The Sacramento Kings must use No. 2 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to address their need for a proven leader in a young locker room.
When the Sacramento Kings traded DeMarcus Cousins in 2017, the goal was to start fresh and focus on building character.
With that in mind, the Kings went into the 2017 NBA Draft looking to select players of high character.
As it turned out, the Kings’ 2017 draft picks didn’t disappoint in terms of character. That led to a season without chaos, unlike the previous years.
The problem?
The Kings found themselves with too many nice guys. Rookies De’Aaron Fox, Justin Jackson and Frank Mason III showed potential throughout the season, but they looked hesitant at times and haven’t yet turned out to be proven leaders.
In January, after a 120-105 loss against the Utah Jazz in which the Kings failed to put up any kind of resistance, head coach Dave Joerger told the media that the team needs to “play with a lot more nasty.”
Going into the 2018 NBA Draft, the Kings have a chance to address that issue.
Fortunately for the Kings, who have the No. 2 pick, there will be plenty of options in this draft. Assuming Luka Doncic falls to the No. 2 pick, the Kings can select him and possibly address their need for a bona fide leader.
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The Kings’ next option is Marvin Bagley III, the 6’11” forward from Duke who loves to bang down low and loves to send a message with every ferocious slam. Perhaps Deandre Ayton falls to No. 2, providing Sacramento with another tenacious big man in the paint.
For Doncic, it would be a perfect fit with Kings’ guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. The two European players not only have a similar style of play, but also a similar style of leadership.
Although he was technically a rookie last season after coming from Europe, Bogdanovic didn’t take long to show his leadership skills. On the court, Bogdanovic often directed his teammates and preached about the importance of communication.
When necessary, Bogdanovic wasn’t afraid to call out his teammates in postgame interviews.
Playing with Real Madrid, Doncic has also been known to hold himself and his teammates accountable.
Despite the notion of European players being soft, Doncic and Bogdanovic have completely shattered the stereotypes. These two Europeans are literally willing to get their noses bloody when they’re on the court.
As we saw with Donovan Mitchell in his first season, it’s not impossible for a rookie to emerge as a vocal leader. Whoever the Kings’ choose with the No. 2 pick should be expected to bring a similar type of leadership and tenacity.
Fortunately for the Kings, the young players have shown that they are not afraid to step up in the big moment. Fox and Bogdanovic especially proved that ability with several clutch performances last season.
The Kings’ still have to address the other aspects of leadership. They must find that player who’s never afraid to stand up for his teammates when an opponent gets out of line. Better yet, find that player who’s never afraid to get in the head of the opponent.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
As we saw from Donovan Mitchell trolling Ben Simmons, rookies can get petty just to make a statement. Maybe the Kings can find that kind of player in the upcoming draft.