Now that we know the draft order, who do we draft? (New thread)

[ockingsfan]

I have the same question about Anunoby as I do Isaac - is he a SF or is he really a PF? But Isaac has some perimeter skills on offense where Anunoby has a shaky outside shot and really nothing else but straight line drives. Throw in the injury and I'm less and less comfortable with him as the pick.

Agreed.

I just can't see how we can take OG Anunoby at 10, when he has not played or worked out after tearing his ACL.

If we take OG Anunoby, I think you either have to trade down (#14-17 range) and pick up another asset along the way or make a salary dump trade and pick up a mid 1st rounder.

OG has not played or demonstrated that he is healthy and I think it is way too big of a risk to take him in the top 10.

 

[Kings Faithful]

What do you guys think about trying to snag the #4 from PHX by taking on Brandon Knights Contract. We'd probably have to get a 3rd team in but it could go something like this....

Kings Get -#4, Brandon Knight

Suns Get - #7, Aaron Afflalo

Minnesota Gets - #10, Kosta Koufas

Not sure if that is enough incentive for either of the other teams but its a thought.

 

[Blob]

Personally, I think Vlade has a very good eye for talent.

Whoever Vlade picks at #5 and #10, I think he has earned the benefit of the doubt.

No need to call for anyone's firing, until after we see the results on the court (and the results may not be evident for 2 or 3 years).

He has earned back some credibility based on play of rookies and Willie towards end the year. But he passed on 19 year old Myles Turner for a 22 year old Willie, a clear misread before selection was made . He overstated Papa G's readiness at the time he was drafted. He was nowhere near as ready to compete as Vlade suggested. He threw 14M guaranteed at a washed up Affalo who was not wanted by a 30 win team. So he is hardly infallible. Vlade still has a lot to prove. Taking Fox at #5 is a pick that a chimpanzee can make. Isaac is the near obvious second choice given likely scenarios. The pick at #10 or trade of #10 is going to show how astute he is. I think if he gets #10 right it will dictate his tenure as GM. It's going to be hard to screw up #5. #10 is where he will earn his money.

 

[Suicide King]

With OG my only concern is his knee, period. Nothing else. Let's look past the injury for a moment. Assuming good health, he will be a dominant defensive player who is not a zero on offense. A player able to guard 1-5 very well seems like a mythical being, but OG has (acl recovery dependent) that potential.

With the PNR heavy, defensive switching, position-less basketball landscape that is the current NBA this is a huge advantage.

Offensively there is improvement needed for sure. He did shoot 36% from 3 but only 74 attempts total. His FT% is poor in the 52% area. He needs work on his handles, and creating for himself and others. I list these flaws to illustrate I am aware he needs further development offensively.

However a potential top defensive wing that can hit 3's at league average and excel in transition is pretty tantalising even if he only shows moderate offensive improvement.

The big differance to me between he and Isaac, is Isaac wont be there at 10. OG will. He hopes to be 100% by late Nov.

 

[steelevt]

@kingdivac
I am not trying to pick, but I have seen similar comments as yours a lot and wanted to say something. For the record I leaned towards Cousins apologist, even when it got hard.

That said, what did fans REALLY expect Vlade to say? I mean, let's try one possible scenario of an honest answer:

Vlade: " Well I really think it is time we move on from Cousins, but Vivek won't let me."
Does that sound like something you want the POBO to say to the media?

It was an ugly situation on both sides, and no one comes out clean. But I see fans here, on reddit and other dark places looking at what Vlade said in regards to not trading Cousins and they seem oblivious to why he may have "went back on his word".

Again, not trying to pick, just trying to give perspective.

I don't want to speak for kingdivac, but I was one of those that didn't like vlade straight up lying to us. I understand it's hard to be a gm and you can't always tell the truth. But during the debacle there was a member whom I don't remember at the time that gave the perfect answer to those who asked what was vlade supposed to do, lie or give up leverage? It was something along the line of just because you are asked the question doesn't mean you have to answer it. Or a simple no comment keeps your integrity and leverage. I'm over it now but at the time I was upset.

 

[ockingsfan]

What do you guys think about trying to snag the #4 from PHX by taking on Brandon Knights Contract. We'd probably have to get a 3rd team in but it could go something like this....

Kings Get -#4, Brandon Knight

Suns Get - #7, Aaron Afflalo

Minnesota Gets - #10, Kosta Koufas

Not sure if that is enough incentive for either of the other teams but its a thought.

IMHO, not necessary to trade up.

I don't think Phoenix is in the Fox sweepstakes. I think Phoenix is set at PG with Bledsoe and Ulis

I think the Draft will be 1) Fultz 2) Jacskon 3) Ball 4) Issac or Tatum 5) Fox (or Tatum).

I think it will be a choice between Fox and Tatum (or Issac) at #5.

If I'm taking Knight's contract, I want a future 1st round pick for the salary dump, not just a move up one spot.

 

[twslam07]

Orlando Gets: #10, #15, & Papagiannis
Portland Gets: Afflalo
Sacramento Gets: #6, Tuner, & Leonard

#5 - Fox
#6 - Isaac
#34 - Motley
Gay Opts out
Waive McLemore
Sign Bogdanovic to a 4 year deal
Sign Lawson to a 1 + 1 deal

Then we finish bottom 3 this year, land a top pick, and draft Ayton or Porter in 2018.

2018-19 Roster:
PG - Fox
SG - Hield / Bogdanovic
SF - Isaac / Richardson / Turner
PF - Labissiere / Motley
C - Ayton / Cauley-Stein / Leonard

OR

PG - Fox
SG - Hield / Bogdanovic
SF - Porter / Richardson / Turner
PF - Labissiere / Isaac / Motley
C - Cauley-Stein / Leonard

 

[Kingsfan23]

With OG my only concern is his knee, period. Nothing else. Let's look past the injury for a moment. Assuming good health, he will be a dominant defensive player who is not a zero on offense. A player able to guard 1-5 very well seems like a mythical being, but OG has (acl recovery dependent) that potential.

With the PNR heavy, defensive switching, position-less basketball landscape that is the current NBA this is a huge advantage.

Offensively there is improvement needed for sure. He did shoot 36% from 3 but only 74 attempts total. His FT% is poor in the 52% area. He needs work on his handles, and creating for himself and others. I list these flaws to illustrate I am aware he needs further development offensively.

However a potential top defensive wing that can hit 3's at league average and excel in transition is pretty tantalising even if he only shows moderate offensive improvement.

The big differance to me between he and Isaac, is Isaac wont be there at 10. OG will. He hopes to be 100% by late Nov.

That concern drops him from range IMO. It's significant. There is a % that his game will be altered in some form. If the team was interested I think it would be a trade down

 

[Suicide King]

@steelevt

You are absolutely right of course. I was very upset at how the whole thing was handled as well. I most definitely would have prefered a non-answer or just silence. I don't condone lying at all.

I just felt some believe Vlade acted with malice, and I don't think he did. Ugly situation that should have been handled with more care.

 

[Suicide King]

@Kingsfan23

I don't mean to downplay the injury at all. Very huge concern for exactly the reason you stated. His athleticism is a large part of his defensive ability, and if reduced...

I see it as a very high risk/reward scenario. I also think trading back is risky if you know you want him. He may go 13th to the Pacers. He is already very well known in Indiana.

 

[upinsmoke]

@Kingsfan23

I don't mean to downplay the injury at all. Very huge concern for exactly the reason you stated. His athleticism is a large part of his defensive ability, and if reduced...

I see it as a very high risk/reward scenario. I also think trading back is risky if you know you want him. He may go 13th to the Pacers. He is already very well known in Indiana.

This is why if we are interested in him at all we have to pull the trigger at #10. There's little room to get cute in that range because it only takes one team to have that blow up in our face.

 

[ockingsfan]

@Kingsfan23

I don't mean to downplay the injury at all. Very huge concern for exactly the reason you stated. His athleticism is a large part of his defensive ability, and if reduced...

I see it as a very high risk/reward scenario. I also think trading back is risky if you know you want him. He may go 13th to the Pacers. He is already very well known in Indiana.

If we trade down and he is gone, so be it. If he is still there, then great.

I think #10 on a player coming off and ACL tear is way too big of a risk.

 

[Blob]

If we trade down and he is gone, so be it. If he is still there, then great.

I think #10 on a player coming off and ACL tear is way too big of a risk.

Vlade wanted to give Wes Matthews a max deal coming off torn Achilles. ("Injuries are part of the game" - Kings GM) By comparison drafting a kid on rookie contract with an ACL tear is no big thing. I share the same concerns with you....but I am not seeing too many appealing options at #10 if we get our PG at #5. Unless Lauri falls to #10 (doubtful). Collins as a 4th center? Ugh. Then there's guards we have no use for (Frank N, Donovan). It's too bad that kid Bridges pulled out of the draft. I think we have to get a guy with special upside at #10. OG has special upside presuming his rehab is successful. He has youth and tree trunk legs on his side. If nothing else he projects as a capable backup PF behind Skal. If he develops his skills he can slide to SF. This is the best argument I can make for any player at #10. I have not heard more compelling option at #10 but I am open to suggestions.

 

[Suicide King]

@ockingsfan

I agree with you in that it is a risk with the injury. But at 10 with likely questionable alternatives, it is a risk that may reward. I mean some fans adamantly want DSJ at 5. I know he has a little body of work post surgery to go by, but the risk is still there. At 10 it is less of a gamble if it backfires than at 5 with Smith.

Again, I have really liked OG for most of this past season. Then the injury in January threw a wrench in it. I won't claim to know his future career arc, I just think it MAY be worth the risk given the alternatives, and the potential reward.

Maybe Vlade and Perry pull a rabbit out of the hat and get us Fox and either Tatum or Isaac. Ideally that would be the best case scenario.

 

[upinsmoke]

If we trade down and he is gone, so be it. If he is still there, then great.

I think #10 on a player coming off and ACL tear is way too big of a risk.

As I understand it he had a very similar injury to what A. Peterson had. Less than 1 year after his surgery he was back on the field. As I have mentioned before if we take him I would as Precaution sit him out an additional year.

 

[Kingsfan23]

In a trade down scenario (which is dependent on who is available for me), just 15/20 isn't equitable. Portland would have to come off that 26 as well or another positive asset.

If it's Monk who falls, which I can foresee given the positional needs of some of these teams, I might consider moving him to Philly for our outstanding pick if we deem him unacceptable as a primary handler (depending on who is there at 10)

I'm assuming though that someone of value/fit will be there however.

 

[ockingsfan]

@ockingsfan

I agree with you in that it is a risk with the injury. But at 10 with likely questionable alternatives, it is a risk that may reward. I mean some fans adamantly want DSJ at 5. I know he has a little body of work post surgery to go by, but the risk is still there. At 10 it is less of a gamble if it backfires than at 5 with Smith.

Again, I have really liked OG for most of this past season. Then the injury in January threw a wrench in it. I won't claim to know his future career arc, I just think it MAY be worth the risk given the alternatives, and the potential reward.

Maybe Vlade and Perry pull a rabbit out of the hat and get us Fox and either Tatum or Isaac. Ideally that would be the best case scenario.

DSJ played a full college season post ACL surgery, with no ill effects. Which is good proof that the kid will be okay.

It would help me a lot if he was recovered well enough to at least do a workout, if I am spending the #10 overall on him.

If I take him at #12 (#10 for for Stanley Johnson and Detroit's #12) or at #15 and get another pick or player, then great, I'll take him.

Look at how long it took Nerlens Noel to recover. He missed considerable amount of time, basically a 2 years to recover and he still missed time this past year. And Noel is like half of OG's size.

 

[ockingsfan]

As I understand it he had a very similar injury to what A. Peterson had. Less than 1 year after his surgery he was back on the field. As I have mentioned before if we take him I would as Precaution sit him out an additional year.

Todd Gurley came off a torn ACL and looked great his first year back. His second year, he lost his burst and looked pedestrian.

So, it is difficult to predict how any athlete comes back from a torn ACL. Everyone is different.

 

[Suicide King]

@ockingsfan

I noted that DSJ has his time in college as a positive sign.

I am not looking to convince anyone. OG may not even be on our FO's radar. It's up to medical experts to make a call regarding OG's knee, not my area of expertise ( if I have one).

I am not enamored with taking Lauri or Collins at 10. I can say that with certainty. You can't always play it safe with every pick, and this is one instance it might be worth the gamble. I don't have access to his medical records so I can't approach it with the confidence a GM would.

I will support whoever is drafted 100%

 

[kingdivac]

@kingdivac
I am not trying to pick, but I have seen similar comments as yours a lot and wanted to say something. For the record I leaned towards Cousins apologist, even when it got hard.

That said, what did fans REALLY expect Vlade to say? I mean, let's try one possible scenario of an honest answer:

Vlade: " Well I really think it is time we move on from Cousins, but Vivek won't let me."
Does that sound like something you want the POBO to say to the media?

It was an ugly situation on both sides, and no one comes out clean. But I see fans here, on reddit and other dark places looking at what Vlade said in regards to not trading Cousins and they seem oblivious to why he may have "went back on his word".

Again, not trying to pick, just trying to give perspective.

I'd expect someone to say nothing at all instead of mislead or obfuscate....the takeaway is that Vlade is capable of proclaiming one thing and enacting the opposite - a good way to burn bridges - especially in business....and why I don't have a clue who or in what manner the Kings will draft. I'm fairly relieved the wait for the draft is closing.

 

[mac]

I don't want to speak for kingdivac, but I was one of those that didn't like vlade straight up lying to us. I understand it's hard to be a gm and you can't always tell the truth. But during the debacle there was a member whom I don't remember at the time that gave the perfect answer to those who asked what was vlade supposed to do, lie or give up leverage? It was something along the line of just because you are asked the question doesn't mean you have to answer it. Or a simple no comment keeps your integrity and leverage. I'm over it now but at the time I was upset.

One could argue that as simple a statement as "nobody is untradable", IMO a very neutral and obvious statement in this league, had resulted in disaster. Id imagine a no comment would be just as bad. Back to the topic...

 

[206Fan]

I'll just say it: Drafting Collins at #10 would be absolutely tragic as far as tragic events occur in this context. It's not that he's a bad player. It's that picking him would be a terrible misuse of assets. I will take OG Anunoby any day over Collins and hope for full recovery and return to court early 2018. I said I would call for Vlade to be fired if he drafts Tatum or Smith. If he drafts Collins at #10, I would say the same. You don't add to your glut of centers by adding one more. It's also questionable whether the Kings could get a #1 pick for Koufos. The trade market for centers is pretty weak.

I like Anunoby too, but I think his pairing would make 10x more sense with a PG like DSJ, Monk(?), or Ntilikina. I just don't like pairing OG next to Fox. OG's shooting is extremely questionable. He only shot 31% from 3pt, and a whooping 56.3% from FT. I'm not going to say he has a broken shot, but I'm confident in saying that he'll be under 30% in 3pt shooting for his first year, and probably under 32% for his first 3 years. Pairing him with Fox is just an offensive disaster waiting to happen.

I also don't know why you'd be calling for Vlade to be fired if he drafts Tatum or Smith.. Is it because they're score-first players? Fox was the same at Kentucky too.

And one thing that kinda boggles my mind. People bring up Smith's ACL as a red flag...despite showing that he still has the same amount of quickness and athleticism. However, with OG, it becomes the assumption that he should be ok.

 

[206Fan]

Chad Ford says Luke Kennard is the NBA's biggest riser. Could go top 10.

http://insider.espn.com/nba/insider...s-angeles-lakers-lonzo-ball-josh-jackson-more

He started the college season as a fringe first-round prospect, but in recent weeks he's moved up fast. Based on conversations with GMs this week, I put him in the third tier of first-round-caliber players, but teams are increasingly grouping him with other second-tier prospects.

Kennard has worked out for the Lakers, Knicks, Pistons, Heat and Pacers. He still has workouts scheduled with the Magic, Mavericks and Hornets.

"There's no way he gets to us," one GM in the late lottery said. "I don't think there's any way he's out of the top 10. We think he's the best shooter in the draft. We think he's tough. He's more athletic than you think. He really thinks the game. He's the most underrated guy in this draft."

"He's ranked ahead of Malik Monk on our board," another GM said. "He's not as athletic, but he has a much more versatile game and he's less streaky. Monk will be great. An instant scorer coming off the bench. But we think Kennard could be a full-time starter in the league."

Shooting comes at a premium right now in the NBA, and that partially explains the rise in Kennard's stock. But most teams see the former Blue Devil as more than just a shooter.

Right now it looks like the Pistons at No. 12 are Kennard's floor. But he could go higher. The Knicks, according to a team source, are seriously considering taking him at No. 8. And a Lakers source said he'd be a favorite if the team ends up with a second pick in the top 10.

I don't see Kennard going top 10, but I guess the first landing spot could be Knicks? I see them 99% taking a PG, but if they aren't sold on Ntilikina or DSJ, then their 2nd biggest need is at SG. The 2nd landing spot could be the Hornets at 11. If the Hornets are comfortable with playing MKG at PF, then I think they need a SG and probably a C too. However, SG would be their bigger need because Zeller is serviceable like KK.

I don't see Kennard dropping past Detroit if they decide to keep their core of Jackson-Harris-Drummond. There's a legitimate chance that KCP gets a near-max offer from some desperate team out there, and I don't think Detroit will match. Jackson+Kennard on defense might be really bad, but Kennard would give them the desperate 3pt shooter they've been looking for.

Interesting on Kennard. I could see him becoming a Devin Booker-type player, but then again, I could see him flaming out like Stauskas did in the NBA. If Kennard goes before the 10th pick, someone special will fall to the Kings at #10.

 

[funkykingston]

Chad Ford says Luke Kennard is the NBA's biggest riser. Could go top 10.

http://insider.espn.com/nba/insider...s-angeles-lakers-lonzo-ball-josh-jackson-more

Good news for the Kings if true.

 

[ESP47]

I think CBS has us taking Kennard at 10 now. Personally, I wouldn't even take the guy in the first round. I don't think he's going to be able to create enough space to get his shot off and he's going to get absolutely torched on defense. People are always enamored with shooting and the guy can definitely shoot but for every Korver or Redick, there are dozens of Stauskas' out there. I'd much rather have Markkanen than Kennard. At least he fills a need and you know he will more than likely be able to get his shot off due to his length alone.

Fingers crossed that someone in front of us takes him. Even if we wind up with a BPA that doesn't fill a need, at least we are in a position to add good depth and/or develop a trade piece in the future that will land us a need. If we get Fox at 5 and we have Smith or Monk sitting there at 10, I'd still take either one of those guys unless another team blows us out of the water with a trade that makes it worthwhile. You have two guys there who can possibly be big trade assets and/or all stars in the future. I would take the overall value of something like that over a force fit to fill a need on the roster.

 

[km23]

How worried are some of you that want to take Fox at 5, that he wont be on the board anymore? Fox is the guy I want at 5, but am nervous he gets taken before our selection.

 

[funkykingston]

I think CBS has us taking Kennard at 10 now. Personally, I wouldn't even take the guy in the first round. I don't think he's going to be able to create enough space to get his shot off and he's going to get absolutely torched on defense. People are always enamored with shooting and the guy can definitely shoot but for every Korver or Redick, there are dozens of Stauskas' out there. I'd much rather have Markkanen than Kennard. At least he fills a need and you know he will more than likely be able to get his shot off due to his length alone.

Fingers crossed that someone in front of us takes him. Even if we wind up with a BPA that doesn't fill a need, at least we are in a position to add good depth and/or develop a trade piece in the future that will land us a need. If we get Fox at 5 and we have Smith or Monk sitting there at 10, I'd still take either one of those guys unless another team blows us out of the water with a trade that makes it worthwhile. You have two guys there who can possibly be big trade assets and/or all stars in the future. I would take the overall value of something like that over a force fit to fill a need on the roster.

I like Kennard somewhat but the Kings don't need anymore SGs unless they are better than Hield/Bogdanovic/Richardson and I don't think Kennard is.

But if he goes top 9 it pushes one more prospect to the Kings at 10.

 

[kingdivac]

Some more trade ideas that Kings fans might've already read:

https://www.sactownroyalty.com/2017/6/15/15737128/sacramento-kings-trade-draft-night-arron-afflalo

I still don't mind the idea of trading down to do more talent fishing. Juwan Evans I'm onboard for getting especially if they go for Jackson or Tatum - would not mind trading Koufos or McClemore to give Evans a chance. Evans is a crafty PG who could be a starter with time or at minimum a solid rotational player.

 

[roasthawg]

I have the same question about Anunoby as I do Isaac - is he a SF or is he really a PF? But Isaac has some perimeter skills on offense where Anunoby has a shaky outside shot and really nothing else but straight line drives. Throw in the injury and I'm less and less comfortable with him as the pick.

Yeah Isaac, og, and semi are all getting pegged as more fours than threes. Yet another reason that if we did trade up to three I'd take Jackson over Fox... There seems to be better options at pg ( Juwan Evans, ntlinka, etc) that will be available past the fifth pick than at sf.

 

[Blob]

I also don't know why you'd be calling for Vlade to be fired if he drafts Tatum or Smith.. Is it because they're score-first players? Fox was the same at Kentucky too.

How long have you been a Kings fan? I feel like a lot of Kings fans have short memories or do not know the extent of the suffering and ineptitude. The Kings have averaged 25th in defensive efficiency over the last 10 years. That's 6th worst. It's NOT a coincidence that the Kings win total over last decade has been approximately 6th worst in NBA, our approximate standing in the lottery on an annual basis! The Kings are NOT going to put an end to this incompetence by drafting guys that can't hold their own on defensive side of the ball. And Vlade should not draft guys that his teammates are going to constantly have to cover for.

I love offense as much as the next fan and I want a high powered offense. But there is a certain profile of player that you look for in this context and if a player projects as average at best or below average he better be a damn special offensive player. Dennis Smith Jr is not that. He is susceptible to low percentage attempts and average or slightly better as a distributor. I don't think his offensive efficiency is going to make up for defensive challenges. This is the exact type we do NOT need to take chance on! Fans are deluded by said player b/c he can jump. Frankly I don't give a damn about his vertical!

Vlade in effect is the caretaker of the franchise in his role as personnel director. To me it would be borderline negligence to expose the fan base to another player, one whom is the product of getting rid of the most talented player in franchise history, who cannot keep his man in front of him due to vitals and effort level. Then you compound the question marks over this guy with leadership and maturity issues and injury history and I see almost NO reason why any Kings fan would want DSJ on their team. Its incredulous to me! I don't get it. Fans watch a few You Tube videos and they are hooked? I am not as easily impressed.

As far as Jayson Tatum, I don't like his overall game. I am not going repeat my detailed assessment from before, but if you watch the kid he jab steps and steps away from the defense. He is bailing out the defender. He's not using speed or power often enough to get advantage on the defender. That's not high percentage basketball. His shot mechanics are a bit jacked too and scoring is supposed to be his strength. He's another guy who projects as an average to subpar defender. That is not going to help us turnaround a decade of letting the opponent run lay-up lines. It is also a disservice to put these guys on the floor with guys who want to play defense and ask they cover their chronic blunders.