Your draft board for the Kings

[blind prophet]

The draft is just around the corner, we've had some more time to look at prospects, and now the order seems to be harder to predict than it was earlier on. So play Vlade, you've got the phones going, 5 minutes left, no one is offering you anything worth trading the pick for and let us know who your number 1 is. Poll should close Wednesday about 9 pm our time, and if you change your mind you can change your vote.

Towns, Okafor, Russel are gone.

Let's say there are no surprises top 3, and we go with the popular draft predictions. Picks 4 and 5 are a mystery.

So give me your top 3 in order

So it should look like this.

1 x
possible reasons but no description required if you don't feel like it

2 y
reasons

3 z
reasons

Also vote in the poll for your top choice.

[blind prophet]

Right now I've got it down to top 4, can't seem able to decide or else I'd give you mine, I need more time.

[SacKingZZZ]

This is a tough draft, but tough in a good way. Not like last year where you're looking from the outside in. This is tough because there are players to actually choose from. That's why it will be even tougher if they blow it on a player that isn't a good fit and by that I mean for Cousins.

1: Kristaps Porzingis

- I would rather personally have Winslow, Hezonja, or Cauley-Stein but we have to be serious. At 6? You don't pass up someone like that, you just don't. He fits and has too much upside. Even if he only makes it half way up his talent scale he still fits.

2. Justise Winslow

- You need defense and shooting? Good, this dude does both. Oh, you like shooters that aren't one dimensional spot shooters and can attack from the perimeter coach? Well, here you go. You want to play smaller but have the size to switch? Here's a beast of a kid that can stretch between 3 positions defensively depending on matchups.

3. Willie Cauley-Stein

- The Kings want to switch pick and roll, well, here's the only big next to Tyson Chandler and Chuck Hayes that can pull it off consistently.

[tyguy]

1. Winslow- In a tier of his own.



2. Super Mario
3. Porzingis
4. Cauley-Stein

Caution zone: Mudiay- please, for the love of science, not this guy. I have a feeling he will be available when the kings pick. Please resist this temptation.

[KF10]

My draft board changes a little bit as we come closer to draft night but as of right now, here is my top-3:

1. Winslow

He's everything what we need right now. He has very little holes in his game and can contribute in day one. The kid plays a winning style of play and puts team first before himself.

2. Cauley-Stein

The proverbial Kings pick that most people would want here...with good reasons. Defense, defense and defense. Did I mention defense? The dude has a chance to be something special on defense with his rare combinations of lateral movement, quickness, length and athleticism. He is the rim runner that Karl dreamed of. Catch and lob threat too. If he manages to hit the mid range J (or even expand his range to 3PT range), think Ibaka but with more ability to cover a lot of ground

3. Porzingis

I hate passing him up because if we weren't on our last "Cousins' gas tank", he would be my #1 or #2 in my board. I still think he is a couple of years away to see what he is really made of. We do not have time to go through the growing pains if this kid. That said, Porzingis may very well have the highest ceiling in the draft and passing him at #6 may prove disastrous.

[J_Fan]

1. Porzingis

He's my absolute favorite fit for the Kings in this draft. He has a tremendously high upside. He's a great shooter who hustles on offense. He'd be a great player in a PnR system and he'd be able to go up and catch lobs. On defense, he'll become a great weakside blocker who can defend a bit in the perimeter with his quickness. Overall a great player with a high upside. Stretch 4 who can become a rim protector is exactly what we need next to Cousins.

2. WCS

Amazing defender who has the skills to become an elite shotblocker in the NBA. He takes off all the defensive pressure from Cousins. On offense, he'll be able to hustle and get open for dunks.

3. Hezonja

A cocky and confident wing player who can shoot lights out. He has the size to defend the 2 and 3.

[blind prophet]

Ok, finally made up my mind.

1 WCS

We have a once in a decade or more center in town, we've yet to pair him real well on the inside so I'm going team defense. Our pick and roll defense makes a massive leap here with WCS. We can switch and pressure the ball with a big who can be short time interchangeable vs the majority of the league while Cousins keeps the inside locked down. I'm not worried about the rebounds as WCS was chasing and often away from position in college. He runs the floor real well, and I think Cousins can find him from the high post if the defense cheats for layps/dunks. WCS ideally sets some good screens and develops a short 15 footer at 40% where you have to put a hand in his face is all I'm asking for. So I'm making the sin of fit potentially over true talent, we will see.

2 Porzingis

He is big at 7'0-7'1 at position and long, so he helps with his presence some with length, I'm hoping his length and foot speed counter the upper body strength concern just enough for him to put on some muscle to make it work. His footwork looks excellent on the outside and being found in passing lanes. I think he can be more than a spot shooter, I think he may be able to take other bigs off the dribble some, looks like he should be able to have a jump hook too. This guy is just so talented I almost have no choice. The choice between WCS and Porzingis is really hard but I find these two guys above everyone else currently.

3 Super Mario

I'm going to take the large 6'8 SG here. The guy can finish above the rim, he can shoot, he can play some SF if needed just fine as well. We need a pest, we need some attitude, I'm going to gamble on the swagger over the safer pick in Winslow. That 6'8 is really nice at the SG too, and we really need some outside shooting, seriously, can we get a guy in here that can make some shots?

Leaving out Winslow and taking Mario was hard for me.

[tyguy]

I think i'm going to insert Stanley Johnson in after Winslow. He's not as athletic as Winslow and not as good of a finisher, but he is as strong as a bull, good shooter, can attack, post up, and defend multiple positions. I'm getting a bit of a ron artest vibe here from Johnson, but I think he's a better shooter and of course not a lunatic. This is a surprisingly good draft.

1.Winslow
2. Johnson
3. Super Mario

4. Doesn't matter at this point because one of these guys will be available, possibly all (hopefully)

[Sacramento_King]

1.) Winslow - I think this fits that positionless basketball we have been striving for. Winslow can do a little of everything and can guard anywhere from 1 - 4 in certain situations. Has a winning pedigree which should help to change some of the culture around here.

2.) WCS - I was hyped on him more initially than I am now but he would make our defense much better. Great defender on pick and rolls and his show looked decent in his workout video. Will make our guards better by allowing them to gamble a bit more.

3.) Mario - A big shooter who can drive and attack. If we go this route, I would think Stauskas is nearing the end of his Kings stint unless he has been working on his handle to fill that secondary ballhandler role.

[Game 7]

You draft wcs and call it a day. If we do not draft him when he's on the board I'm going to start losing faith in our team. Cousins needs help on the glass. He can't do it all by himself. Who is our second tallest big? Soft jt? Wcs would be a huge Improvement over jt.

[SacKingZZZ]

You draft wcs and call it a day. If we do not draft him when he's on the board I'm going to start losing faith in our team. Cousins needs help on the glass. He can't do it all by himself. Who is our second tallest big? Soft jt? Wcs would be a huge Improvement over jt.

Cauley-Stein isn't exactly Mr. Board Cleaner though. His per 40's in his entire college career have been a bit on the low side.

[KingJustise]

1) Winslow: "and Justise for all"

NBA-ready. Amazing body, great defensive skill and BBIQ. Can play guard or forward and with the small ball he fits very well at 3 with Rudy at 4 and he can defend up to some PF.

2) SuperMario

6'8 shooting forward. He can drive, attack the basket with killer instict and also make a good decision. Great feel for the game.
He's good on the defensive end too.

3) WCS/Porzingis

The first one is a "high reacg/high reward" (at #6), while the second one is the classic "high risk/high reward".
Both fit the spot we need to fill, but in different way, obviously.

[tyguy]

1) Winslow: "and Justise for all"

NBA-ready. Amazing body, great defensive skill and BBIQ. Can play guard or forward and with the small ball he fits very well at 3 with Rudy at 4 and he can defend up to some PF.

2) SuperMario

6'8 shooting forward. He can drive, attack the basket with killer instict and also make a good decision. Great feel for the game.
He's good on the defensive end too.

3) WCS/Porzingis

The first one is a "high reacg/high reward" (at #6), while the second one is the classic "high risk/high reward".
Both fit the spot we need to fill, but in different way, obviously.

You went more all in than me with that name man, lol. It isn't really a good idea to have a username based on a player. Worst of all, a draft prospect that hasn't even been drafted by the team yet. I do think there is a better than good chance that the Kings can end up with him, but we shall see.

I don't think Willie is a high reach pick. I actually think the knicks are going to stand pat and pick him at 4.

[KingJustise]

1) Winslow: "and Justise for all"

NBA-ready. Amazing body, great defensive skill and BBIQ. Can play guard or forward and with the small ball he fits very well at 3 with Rudy at 4 and he can defend up to some PF.

2) SuperMario

6'8 shooting forward. He can drive, attack the basket with killer instict and also make a good decision. Great feel for the game.
He's good on the defensive end too.

3) WCS/Porzingis

The first one is a "high reacg/high reward" (at #6), while the second one is the classic "high risk/high reward".
Both fit the spot we need to fill, but in different way, obviously.

You went more all in than me with that name man, lol. It isn't really a good idea to have a username based on a player. Worst of all, a draft prospect that hasn't even been drafted by the team yet. I do think there is a better than good chance that the Kings can end up with him, but we shall see.

I don't think Willie is a high reach pick. I actually think the knicks are going to stand pat and pick him at 4.

And you forgot that I support Syracuse (not a "friendly-team" of Duke, lol), but I'm in love with Justise.
I saw him during the tournament and he's got all we need: D# and nba-body, determination, BBIQ, good shootin' skill, nice ball-handling and good moves driving to the basket.

[SmellingColors]

Really tough call to make, but here are my top 3.

1 - Porzingis - a project for sure, but with his length and shooting ability, he' hasthe potential to become the ultimate Cousins pairing. He's terrible on defense, but with the offensive potential, I feel like you can't pass him up if he's there. I mean, really. Think of the space Rudy and DMC would have with Porzingis, Bmac/Stauskas, and Collison roaming the perimeter...

2 - Willie - I'm aware of basketball trends and I like breaking the mold. With Willie you have the potential of locking up our horrid defense while also taking advantage of a hole in small ball play. Here's to hoping that shot really is gold.

3 - Hezonja - Tough to choose between him and Winslow. Can't say how firm I am behind this pick, but the upside potential of Hezonja looks like a more athletic/cocky version of Peja. He's a playmaker, big shot taker, and wants to run over everybody. I like the fire and I wanna see that kid in our uniform come playoff time.

[enderwilson]

Early in the evaluation process I was favoring WCS, much like everyone else. However, I'm big on a guy who is highly motivated and has a good BBIQ. To me, it's these qualities that have allowed Stephen Curry to evolve into the player he is today, apart from his godlike skills with the ball. To this end, I'm going with:

1. Winslow - The more I see the more I like. At our range, he is the best two-way player with a combination of everything we want. Shooting, defense, quickness, ball handling, decision-making, all within and NBA-ready frame. He would also fit very well with our transition game and the style of basketball that Karl is known for running. There's very little downside with this kid from what I can see. And at 19 years old, there's so much sky above for him to grow into. If available, I very much hope they go with this kid.

2. WCS - One of the big drawing factors for me is that he would be the defensive presence in the paint that would shore up a ton of issues with our second unit. He would be a great role-player and compliment next to Cuz. After seeing his shooting, I was even more excited at the prosepect that he could also spread the floor. The dark side to his shooting is that I noticed in his video that his release took forever. But at nearly 7', whose gonna be on the perimeter to block him? Also, hes 21+ years old. Much more limited in how much he can grow relative to Justice. I'm also unclear as to his motor. How much drive to improve his game does this guy have?

3. Hezonja - Admittedly, I know very little about this guy. However I would prefer him over Mario because I believe he fulfills a much greater need at the moment. He's supposed to add to our shooting and floor spacing. Supposedly is great with the ball (Edit: after further evaluation, his ball handling could use some work), and is young with also a lot of room for growth within Karl's system. But how much does he want to grow? Also, much of his evaluation comes from his time in the euro-league, which is a metric I am personally skeptical of. Hopefully he's a Peja 2.0 if we end up with him.

No on Mudiay. While clearly talented, he doesn't really fill the roles we would want him to. I also don't see him as wanting to be a role player. Him not trying out for teams less than 1-4 in the draft screams that he thinks really highly of himself.
No on Porzings. So what if he can shoot? Any of the above can also shoot, but this kid is an added liability on defense. Defense > shooting for us right now IMO.

[tyguy]

I have warmed up to Mudiay a little bit, but i'm thinking the knicks take him. Assuming the top three goes as planned I can't see the knicks going with a project in Porzingis. I initially thought that mudiay wouldn't be a guy that phill views for the triangle, but I have changed my mind on that.

The triangle still needs a good player initiating the offense up top from the back court. Now the thing about the triangle is it needs good post players to function. Jordan was actually used as a forward and pippen was the guard playing up top on the triangle. Kobe played both the pippen role and the jordan role (when shaq left) and it was odom that played the guard role.

The knicks have the post presence in melo (triangle allows any player with a post game to be featured here) but they don't have anybody of quality to initiate the offense. Mudiay is a pretty dynamic player, he could also function in the post roll if need be. He is a very strong guard that does actually have a post game and is a very good and willing passer.

TyGuy's Mock:

1. Karl-Anthony Towns. C
A two way center with enough athletic ability and shooting touch to play power forward in a pinch? This kid trained with who I believe to be the best shooting coach out there in coach Paul Hoover when he was a lad. This guy is going to be a monster in the NBA.

2. Jahlil Okafor. C
I flirted with the idea of having Russell here as I love his game. The lakers don't have any quality up front though. Randle is a question mark, and isn't very big. They are going to take the guy that they know can score and hope they can increase his athleticism through pro training and dieting and hope he can improve defensively as a result.

3. D'Angelo Russell. PG/SG
The thing about the sixers is they take best player or value no questions asked. They have a bummer with the news with embiid, but I think they go with a guy who is going to be an outstanding scorer and playmaker. They have absolutely nothing in the back court, but they do have something with Noel, and there is still hope for embiid. They have no hope with the garbage they have cobbled in that back court.

4. Emmanuel Mudiay. PG
The triangle still needs a good player initiating the offense up top from the back court. Now the thing about the triangle is it needs good post players to function. Jordan was actually used as a forward and pippen was the guard playing up top on the triangle. Kobe played both the pippen role and the jordan role (when shaq left) and it was odom that played the guard role.

I don't think Porzingis is being considered here because it will be a couple of years until he can handle the physicality of the NBA. That is time that the knicks don't have with an aging Carmelo Anthony

The knicks have the post presence in melo (triangle allows any player with a post game to be featured here) but they don't have anybody of quality to initiate the offense. Mudiay is a pretty dynamic player, he could also function in the post roll if need be. He is a very strong guard that does actually have a post game and is a very good and willing passer.

5. Kristaps Porzingis. C
Magic are as happy as a clam because I think this is the guy they value the most outside of towns. They aren't in any kind of pressure to win immediately and will swing for the fences here. The magic already have young talent at positions 1-5, so whoever they pick isn't necessarily going to be slotted into their starting lineup. Porzingis could develop behind Nikola Vucevic

6. Justise Winslow. SF/SG

There has been a lot of interest in Willie Caulie Stein. He is the only guy in the lottery that actually worked out for us. In the end i think we go with the best player and superior prospect. Winslow is a 2 way player with swiss army knife versatility. He can play both shooting guard and small forward effectively and can guard positions 1-4 on a switch. Too much talent to pass up here; he is the best player available, and gives the kings a glue glue with star potential and a lot of roster flexibility. Forget the noise about not wanting to work out with us. Steph Curry wanted no part of the warriors and they picked him anyway.

7. Mario Hezonja. SG/SF

Denver most likely has Winslow as their number 1, but they wont be too sad as there are a cuple of very good wing prospects still on board. The nuggets like what they have in Nurkik at center and have a need on the wing for an athlete that can shoot it. Mario fits the bill perfectly.

8. Stanley Johnson SF/PF

Another team with a huge need at small forward. Stanley Johnson is a bruising small forward that can move up and play powerforward due to his strength. A great modern day combo forward with the right about of shooting and defense that is very versatile in a league that is looking for versatility on the Wing.

9. Devin Booker SG

The recent trade complicates things a little for charlotte. There was a logjam in the front court that has been eraded wit hthe departure of last year lottery pick Noah Vonleh. Rumor has it that inconsistant yet extremely athletic with a great shooting touch in Jeremy Lamb is making his way to the back court. Charlotte has been desperately in need of shooting, and I don't think Lamb has proven he can give you consistant production. I think they will double down and go for shooting here as that his Booker's greatest strength.

10. Willie Caluie Steign. C

This is where things get a little complicated. Miami could go in a variety of directions. My guess is they covet STanley Johnson the most, but I don't think he makes it this far. With all the best wing prospects now off the board I think they go with Willie to serve as some protection if wightside bolts in free agency as clearly Miami is looking to make a splash in free agency. Willie provides that same rim protection as whiteside, but is much quicker laterally and should be able to switch screen rolls.

11. Myles Turner C

It's no secret that Indiana really covets Willie Caulie Stein. I think the team is looking to part ways with Roy Hibbert and will be looking to replaceh is rim protection. Turner is a very interesting prospect as he has a ton of length and is a very gifted shot blocker. he also has a very good jump shot when considering his size and the position he plays.

12. Cameron Payne PG

The jazz have a really good thing going with Gobert and favors up front and Gordon Hayward on the Wing. They have developing youth in the back court in exum, but he and trey Burke have largely been disappointing.

13. Frank Kamiski C/PF

The suns are a hard team to figure out. They strangely decided to part with Isiah Thomas, whom is on a fanatic deal given his production. They also got rid of Goran Dragic which left Eric Bledsoe as the only highlander. They did bring in combo guard Branden Knight who I think is a nice little player in their back court. Frank kamiski is the best player left on this board, and you could argue that he should already begone at this point. Frank gives them yet another big man with a good shooting touch (this is something they obviously covet). I think he can function as Alex len's backup and even play along side him in a big ball lineup.

14. Kelly Obre SF/SG

The thunder have a gaping hole at the wing in the form of an athletic wing defender. Roberson just doesn't give them enough offense or shooting at the two guard. Obre has very good length if the plan is to play him at the two guard. At this point he is probably a little too light in the britches to be expected to play small forward.

Side Note:

Willie Caulie Stein suffered a stress fracture a year ago and has a pin in his ankle. He also has a condition called sick cell trait. This blood condition will at times limit his minutes if he is having complications from the condition. He will most likely not be allowed to play in Denver. While he should have a very productive NBA career; I think there is too much talent available (frankly better talent) to use the 6th pick on him. A team playing in the east coast (which could only meet up with in Denver in an NBA finals series) and at the later end of the lottery seems more suitable for Willie.

[City of Trees]

Twitter says the narrowed top 3 for the Kings, in any particular order:
Winslow goes #5


Mudiay
WCS
Hwzonja

Sent from my Z970 using Tapatalk

[blind prophet]

Ok, finally made up my mind.

1 WCS

We have a once in a decade or more center in town, we've yet to pair him real well on the inside so I'm going team defense. Our pick and roll defense makes a massive leap here with WCS. We can switch and pressure the ball with a big who can be short time interchangeable vs the majority of the league while Cousins keeps the inside locked down. I'm not worried about the rebounds as WCS was chasing and often away from position in college. He runs the floor real well, and I think Cousins can find him from the high post if the defense cheats for layps/dunks. WCS ideally sets some good screens and develops a short 15 footer at 40% where you have to put a hand in his face is all I'm asking for. So I'm making the sin of fit potentially over true talent, we will see.

2 Porzingis

He is big at 7'0-7'1 at position and long, so he helps with his presence some with length, I'm hoping his length and foot speed counter the upper body strength concern just enough for him to put on some muscle to make it work. His footwork looks excellent on the outside and being found in passing lanes. I think he can be more than a spot shooter, I think he may be able to take other bigs off the dribble some, looks like he should be able to have a jump hook too. This guy is just so talented I almost have no choice. The choice between WCS and Porzingis is really hard but I find these two guys above everyone else currently.

3 Super Mario

I'm going to take the large 6'8 SG here. The guy can finish above the rim, he can shoot, he can play some SF if needed just fine as well. We need a pest, we need some attitude, I'm going to gamble on the swagger over the safer pick in Winslow. That 6'8 is really nice at the SG too, and we really need some outside shooting, seriously, can we get a guy in here that can make some shots?

Leaving out Winslow and taking Mario was hard for me.

Swapping order now.

1 WCS
2 Mario
3 Porzingis

Mainly because I feel the need to do something now way too much than take the development time on Porzingis.

[blind prophet]

Twitter says the narrowed top 3 for the Kings, in any particular order:
Winslow goes #5


Mudiay
WCS
Hwzonja

Sent from my Z970 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the update, have the source?