It is the NBA pre-draft workout time of year, as many talented prospects are flying up and down draft boards. The Sacramento Kings hold three draft picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, the 24th, 38th, and 54th overall picks. While most people see the first-round pick as the only important one, many talented players might be available in the second round.
The Kings hosted three prospects for pre-draft workouts this week, and all three could go anywhere from late first round to mid-second round. Let’s take a look at the intriguing prospects:
Emoni Bates – SF/SG, Eastern Michigan
The 19-year-old 6’8″ forward is a former number-one ranked high school player in the country. Emoni Bates is a very talented prospect that was playing in college at the age of 17. After transferring from Memphis to Eastern Michigan for his Sophomore season, Bates averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
While Emoni Bates has shown inefficiency and weaknesses in his game, the skill is there. Bates is one of the top shooters in the draft and could have a positive impact on whatever team he falls to. His negative wingspan (6’7″) poses a challenge as he attempts to adjust his game for the next level, but he has good size with guard-like skill, so using a second-round pick to take a chance on him would not hurt.
Emoni Bates’ off-court issues, combined with his on-the-court question marks, could lead to him falling on draft night. If he becomes available at pick 54 for the Kings, his offensive ability makes it worth using the pick on him. His shooting and impressive ball handling would make him a rotational piece for a Kings team looking for players that can shoot the lights out and run the floor.