2020 NBA Draft: Sacramento Kings Big Board

We don’t know when the 2020 NBA Draft will be held, but teams are certainly preparing their big boards during the hiatus. What does the Kings’ look like?

While we are all unsure of the NBA’s timeline and when the 2020 NBA Draft will be held, there is plenty of time for teams to scout and evaluate players through the current hiatus. There will of course have to be pre-draft workouts and meetings held, but not until the worldwide pandemic begins to slow.

We have done our own bit of evaluating and have come up with a top-14 big board for the Sacramento Kings. We have done so with the presumption that they will make their selection based on need, but without reaching. If they have a late-lottery pick like they are projected to have, then it could be in their best interest to choose the best player available when they are on the clock.

#1. Deni Avdija – SF – Maccabi Tel Aviv

Depending on who you ask, Deni Avdija is one of the top prizes in this year’s draft. There are some who still tend to shy away from European prospects, but don’t count on the Kings being one of them. Hopefully, they’ve learned their lesson already.

Avdija will not only be one of the most sought after picks at the top of this year’s draft, but he is arguably the best fit for the Sacramento Kings as well. He is a six foot nine inch wing who has already played more than two years of professional ball in Eastern Europe. He has a high basketball IQ and is a gifted passer. The Kings could afford to develop him behind Harrison Barnes and not put too much pressure on the rookie to perform right out of the gate.

#2. Anthony Edwards – SG – Georgia

Near the top of nearly every draft board and mock draft is Anthony Edwards. He is an off-guard from Georgia who is likely the most NBA ready of any player in this year’s class.

If the Kings were to select Edwards, it would almost certainly mean a shakeup to their shooting guard depth. Bogdan Bogdanovic has a contract to negotiate, and Buddy Hield‘s future in Sacramento is not exactly solidified. But Edwards might become the type of talent that any NBA team would be foolish to pass up. The Kings’ future could benefit more from moving on from Hield’s pricy contract and finding a younger, cheaper option who has yet to prove himself and can come off of the bench. Edwards won’t be the only off-guard we highlight.

#3. Onyeka Okongwu – F/C – USC

Another position that may or may not be one of need is the power forward/center combo. The Kings have the potential to have a formidable front court rotation, but  it all depends on how guys develop and what contracts are able to be handed out. Onyeka Okongwu might be the best big man prospect in this draft, given that we don’t know a whole lot about James Wiseman.

Selecting a front court player would likely mean the end of the line for either Alex Len or Harry Giles, or both. Okongwu might have to shoulder a bigger load than someone like Edwards would in his rookie season, especially if Marvin Bagley continues his injury woes. But if he is available when the Kings are on the clock, they would be wise to select him.