Options for Sacramento Kings in NBA Draft

The 2022 NBA Draft is set for Thursday, and around the league teams are putting the finishing touches on their draft boards and offseason plans. This year’s draft is a big one for the Sacramento Kings as they are looking to start fresh with a new head coach Mike Brown. 

Brown brings championship experience having just won as an assistant with Golden State. On the court, the team is looking to improve enough to make the playoffs after finishing 12th in the Western Conference.  

Here are the three best draft fits for the Kings, who currently possess the No. 4 overall pick, as well as the 37th and 49th picks in the second round. 

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Jaden Ivey, Purdue

Most experts are picking Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Paolo Banchero to be selected 1, 2, and 3 on draft night. If this holds true, there are still good options for the Kings to explore at No. 4. The first name that comes to mind is Jaden Ivey. 

Ivey is a sophomore from Purdue who averaged 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. 

If the Kings do select Ivey and keep him, they will need to figure out how he can mesh with De’Aaron Fox. Both players are best with the ball in their hands. They are attack-first guards that both need to continue to develop a knock-down jump shot. 

The personnel fit is questionable, but the Kings may look to draft him as he is arguably the best player left on the board. Overall, he is the most logical pick and his talent is likely too much to pass up at No. 4. 

Keegan Murray, Iowa

In recent weeks, there have been rumors around the league that the Kings could look to trade the fourth pick, particularly because they are also high on Keegan Murray from Iowa. However, Murray is expected to be a lottery pick, so the Kings would need to swap within the top 10 or simply take him at number four over Ivey. 

At 6-foot-8, Murray would be a great fit for the Kings roster and would stand a good chance to be part of their rotation instantly. The Kings desperately need an upgrade in size and outside scoring, and Murray has the rare ability to play both inside and out. 

Murray’s game does need some polishing, however he’s demonstrated the ability to improve during his time at Iowa. 

Gabriele Procida

Not to be forgotten are the Kings’ selections in the second round at 37 and 39. If the Kings decide to trade their fourth pick, these second selections could become even more valuable than they already are. Time will tell if the Kings hold onto both picks, but one player that should be available and is a great fit for their roster is Gabriele Procida. 

Procida is an international prospect from Italy. He played professionally in the Italian Series A league last year and averaged 6.9 points on 51% shooting. His ability to shoot the ball from deep would be very much welcomed in Sacramento as it is something they need to improve heading into the 2022-23 season. 

If the Kings draft Procida he might not arrive in Sacramento right away. However, he is only 19 and if he’s available in the second round it’s a low risk, high reward pick that could pay dividends if the organization and fans are patient. 

Kings Should Take Best Available

Overall, the Kings have shown that they are not afraid to select who they believe is the best player available despite their roster or fit. For example, they have selected both Davion Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton the past two years while having De’Aaron Fox under contract. 

Acquiring talent isn’t necessarily a negative but the Kings should consider how to take the next step and make the most out of their draft capital and current roster in order to try and content in the West moving forward.

AP Photo/Matt Rourke