PF in the NBA, but if you draft him as high as 10, he'd have to be your franchise C. Center is clearly his best fit in modern NBA. Even with that being said, I think Collins is more talented than any big on our roster. I'm not sure if Vlade would be willing to admit his mistake though. Excitement for the Kings is at an all-time low(casual fans and the NBA). For him to admit something like that, would further add to the narrative of inexperienced, dumb, and incompetent.

 

[ockingsfan]

With the premium put on 3 point shooting in the NBA Finals and the question marks around Fox's 3 point shot, I can see Fox falling to us at #5.

 

[206Fan]

It would be more of a one or the other deal. If we get our PG at 5 great. If Fox goes early and Smith doesn't wow in the interview process (if we even get him in for a workout that is) or maybe Jackson slips to 5 or something and we go a different way with that pick I'd at least explore the possibility of getting Dunn. I'm just throwing stuff out there but my bigger point was why settle for anyone? I wouldn't expect our top two targets to fall into our lap but we should be looking for specific players who fit the direction of the team and we have two picks in the lottery. So go BPA with the first one and then get a little creative with the second one. If we bring Bogdanovic over we'll have him, Hield, and Richardson at SG plus Skal, Willie, Georgios and whoever we take at #5 all developing together. That's half the team already before you count the holdover vets like Kosta and GT or our second round picks from this year and last year or whoever we might take at 10 if we keep it. We're nowhere near the salary cap but we're looking at a roster crunch to stay under the maximum number of guys. We have very specific needs (longterm PG, veteran PG, defensive wing, spot-up shooter) and we should be able to fill all of them with some creative wheeling and dealing. Vlade defied the draft mockers last year and it seems to have worked out so far. I'd like to see us be one of the most active teams on draft night again.

After watching Minnesota last year, I want nothing to do with Dunn. I was very high on him as a prospect, but mentioned that he was raw for a 22yearold prospect. His ball handling wasn't great for a PG. He played very loosely. His bball IQ was average at best.
In his first year with Minnesota, he showed that he had great defensive potential, but showed almost nothing on offense. He has poor handles for a PG. Wasn't able to break down bench perimeter defenders off the dribble at all.settled for a bunch of mid-range Js. Despite his athleticism and quickness, getting to the rim was a major problem for him. His below-average IQ really showed when Minnesota asked him to run their offense. Think Jimmer level of PG skills. On top of everything, he's a poor shooter.

Wouldn't want Dunn on this team. He's already 23. At that age and experience, you expect him to be able to contribute in the NBA like Malcom Brogdon. Despite being older than the rest of his peers, he's just as raw as them.

If Dunn was in this class, he'd be the 6th best PG. Insane how that sounds. If Fox was in last year's draft, he'd be the 1st best PG.

 

[206Fan]

With the premium put on 3 point shooting in the NBA Finals and the question marks around Fox's 3 point shot, I can see Fox falling to us at #5.

lol this is the biggest reason why I'm not a big fan of Fox. Shooting isn't an over-night skill you learn.

 

[Tetsujin]

lol this is the biggest reason why I'm not a big fan of Fox. Shooting isn't an over-night skill you learn.

But it is something you can add with time.

Lebron in his first game as a pro versus the Kings? Pretty bad outside shooter.

Lebron now? I'm more surprised when an outside shot doesn't go in.

Obvious note: I'm not saying Fox is the next Lebron or anything but he can definitely improve his shooting with time. Hell, the dude he's most often compared to (Mike Conley) was also less than a good shooter in college but improved over the years (with this same coaching staff, to boot). In terms of trying to put together a winning franchise, I'm far less concern with Fox's shooting woes than I am with Smith's potential motor/character issues or Ball's insane daddy.

 

[kingdivac]

I wouldn't do it... Isaac/Ntilikina > Fox alone in my estimation. It's a matter of throwing more darts at the board.

Exactly, I like "horses in the race" but same diff.

 

[kingdivac]

lol this is the biggest reason why I'm not a big fan of Fox. Shooting isn't an over-night skill you learn.

Let's say Fox's basement comparison is a young Rondo who can't shoot - I still like that - alot - and its an awesome downside imo.
I would be relieved to see the Kings get Fox, kind of like relieved when the Kings picked WCS.....Stein was the no-brainer pick, and Fox even be more so....worried about the Suns and Sixers screwing that up. After swapping, not only would the Sixers get the higher pick, but they'd screw the Kings on draft day. I will certainly hope for a losing season if they do that. There seems to be more buzz on Fox going top 3 which sucks. I think there's a great chance that 2 of the 5 top PGs taken will this draft will be all-star level players. If Fox is taken early, I like the idea of going for the SF, and trading 10 down for Juwan Evans and a #1 pick next year from Portland. Evans is a creative and skilled facilitator - resign Lawson for defense/6th man and call it a draft. If the Kings don't have the other teams screwing their mojo, take Fox, keep the 10th pick , and pick Issac, Tatum, Markannen , Collins or even Monk depending on who's left.

 

[funkykingston]

Let's say Fox's basement comparison is a young Rondo who can't shoot - I still like that - alot - and its an awesome downside imo.
I would be relieved to see the Kings get Fox, kind of like relieved when the Kings picked WCS.....Stein was the no-brainer pick, and Fox even be more so....worried about the Suns and Sixers screwing that up. After swapping, not only would the Sixers get the higher pick, but they'd screw the Kings on draft day. I will certainly hope for a losing season if they do that. There seems to be more buzz on Fox going top 3 which sucks. I think there's a great chance that 2 of the 5 top PGs taken will this draft will be all-star level players. If Fox is taken early, I like the idea of going for the SF, and trading 10 down for Juwan Evans and a #1 pick next year from Portland. Evans is a creative and skilled facilitator - resign Lawson for defense/6th man and call it a draft. If the Kings don't have the other teams screwing their mojo, take Fox, keep the 10th pick , and pick Issac, Tatum, Markannen , Collins or even Monk depending on who's left.

I wouldn't say Fox's basement is a young Rondo. He's quicker than Rajon but he also does not have the same passing ability. I'd say a slightly longer, more explosive Schroeder might be his floor.

I love Fox, but I don't want to see the Kings trade up to 3 to get him, especially if it costs the #10 pick.

But if Fultz, Fox, Ball and Jackson go 1-4 in whatever order, I think the Kings take Tatum or Isaac at #5. If so I think the Magic likely take Dennis Smith, but what if they take whoever is left out of Tatum and Isaac?

Now who do the Timberwolves take? Monk? Collins? Markkanen? Ntilikina? I don't think Thibs takes Smith. So there's an opportunity for the Kings to trade up from 10 to 7 and get Dennis Smith.

Fox is still option 1 for me but if Vlade could walk away with Tatum and Smith from this draft I'd be pumped.

 

[Chupacabra]

Afflalo for the 7akers #2 pick. Afflalo gives them much needed veteran leadership.

With the premium put on 3 point shooting in the NBA Finals and the question marks around Fox's 3 point shot, I can see Fox falling to us at #5.

I will go further and say with a premium put on 3pt shooting in today's NBA. Fox's lack of outside shooting touch should be what helps us get him. After we select him we can be mad that he doesnt have an outside shooting touch. Its like taking crazy pills!

 

[Tetsujin]

Afflalo for the 7akers #2 pick. Afflalo gives them much needed veteran leadership.

I will go further and say with a premium put on 3pt shooting in today's NBA. Fox's lack of outside shooting touch should be what helps us get him. After we select him we can be mad that he doesnt have an outside shooting touch. Its like taking crazy pills!

Yep. Not to mention the last time we *coughcough*Vivek*cough* placed a premium on three point shooting in the draft, we wound up drafting Ben McLemore and Nik Stauskas in consecutive years.

 

[206Fan]

But it is something you can add with time.

Lebron in his first game as a pro versus the Kings? Pretty bad outside shooter.

Lebron now? I'm more surprised when an outside shot doesn't go in.

Obvious note: I'm not saying Fox is the next Lebron or anything but he can definitely improve his shooting with time. Hell, the dude he's most often compared to (Mike Conley) was also less than a good shooter in college but improved over the years (with this same coaching staff, to boot). In terms of trying to put together a winning franchise, I'm far less concern with Fox's shooting woes than I am with Smith's potential motor/character issues or Ball's insane daddy.

In general, 3pt shooting for SFs isn't nearly as important for PGs. While a lot of people point to Mike Conley, there's been a recent wave of non-shooting PGs that still can't shoot... Tyreke, Rubio, Wroten, MCW, Exum, Smart, Payton, etc. It makes me think shooting could take a very long time to develop.

Let's say Fox's basement comparison is a young Rondo who can't shoot - I still like that - alot - and its an awesome downside imo.
I would be relieved to see the Kings get Fox, kind of like relieved when the Kings picked WCS.....Stein was the no-brainer pick, and Fox even be more so....worried about the Suns and Sixers screwing that up. After swapping, not only would the Sixers get the higher pick, but they'd screw the Kings on draft day. I will certainly hope for a losing season if they do that. There seems to be more buzz on Fox going top 3 which sucks. I think there's a great chance that 2 of the 5 top PGs taken will this draft will be all-star level players. If Fox is taken early, I like the idea of going for the SF, and trading 10 down for Juwan Evans and a #1 pick next year from Portland. Evans is a creative and skilled facilitator - resign Lawson for defense/6th man and call it a draft. If the Kings don't have the other teams screwing their mojo, take Fox, keep the 10th pick , and pick Issac, Tatum, Markannen , Collins or even Monk depending on who's left.

Don't think Fox's floor is a Rondo. I'm not sure where the idea of Fox as an elite playmaker comes from. He's average at best right now. Even then, if Fox can't add a jumpshot, he won't be able to be a starting PG in today's league. 3pt shooting in today's league is extremely demanding.

 

[Ozymandias]

 

[Joshoua]

Everywhere you look now Fox is gaining steam going to Phoenix is Jackson isn't there

 

[kingdivac]

Everywhere you look now Fox is gaining steam going to Phoenix is Jackson isn't there

If the Kings can manage Smith Jr with either pick if Fox is taken, I'll be happy enough regardless of the other player. Fox or Smith Jr, and resign Lawson to mid levelish-contract to address PG. I've waffled between Fox and Smith Jr, but I think Fox offers better defense immediately which very important for the Kings. Then if they can pick up Issac, that would be gravy. Smith Jr and Tatum would be ok too but seems less likely. Another outstanding pairing would be Jackson and Smith Jr - getting both offense and defense, but this seems fairly remote. There's usually at least one player that slips......

 

[KingsFanSince85]

But it is something you can add with time.

Lebron in his first game as a pro versus the Kings? Pretty bad outside shooter.

Lebron now? I'm more surprised when an outside shot doesn't go in.

Obvious note: I'm not saying Fox is the next Lebron or anything but he can definitely improve his shooting with time. Hell, the dude he's most often compared to (Mike Conley) was also less than a good shooter in college but improved over the years (with this same coaching staff, to boot). In terms of trying to put together a winning franchise, I'm far less concern with Fox's shooting woes than I am with Smith's potential motor/character issues or Ball's insane daddy.

Totally agree. While not every player is able to vastly improve his shot once in the NBA, it is one of the easier skills to develop once a player is turns pro and can focus 100% of their time on development. Combined with good work ethic and a desire to be great, and you'll generally see vast improvement. From everything I've seen and read -- Fox possesses all of those things.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

I love Fox, but I don't want to see the Kings trade up to 3 to get him, especially if it costs the #10 pick.

I do. Whatever it takes to guarantee Fox at this point, I'm down with.

They already got a bit lucky and more leverage in getting #5 instead of #8. While I'd like to keep #10, I'm ok with moving it if that's what it truly takes to land Fox. I don't believe the players likely to be available #10 are going to set your franchise back if you don't land one of them. The Kings already have a nice core of young players. Adding 2 more would be nice, but I'm more in favor of landing 1 really good player with potential for greatness versus landing just 2 good players without the same ceiling. The fact that Fox is a PG also adds to the equation.

If the Kings have to trade #10 to guarantee landing Fultz, Ball or Fox -- I think they should do it. I just happen to like Fox more than the other 2. But I'd do it for any of the 3.
If they can manage to land one of them w/o trading #10, it's fantastic and fortunate turn of events.

 

[funkykingston]

I do. Whatever it takes to guarantee Fox at this point, I'm down with.

They already got a bit lucky and more leverage in getting #5 instead of #8. While I'd like to keep #10, I'm ok with moving it if that's what it truly takes to land Fox. I don't believe the players likely to be available #10 are going to set your franchise back if you don't land one of them. The Kings already have a nice core of young players. Adding 2 more would be nice, but I'm more in favor of landing 1 really good player with potential for greatness versus landing just 2 good players without the same ceiling. The fact that Fox is a PG also adds to the equation.

If the Kings have to trade #10 to guarantee landing Fultz, Ball or Fox -- I think they should do it. I just happen to like Fox more than the other 2. But I'd do it for any of the 3.
If they can manage to land one of them w/o trading #10, it's fantastic and fortunate turn of events.

I don't have Fox in the same tier as Fultz and Ball.

I have him in the next tier with Tatum, Smith and maybe Isaac. He's my favorite of that tier but that explains why you and I differ on trading up for him. In time we'll see which one of us is right. I wouldn't be surprised either way. That's what makes the draft fun for me.

 

[kingsboi]

Let's say Fox's basement comparison is a young Rondo who can't shoot - I still like that - alot - and its an awesome downside imo.
I would be relieved to see the Kings get Fox, kind of like relieved when the Kings picked WCS.....Stein was the no-brainer pick, and Fox even be more so....worried about the Suns and Sixers screwing that up. After swapping, not only would the Sixers get the higher pick, but they'd screw the Kings on draft day. I will certainly hope for a losing season if they do that. There seems to be more buzz on Fox going top 3 which sucks. I think there's a great chance that 2 of the 5 top PGs taken will this draft will be all-star level players. If Fox is taken early, I like the idea of going for the SF, and trading 10 down for Juwan Evans and a #1 pick next year from Portland. Evans is a creative and skilled facilitator - resign Lawson for defense/6th man and call it a draft. If the Kings don't have the other teams screwing their mojo, take Fox, keep the 10th pick , and pick Issac, Tatum, Markannen , Collins or even Monk depending on who's left.

Rondo's IQ is off the charts, does Fox have those capabilities? I don't know.

 

[ovrush]

I'm just not sold that Fox is going to be gone before 5. I'm still not sold that there may not be 2 PGs left on the board at 5.

- I think Phili is desperate to push the Kings to give up assets to move up to 3 so they can take someone who makes sense. It would be a mess for them to take a ball dominant pg who has shooting questions to pair with Simmons who is similar and they want with the ball in
- I can't see Phoenix passing on Tatum or Jackson (both of those have also seen glowing reports about "moving up" recently) to take Fox when they have a proven guy in Bledsoe, and a young developing guy who showed a ton of promise. Didn't they just get burned by having too many assets wrapped up in the PG spot within the last couple years?
- The Lakers spent the second pick in the draft on a PG a couple years ago. I can't understand them giving up on Russell who has shown a lot of talent and that he can play in the league unless they're 100% certain that person is better. I read the statement about needing Ball to blow them away as them looking at Jackson at 2 which would make a ton more sense with their existing roster.
- The Celtics already have 400 Point guards on their roster. They aren't going to trade away IT, they want to keep Bradley, they like Smart... something has to give.

I do think we still see Fultz and Ball 1 and 2, but it's a weird draft order for a PG heavy draft.

 

[Sactown ExPat]

We really need Fox. We just do. We cannot be this close to a franchise PG and walk away with Tatum. Assuming the draft goes chalk at 1 & 2, we have to make the trade with Philly if we are at all worried about Phoenix taking Fox. It's too bad we're in this position, but we have to get him. Fox has the mentality to be very successful in Sacramento. Not every player does. Fox is no frontrunner, he's the real deal.

 

[ParniValjak]

We really need Fox. We just do. We cannot be this close to a franchise PG and walk away with Tatum. Assuming the draft goes chalk at 1 & 2, we have to make the trade with Philly if we are at all worried about Phoenix taking Fox. It's too bad we're in this position, but we have to get him. Fox has the mentality to be very successful in Sacramento. Not every player does. Fox is no frontrunner, he's the real deal.

Look I like Fox and he is my #1 choice for a number of reasons:
- he is a leader
- he is a two way player....or at least has a potential to be one
- he has elite speed with the ball
- he had a good size for position
- he is a very good athlete overall
- he plays a position of need
- his upside is big

However, you make it sould like Tatum is a downgrade. Tatum is a very talented player. He would be the most polished offensive player on the Kings if he gets drafted here. He also plays a position of need and by all reports is a great kid.

Sure PG is a position of need but so is SF. If Kings can walk away with Fox and Tatum by pulling off some draft day moves then that would be the most ideal scenario.

Like I said, Fox is my first choice but I would be happy with Tatum if Fox gets picked earlier, especially if Kings draft Smith.

Trading into 3rd or 4th is not that easy. It will cost a LOT more than trading from 10 to say 7.

Kings are not going to sign a big name FA so they might as well use the cap space as means to move up in the draft to get as good a prospects as possible. Team like Portland will be looking at ways to get under the luxury tax. If you can help them get there and that gives you the ability to upgrade your position in the draft the. You have to do it.