Last week, I released my second mock draft and many fans reacted differently. Some people are skeptical of Dennis Smith Jr. dropping to No. 10 but it’s not unrealistic because of his character issues, according to multiple reports.
His talent is undeniably impressive, but for a Kings team that has dealt with so much scrutiny the past seven years, this could be a reason why they also pass up on him.
With that said, I feel a little different and have the Kings selecting someone else at both spots. Assisting the pre-draft workouts in Sacramento the past two weeks, the ASM Sports Pro Day workouts in Las Vegas and hearing about how the workouts went, I have a better sense on where the Kings stand, and in which direction I believe they should go in.
I believe in taking the best player available and not a player in a position of need. Some people feel differently, which makes debates fun. But for a team that desperately needs talent, and most likely will be in the lottery again next season, it is crucial for them to take the best talent available even if it’s in a position where fans might think the team is well off.
This might be a little shocking, but I would take two point guards in the top 10 if available. The Kings currently have Langston Galloway under contract but has a player option two days after the NBA Draft, which will determine if he decides to stay or not.
That could potentially leave the Kings without a point guard, which also means less ball handlers on a team that desperately needs ball-handling. Donovan Mitchell is rising up on many draft boards and he had an excellent workout with the Kings on Wednesday.
He definitely fits the type of players Vlade Divac and Dave Joerger are looking to add to this roster, which inclines me to draft him at No. 10 even if they draft De’Aaron Fox at No. 5. He will play point guard in the NBA and also shooting guard because he is extremely versatile and that is what this team needs.
For the people who have questions about his assist totals and potential of playing the pick and roll as the main ball handler, he played 116 possessions in the pick and roll and scored 104 points, which puts him at 0.897 points per possession, according to Synergy Sports. That is very good amongst other guards in NCAA basketball.
To put things in perspective, Fox played 162 possessions in the pick and roll and scored 138 points, which puts him at 0.852 points per possession. I’m not saying Mitchell is better than Fox in that area but he definitely can hold his own.
The NBA is becoming position-less, and having two guards that can handle the rock and play solid defense, makes it that much more intriguing for a team looking to compete against the best backcourts in the Western Conference.
Even if the Kings don’t draft a small forward, they can sign one in free agency and look forward to next years NBA draft, which will have elite prospects such as Michael Porter and Luka Doncic.
I will go much more in-depth on the next CK Podcast Friday night at 7 p.m., which is a major reason why you should subscribe and join the conversation live. We want you to call in the show and make your voice heard!
Mock Draft 3.0
1: MARKELLE FULTZ PG/Celtics
2: LONZO BALL PG/Lakers
3: JAYSON TATUM SF/76ers
4: JOSH JACKSON SF/Suns
5: DE’AARON FOX PG/Kings
6: MALIK MONK SG/Magic
7: LAURI MARKKANEN PF/TWolves
8: DENNIS SMITH JR PG/Knicks
9: JONATHAN ISAAC SF/PF/Mavs
10: DONOVAN MITCHELL SG/PG/Kings
11: LUKE KENNARD SG/Hornets
12: FRANK NTILIKINA PG/SG/Pistons
13: OG ANUNOBY SF/PF/Nuggets
14: ZACH COLLINS PF/C/Heat
15: JUSTIN PATTON C/ Blazers
16: JUSTIN JACKSON SF/Bulls
17: JOHN COLLINS PF/Bucks
18: JARRETT ALLEN C/Pacers
19: IKE ANIGBOGU C/Hawks
20: RODIONS KURUCS SF/Blazers
21: JONATHAN JEANNE C/Thunder
22: HARRY GILES C/Nets
23: T.J. LEAF PF/Raptors
24: TYLER LYDON SF/PF/Jazz
25: TERRANCE FERGUSON SG/Magic
26: DERRICK WHITE G/SG/Blazers
27: JAWUN EVANS PG/Nets
28: IVAN RABB PF/C/Lakers
29: JORDAN BELL PF/Spurs
30: JOHNATHAN MOTLEY PF/C/Jazz
What did you think of my third mock draft? Did you agree or disagree? Join the conversation!
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