Who do we draft?

[funkykingston]

Being at 10 is a bit frustrating as without Bridges I feel there's a drop off after my top 9 guys. I'm hoping somebody takes Markkanen and/or another player rises so one of those 9 falls to 10.

If not I'd rather see the Kings trade for a player or future pick than trade down. This draft is top heavy but not particularly deep.

But more importantly, the Kings can't keep adding a bunch of young guys. Partly because they need to have roster spots for veterans - particularly at PG but also because you don't want to have a bunch of rookie deals ending every offseason. It could mean losing talent for nothing as you can't resign everyone.

The Knicks have Porzingis and that's about it. Would they take Richardson, #10 and #34 for #6 or #7 (assuming they don't move to the top 3)?

Depending on who is on the board I'd make that deal for the Kings.

 

[itzcoatl]

Being at 10 is a bit frustrating as without Bridges I feel there's a drop off after my top 9 guys. I'm hoping somebody takes Markkanen and/or another player rises so one of those 9 falls to 10.

If not I'd rather see the Kings trade for a player or future pick than trade down. This draft is top heavy but not particularly deep.

But more importantly, the Kings can't keep adding a bunch of young guys. Partly because they need to have roster spots for veterans - particularly at PG but also because you don't want to have a bunch of rookie deals ending every offseason. It could mean losing talent for nothing as you can't resign everyone.

The Knicks have Porzingis and that's about it. Would they take Richardson, #10 and #34 for #6 or #7 (assuming they don't move to the top 3)?

Depending on who is on the board I'd make that deal for the Kings.

I'm not sure Malachi alone gets that done. It looks like Phil is tearing down that team. Why not take on Noah's albatross contract for a pick swap? Noah's contract expires the same year as most of our kids so it's not like we were likely going to be needing a ton of cap space in the interim.

 

[funkykingston]

I'm not sure Malachi alone gets that done. It looks like Phil is tearing down that team. Why not take on Noah's albatross contract for a pick swap? Noah's contract expires the same year as most of our kids so it's not like we were likely going to be needing a ton of cap space in the interim.

That would greatly depend on who is there at the Knicks pick. Noah doesn't have a place on this Kings team. It'd be taking on a monster salary just to move up a couple slots.

 

[206Fan]

One thing that bothers me is, that Vlade seems pretty adamant on not drafting guys, who refuse to work out in SAC. After this season and the media backlash on the Cousins trade (at least the few sports writers I read didn't use a lot of kind words when covering the Kings during and after the trade) I fully expect some highly regarded prospects to refuse to work out for the Kings. That and the high value Vlade places in things like character and personalities that fit in with the team, we might actually once again do something completely unexpected on draft night. I just hope we do nothing stupid.

I don't think this is true. Papagiannis, Skal, and Richardson didn't come workout for us.

 

[funkykingston]

I don't think this is true. Papagiannis, Skal, and Richardson didn't come workout for us.

I could be wrong but I believe Vlade DID see all three guys workout. They each had an open workout for teams if I recall correctly.

I think Vlade wants to see the guys for himself. It's a bit idiosyncratic when there's all this film of all of them and presumably your scouts have seen them play but it seems to be a big thing for him.

That said, last year he made it clear they tried to trade up for Kris Dunn who didn't work out for them or have an open workout that I know of.

 

[HndsmCelt]

I could be wrong but I believe Vlade DID see all three guys workout. They each had an open workout for teams if I recall correctly.

I think Vlade wants to see the guys for himself. It's a bit idiosyncratic when there's all this film of all of them and presumably your scouts have seen them play but it seems to be a big thing for him.

That said, last year he made it clear they tried to trade up for Kris Dunn who didn't work out for them or have an open workout that I know of.

Not sure how related this is but I remember Vlade giving as his main reason for not picking mudiay that mudiay would not work out for them. It seems to be part of this is only wanting guys that want to be here. I remember when we drafted Willie he had a huge smile and was excited to be coming to Sacramento. It may be old school but I think for Vlade team chemistry is more important than player Talent.

 

[Kingsfan23]

Being at 10 is a bit frustrating as without Bridges I feel there's a drop off after my top 9 guys. I'm hoping somebody takes Markkanen and/or another player rises so one of those 9 falls to 10.

If not I'd rather see the Kings trade for a player or future pick than trade down. This draft is top heavy but not particularly deep.

But more importantly, the Kings can't keep adding a bunch of young guys. Partly because they need to have roster spots for veterans - particularly at PG but also because you don't want to have a bunch of rookie deals ending every offseason. It could mean losing talent for nothing as you can't resign everyone.

The Knicks have Porzingis and that's about it. Would they take Richardson, #10 and #34 for #6 or #7 (assuming they don't move to the top 3)?

Depending on who is on the board I'd make that deal for the Kings.

I think many consider Collins/Markannen part of the consensus, but it's early, things will change by now and mid June

 

[bajaden]

Not sure how related this is but I remember Vlade giving as his main reason for not picking mudiay that mudiay would not work out for them. It seems to be part of this is only wanting guys that want to be here. I remember when we drafted Willie he had a huge smile and was excited to be coming to Sacramento. It may be old school but I think for Vlade team chemistry is more important than player Talent.

He was asked about sticking to his guns of not drafting a player that didn't work out for him at the press conference with him and Joerger. Vlade's response was, who said I wouldn't? So I think your right, and that his original statement was more about a particular players attitude about the Kings than is was the fact that he hadn't seen the player workout.

Of course, if your the GM, you'd like to see all the prospects work out and get to spend some time with them. Many times a GM will go out to dinner with a top prospect after the workout. They do get interview time at the combine, but it's timed and therefore limited. Look, the Kings have a scouting staff that spends the entire year watching these players play. They have a ton of film on them. There are no hidden secrets. They know when these players go to the bathroom, and how often. The workouts are for the personal touch. You get a feel for the players personality, and a feel for how he might fit what your doing. It's nice to have, but not absolutely necessary.

 

[bajaden]

Being at 10 is a bit frustrating as without Bridges I feel there's a drop off after my top 9 guys. I'm hoping somebody takes Markkanen and/or another player rises so one of those 9 falls to 10.

If not I'd rather see the Kings trade for a player or future pick than trade down. This draft is top heavy but not particularly deep.

But more importantly, the Kings can't keep adding a bunch of young guys. Partly because they need to have roster spots for veterans - particularly at PG but also because you don't want to have a bunch of rookie deals ending every offseason. It could mean losing talent for nothing as you can't resign everyone.

The Knicks have Porzingis and that's about it. Would they take Richardson, #10 and #34 for #6 or #7 (assuming they don't move to the top 3)?

Depending on who is on the board I'd make that deal for the Kings.

Yeah, Bridges not declaring was disappointing. He was our fall back player, and now he's gone. So for me, my fall back player is Zach Collins. We don't need another center, but in my opinion, he's the next best player, potential wise, on the board. And hey, if he comes in and outplays all the other centers we have, is that a bad thing? You've just upgraded at the position, and created some trading pieces.

 

[Kingz19]

I think the Kings should place emphasis on Frank Ntilikina above all else. He's the one PG with an established outside jumper(all the ones ahead of his are considered streaky and works in progress) and gets big praise for his basketball IQ. I think Vlades ultimate goal is to have a team that mainly runs half court sets through the bigs..Willie, Papa, and Skal have shown passing chops and look for shooters and cutters.

I also kind of want Vlade to see if Portland is willing to part with their picks to move up. We basically got 3 first rounders for 8 last year.

If Ntilikina can be had in the 10-12 range as he is being projected at now..maybe move 8 and 34 to Portland for 15, 19, and 23? Maybe draft Anunoby(or Jackson), perhaps a project like Hartenstein, and Evans. It affords Vlade an opportunity to have multiple picks among the players that may actually come to work out for the Kings.

If we stay with 8 and 10. Ntilikina and Collins.

I'm not sure about Issac. I don't think he'll ultimately be a SF when his body develops and I'd rather stick with Skal as our lanky 4 of the future since he actually has some established aspects of his game where everything about Issac is a work in progress.

 

[Section 101]

Looks like Markkanan is moving on some boards to Knicks and Wolves. I can only hope!

 

[Kingsfan23]

It's also going to be interesting the market for taking bad salary. I hope the Kings are active on that front to get in on some of this depth

 

[roasthawg]

Looks like Markkanan is moving on some boards to Knicks and Wolves. I can only hope!

Wolves makes a lot of sense. I like Markkanen though

 

[Jimbob]

Big question what Vlade may do or who climbs or falls come draft day, but if way stay at 8 and 10 Iv'e warmed up to the idea of picking Zach Collins if hes still on board at 10. I watched more clips on him, hes not the prettiest player to watch but he mixes it up good, I think its more than just looks and I don't generally attempt to compare players but he reminds me a bit of a taller Kevin Mchale.

 

[Sam0ah]

Big question what Vlade may do or who climbs or falls come draft day, but if way stay at 8 and 10 Iv'e warmed up to the idea of picking Zach Collins if hes still on board at 10. I watched more clips on him, hes not the prettiest player to watch but he mixes it up good, I think its more than just looks and I don't generally attempt to compare players but he reminds me a bit of a taller Kevin Mchale.

Yeah, Collins seems like a pretty good prospect. I wouldn't be sad at all if the Kings picked him at 10. Hopefully one of the teams that pick before us catches wind of this and picks him early.

 

[bajaden]

Big question what Vlade may do or who climbs or falls come draft day, but if way stay at 8 and 10 Iv'e warmed up to the idea of picking Zach Collins if hes still on board at 10. I watched more clips on him, hes not the prettiest player to watch but he mixes it up good, I think its more than just looks and I don't generally attempt to compare players but he reminds me a bit of a taller Kevin Mchale.

Well I'm a big fan of Collins. He's a tad rough around the edges, but as I said, if you look at his plus 40 numbers, their off the chart. He accomplished in 17 minutes a game what some other ranked players took 28 to 30 minutes a game to accomplish.

 

[Entity]

I wouldn't be surprised to see kosta paired with one of our top picks to move up in the draft. I could actually see Phoenix taking that deal.

 

[Jimbob]

I wouldn't be surprised to see kosta paired with one of our top picks to move up in the draft. I could actually see Phoenix taking that deal.

The Phoenix pick will be top 5 worst case and unlikely scenario. So I'm not sure Kosta has that value, but I like the idea of moving up a bit if it nets us a highly desired pick and Vlade goes big with the other pick.

 

[Jimbob]

Condolences to Isaiah Thomas, sad his sister got killed today in MVA. Just as they start the playoffs.




(Mod edit for clarity: MVA = motor vehicle accident)

 

[kingsboi]

Big question what Vlade may do or who climbs or falls come draft day, but if way stay at 8 and 10 Iv'e warmed up to the idea of picking Zach Collins if hes still on board at 10. I watched more clips on him, hes not the prettiest player to watch but he mixes it up good, I think its more than just looks and I don't generally attempt to compare players but he reminds me a bit of a taller Kevin Mchale.

Not the right era for a Kevin Mchale to play in IMO

 

[Kingsfan23]

I think Monk is going to be there when we pick as most teams have SG solutions except Sixers/Knicks. Luwawu was playing decently down the stretch and they have that Korkmaz kid. Knicks still have Lee's contract and I don't think that's the direction they might go with Phil emphasizing team ball and defense.

And the question remains if the Kings even possibly have enough handling and creation upon the rest of the roster to have him manning the point. I think Buddy can grow more into a creative role than he's shown so far as he ages, and we play through our bigs somewhat... Vivek supposedly likes him some Warriors and he might see some type of Nuevo splash brothers.

I don't think so... but Monk might be one of the ones hanging on that board

 

[Suicide King]

@Jimbob
Very sad indeed and so young. Reports are she may have dozed off and was not wearing a seatbelt.

Always wear a seatbelt..

 

[kingsboi]

I look at some of the players in the playoffs and think about where they were drafted. Leonard at 14, Giannis at 15, Butler at 28, George at 10, DeRozan at 9, Hayward at 9, Klay at 11, Schroder at 17, McCollum at 10. Point is, every single draft has players that drop out of the top 5 or 10 and there are plenty of all-star caliber players to be had even at the positions where the Kings will be drafting. It's on them to do their due diligence and scout these players and have them excel in Joerger's system.

 

[Suicide King]

The situation with the Knicks makes predicting direction impossible.

In addition to Phil telling Melo he should leave, Porzingas is already fed up after only two seasons. He skipped his exit interview citing frustration with the drama and lack of direction. Phil said no one is untouchable including KP, though that is likely typical Phil head games.

Interesting to keep in mind though if we can use it to our advantage.

 

[Suicide King]

@kingsboi

I agree with the caveat that it takes not only the eye for the talent but also the coaching to develop it.

We are looking a lot more deft at both lately which bodes well.

 

[roasthawg]

I think Monk is going to be there when we pick as most teams have SG solutions except Sixers/Knicks. Luwawu was playing decently down the stretch and they have that Korkmaz kid. Knicks still have Lee's contract and I don't think that's the direction they might go with Phil emphasizing team ball and defense.

And the question remains if the Kings even possibly have enough handling and creation upon the rest of the roster to have him manning the point. I think Buddy can grow more into a creative role than he's shown so far as he ages, and we play through our bigs somewhat... Vivek supposedly likes him some Warriors and he might see some type of Nuevo splash brothers.

I don't think so... but Monk might be one of the ones hanging on that board

Monk is the number one guy we NEED to go before our pick imo... We have no use for him on our team. SG is the one position we just can't draft, not with three of em already.

 

[roasthawg]

I look at some of the players in the playoffs and think about where they were drafted. Leonard at 14, Giannis at 15, Butler at 28, George at 10, DeRozan at 9, Hayward at 9, Klay at 11, Schroder at 17, McCollum at 10. Point is, every single draft has players that drop out of the top 5 or 10 and there are plenty of all-star caliber players to be had even at the positions where the Kings will be drafting. It's on them to do their due diligence and scout these players and have them excel in Joerger's system.

A lot of long, athletic wings on that list. McCollum is the only one I saw coming, the rest looked to be flawed to me at least.

 

[206Fan]

Monk is the number one guy we NEED to go before our pick imo... We have no use for him on our team. SG is the one position we just can't draft, not with three of em already.

Agree with you. I just can't see Monk becoming a PG in the NBA. I was on the BPA bandwagon, but then I realized that we had 2 potential franchise SGs already on our roster. If Monk ends up becoming a top 5 SG in the NBA, and we passed up on him, I could live with that. Would rather draft a position elsewhere.

 

[kingsboi]

A lot of long, athletic wings on that list. McCollum is the only one I saw coming, the rest looked to be flawed to me at least.

every single player comes into the league flawed, question is, can the team that drafts that said player correct those flaws?

 

[kingdivac]

Monk is the number one guy we NEED to go before our pick imo... We have no use for him on our team. SG is the one position we just can't draft, not with three of em already.

Yes, I've wrote it several times, Monk would be redundant; they already have Hield. Yes, hopefully one of the earlier teams picks Monk up.