Kings Draft Day Guide
By Scott Levin
Trying to figure out how Geoff Petrie has the prospects ranked is impossible. So I’m not gonna try. Instead, here’s how they stack up for me, and also a look at who the major publications have the Kings taking at #7. Stay tuned throughout the day for the latest Kings draft chatter.
Kings Big Board
1. Kyrie Irving – Point Guard, Duke
2. Derrick Williams – Forward, Arizona
3. Brandon Knight – Point Guard, Kentucky
4. Enes Kanter – Center, Turkey
The four players I don’t expect to be around for us at #7.
5.Kemba Walker – Point Guard, UConn
We’ve got a strong three-guard rotation with Tyreke, Marcus Thornton and Beno. The only way it makes sense to add another guard to the mix is if he can become a floor general, a leader and hit big shots. That’s Kemba.
6. Chris Singleton – Small Forward, Florida State
I’m sure I’ll stay in the minority on this one. Comparing Singleton to Leonard, this is what I see. Singleton is stronger, a better defender, a better spot-up shooter and a better post presence on both ends. And I don’t think Singleton is done growing as a player.
7. Kawhi Leonard – Small Forward, San Diego State
Gotta love this kid’s motor. Constantly mixes it up, commits himself to the boards, always floating around the basket looking for putbacks. The big question with Leonard is, how much does his offense develop? Would not be disappointed with the pick, but I’m not totally sold on him.
8. Jimmer Fredette – Point Guard, BYU
At this point, the draft becomes a little murky. With Jimmer, you have to think his skill shooting the basketball will translate to the pros. For a team that lacks perimeter scoring, that would be valuable, even if he is the 4th guard initially.
9. Jonas Valanciunas – Center, Lithuania
The buyout scares me. But at this point, too much talent to look past. Hard-working big man, skilled, great size, moves well.
10. Jan Vesely – Small Forward, Czech Republic
Terrific athlete but what else? He doesn’t make sense to me, but I’m sure Petrie has a good handle on his skills, so I’d have to trust him.
Other guys on the radar
Marcus Morris – Forward, Kansas
Bismack Biyombo – Power Forward, Congo
Klay Thompson – Shooting Guard, Washington State
Alec Burks – Shooting Guard, Colorado
Who They Have the Kings Taking
DraftExpress.com: Jimmer Fredette
NBADraft.net: Kawhi Leonard
Sam Amick (SI.com): Kawhi Leonard
David Aldridge (NBA.com): Jan Vesely
Chad Ford (ESPN.com): Kemba Walker
Sean Deveny (Sporting News): Jan Vesely
MyNBADraft.com: Jimmer Fredette
Scott Levin (A Royal Pain): Kemba Walker
Bryan Rosa (A Royal Pain): Jimmer Fredette