NBA Team Needs 2011 – Sacramento Kings
By Ed Isaacson
The NBA Draft Blog Team Needs series continues to take a look at each team’s various draft scenarios. The Sacramento Kings have had success in the lottery recently with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins, but in this year’s draft, #7 may not be that lucky. Would the Kings really consider Jimmer Fredette this high, or are they hoping someone makes them an offer for this pick? Let’s take a look at the Kings’ needs:
Returning Players– Beno Udrih (G), Francisco Garcia (G), Tyreke Evans (G), DeMarcus Cousins (C), Jason Thompson (F), Omri Casspi (F), Donte Greene (F), Darnell Jackson (F – Qualifying Offer), Hassan Whiteside (C), Pooh Jeter (G – Team Option), Marcus Thornton (G – Qualifying Offer)
Team Needs– True point guard, Scoring options off bench
Position Needs – PG, SG, SF
Picks – Round 1, Pick 7 (#7)
Round 2, Pick 5 (#35)
Round 2, Pick 30 (#60) (from Chicago via Milwaukee)
Analysis– With a dynamic core of Evans and Cousins to build around, the most likely need would be to draft a point guard and move Evans over to his more natural off-guard position. However, there is a very good chance that the Top 3 point guards – Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, and Brandon Knight, will be gone by the #7 pick. GM Jerry Reynolds has already floated the rumor of the Kings’ interest in Jimmer Fredette, which may make sense from a business point of view, but he is not the answer to the team’s point guard needs. Could a scoring option of either Kawhi Leonard or Jan Vesely make more sense, with the possibility of getting a solid point guard in the early 2nd round? If I am the Kings, this is where I look first, with the possibility of a trade down a solid 2nd option. Keep in mind, that Marcus Thornton could possibly re-sign, after playing some quality minutes after the trade from New Orleans.
If the Kings look at the scoring forward option in round 1, look for them to target a point guard at #35. Some possible, and intriguing, options include Darius Morris, Norris Cole, or Reggie Jackson. Any of these options would allow Evans to move over and still let the Kings push an up-tempo style. If they do happen to get a PG at #7, look for them to target a scorer off the bench. One possibility to consider is JuJuan Johnson¸ a versatile scorer who plays great defense.
Make sure to check back tonight for a look at the Detroit Pistons. Leave your comments, email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com, and follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog