Sacramento Kings: Ranking the last 10 first round picks

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 25, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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2. Willie Cauley-Stein (2015)

Willie Cauley-Stein is clinging to this spot as the potential of others catches up to him, but he has carved out a role in the league and deserves to be this high so far. He played in Sacramento for four seasons after being drafted sixth overall and grew into a solid role player.

During his time with the team, Cauley-Stein averaged 10.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Mostly in a bench role, Cauley-Stein showed that he can be a productive reserve for years to come in this league and that has earned him a spot in Dallas’ rotation as they move toward the playoffs. Given the current makeup of their roster, he may just be an important player for the team as they enter the bubble.

The biggest issue with Cauley-Stein’s place on this list is the names that came after him. Devin Booker is the most glaring, but even at the time, the 14th pick — belonging to the Phoenix Suns — felt like a reach. Even Justice Winslow and Myles Turner would have worked out better.

Specifically, in the case of Winslow, this could have given the team a player that fit next to the All-Star they already had in place rather than ruffling his feathers.

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