As the league gears up for the upcoming NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings hosted a workout Monday that saw three prospects train.
While there is still much speculation around free agency and uncertainty on whether EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov will join the Kings this summer, the Kings still have three draft picks regardless of any off-season drama. Here is a look into the three incoming rookies and their potential impact on the Kings.
Jalen Wilson, F, Kansas
6-foot-8 forward Jalen Wilson was one of the headliners during Monday’s workout. Wilson had a fantastic year at Kansas, averaging 20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. While he was not necessarily the star of the team due to a standout year from freshman Gradey Dick, Wilson made excellent improvements from his previous year at Kansas.
Wilson is 22 years old and will be 23 for most of the 2023-24 season, but this should not deter the Kings from taking a good look at him. He has the explosiveness to blow by defenders and get to the basket and is crafty enough to create his own shot. While he may be older, he has proven that he can play and could be a good backup forward if available.
He is someone the Kings should have their eye on if he is available in the second round.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, F, Indiana
While positionally, the Kings may have other needs than a forward, Trayce Jackson-Davis is a powerhouse that cannot be Ignored. Standing 6-foot-9, TJD was named unanimously to the 2022-23 NCAA All-American first team, averaging a strong 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.9 blocks on 58.1% shooting.
What is holding Jackson-Davis back is his age. TJD is already 23 years old, which likely will force him into the second round. He is often critiqued for his lack of three-point shooting efficiency, but he shot 9-12 from deep at the combine.
Just like with Jalen Wilson, his age does not mean you should count him out. Lots of players can plateau at this stage, so a first-round pick may be risky for the Kings, but TJD has more than proved he can play. The Kings could use someone that they know is reliable instead of purely taking a chance on the development of a Freshman. TJD is a fantastic passer, has a great basketball IQ, and is a proven rim protector.
If he is available in the second round, this should be a no-brainer for the Kings.
Seneca Knight, G/F, Illinois State
Seneca Knight was a unique player at this workout for a specific reason – it is highly likely he will go undrafted. Knight is a 25-year-old, 6-foot-7, four-way player. He is extremely versatile due to his ability to play any position 1-4.
Knight’s age alone is enough to make him a long shot in the draft, but he is someone the Kings could closely look at signing as an undrafted free agent. He averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists during his final season in college.
In an interview with The Rookie Wire, Knight describes himself as adaptable and boasts his love for all positions. Knight also talked about how much confidence was instilled in him by his coaches to boost his three-point percentage by 9%. In a season that has seen an inspiring playoff run from the UFA-filled Miami Heat, letting Mike Brown have his shot at developing Seneca Knight could have great reward down the line for the Kings.
Knight is currently linked with the Thunder, Hornets, Lakers, and Jazz. The Kings should keep in close contact with him if they wish to take a low-risk high-reward chance on Knight.
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