Pre-Draft Outlook
Less than a week after hiring Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown to take over as head coach, the Kings moved up from No. 7 to No. 4 on the draft lottery board. The next question: can the Kings take advantage of their newfound fortune? Kings general manager Monte McNair will likely operate with urgency, both to ensure the Kings reach the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and solidify his future in the final year of his contract. Look for the Kings to act aggressively.
A Stat That Matters
16 — The Kings have been a worse-than-average defensive team in each of the past 16 seasons, ranking in the bottom five in eight of those 16 years, including each of the last two.
The Way To Go
Perhaps the Kings trade their draft pick, either to move up in the draft or land a veteran player to satisfy their win-now mode. But it also isn’t a bad option if the Kings stay put. At No. 4, it appears likely that Jaden Ivey will still be available. Ivey and Kings guard De’Aaron Fox have similar skills as explosive point guards that can create their own shot. But the Kings would be wise to choose talent over need. Shaedon Sharpe is considered the most athletic player of the draft, but he might have a bumpy transition after not playing his freshman year at Kentucky. Besides, the Kings can use the draft to collect assets for future deals.
Under Contract
G: De’Aaron Fox
G: Davion Mitchell
G: Terence Davis
F/G: Maurice Harkless
F/G: Justin Holiday
F: Harrison Barnes
F: Richaun Holmes
F/C: Domantas Sabonis
F/C: Chimezie Metu
C: Alex Len
Free Agents
G: Donte DiVincenzo (restricted)
G/F: Josh Jackson (unrestricted)
G/F: Jeremy Lamb (unrestricted)
F: Trey Lyles (team option)
C: Damian Jones (unrestricted)
C: Neemias Queta (restricted)
> 2022 Free Agent Tracker
Last year’s Draft
2021: Davion Mitchell (9), Neemias Queta (39)
— Mark Medina