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Is Corey Hawkins an Option for the Kings Final Point Guard Spot?

By Rafe Wong

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Knowing the fact that he played for a small basketball school (UC Davis), went undrafted, and didn’t even play a second of summer league, does Corey Hawkins still have a chance to crack into the Sacramento Kings roster?

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Believe or not, I think he does.

At first glance, Hawkins may not seem like a candidate. Coming from a program that’s not very popular in basketball like UC Davis probably didn’t help increase his draft stock.

Even so, I believe Hawkins is the exception, and that he can potentially bring value to a Kings team that is still in search for a third point guard. Here are my reasons why.

Potential Spark Plug: During his tenure with the UC Davis Aggies, Hawkins was primarily known as a prolific scorer. In his final season with Davis, Hawkins in points per game/field goal percentage/three-point percentage went 20.9/51%/49%, and throughout his career with the Aggies (three seasons) was 19.7/47%/41%.

The most notable part of Hawkins game that I noticed was his outstanding shooting percentage on the court (especially from beyond the arc). I mean 49% from three?! If his stroke can translate to the NBA level, he definitely won’t have any troubling finding a place.

Scoring is Hawkins greatest asset, and because of his ability to score, it has resulted in him receiving honors like being selected on the Big West First-Team and winning the Big West Basketball Player of the Year Award. So who’s knows, could Hawkins be that possible spark plug that the Kings have lacked since Isaiah Thomas?

Versatility: Like I mentioned previously, Hawkins greatest asset is his ability to score. It is also important to know that Hawkins is listed in size standing at 6’3 and weighing 195lb. Is it just me, or is there anyone else sensing a combo-guard? Possibly a replacement from former King Ray McCallum?

Although Hawkins is listed as a point guard, his size allows him to slide over to the two guard position if necessary. So if added to the roster, Hawkins is another versatile piece that coach George Karl can move around the depth chart.

Basketball Family: Since out of the womb, Hawkins life was immediately impacted by basketball. During his childhood, his father Hersey Hawkins was an NBA player that eventually played thirteen years in the league. His father must have implemented knowledge to his son on how to act like a professional, because based on his interviews Hawkins has been nothing short of a pro.

Although young, he’s not going to be one of those players that feel they are entitled to playing time based on their past accolades at the collegiate level. Hawkins seems to understand that if he wants to pursue making an NBA roster, he is going to have to earn it. So you can expect Hawkins, at the worse, to be a good teammate on and off the court.

Final Thoughts: Overall, Hawkins seems like a pretty good match for Sacramento. With the Kings looking to add shooters, plus in search for another point guard, Hawkins could be the solution to that void.

Do I think he will be considered? Yes. But do I think he will make the roster? Probably not. Although his college resume is impressive, Hawkins hasn’t even played a single second of professional basketball. Until he plays with actual NBA competition is when we will get a better idea of how NBA ready he is.

With that being said, I still like his potential and hope the Kings invite him to training camp, to contend for the last point guard spot. It won’t be easy, but who knows, maybe he can convert what he did in Davis to the professional level. If that is the case, there definitely is a place for him not only on the Kings, but on any NBA team.

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