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2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.0

By Tyler Watts

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Sacramento Kings- De’Aaron Fox- PG- Kentucky

The Sacramento Kings currently have their first of two picks slotted at eighth overall.  Both Darren Collison and Ty Lawson are free agents, so the only point guard on the roster is Garrett Temple.  The Kings do not want Temple playing the one for anything more than spot minutes, so they have a clearly defined need there.

Sacramento also has a need for a young wing who can replace Rudy Gay.  Gay has decided to opt out of his contract and test free agency but could return to Sacramento.  Stay tuned for more on this developing story.

Why De’Aaron Fox?

Selecting De’Aaron Fox is probably the dream scenario for the Kings.  Other mock drafts have Fox chosen in the top five, and I believe he has the talent for that.  The draft is talent meets team needs, though and that allows him to fall to Sacramento.  Fox is by no means a finished product, but he is a big point guard with some incredible athletic gifts.  He needs to improve this three-point efficiency and overall playmaking ability to be an elite NBA player, but he provides the Kings with a point guard to build their future around.

Below is a highlight video from De’Aaron Fox’s lone season at Kentucky to give you a glimpse of his on-court abilities.

*Sacramento cannot have the number one overall selection due to a pick swap with the Philadelphia 76ers

**If Sacramento’s pick falls outside the top ten selections it goes to the Chicago Bulls from a previous trade

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