The 2023 NBA Draft is one week away, so we are starting to picture what prospects will land where. This 2023 draft class is one of the most talented we have seen in a while, as some first-round talent will fall to the second round. The Sacramento Kings hold three draft picks this year, barring any trades: the 24th, the 38th, and the 54th.
The Sacramento Kings might get a game-changer with the 24th overall pick, but rarely does a game-changer fall to the second round. The Kings must address two needs in the draft: wing depth and big man depth. Whether they go for a wing in the first round and a big man in the second or vice versa will depend on what prospects are available.
Here are four game-changing forwards the Kings need to target with the 38th pick:
Sidy Cissoko, G League Ignite
19-year-old forward Sidy Cissoko is one of the youngest prospects in this class. Cissoko plays high intensity on the defensive end but has struggled to find consistency on offense. In his lone season for G League Ignite, the French forward averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Sidy Cissoko is an impressive on-ball defender with a knack for getting steals and blocks. He is 6’8″ with a 6’10” wingspan, providing good size that will translate to the NBA. While Cissoko occasionally gets beat off the dribble, he has shown his ability to lock up ball handlers and play impressive off-ball defense.
Sidy Cissoko lacks a consistent jump shot but makes up for it with other aspects of his game. Playing next to projected top-three pick Scoot Henderson, Cissoko did not always have the ball in his hands to showcase his skills. He is impressive at getting to the basket and finishing with force and is wise about making the right pass.
While Sidy Cissoko’s draft stock has fluctuated between the first and second rounds, The Ringer suggests he will fall to the 37th pick in their recent mock draft. Cissoko is a first-round talent, so the Sacramento Kings grabbing him at pick 38 would be a steal.
Andre Jackson Jr., UCONN
National Champion Andre Jackson Jr. is the definition of winning basketball. While Jackson has holes on offense, he will be a triple-double threat in the league, doing everything a coach wants from a player. In his Junior season, Jackson averaged 6.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His numbers are not eye-popping, but we will show what makes him so valuable.
If you look up “hustle” in the dictionary, a picture of Andre Jackson Jr. pops up. When I say he is the definition of winning basketball, he is the guy on the team willing to do everything most people do not do. The 6’6″ wing is a menace on defense, using his 6’10” wingspan and freak athleticism to get stops consistently.
Jackson is also a fantastic rebounder, using that elite athleticism to sky for boards, including 1.9 offensive rebounds per game last season.
The biggest weakness in his game is his jump shot, as he shot 28.1% from deep last season. He would need to develop that to be a serious threat in the NBA, but it is not bad enough to where he cannot make one or two to scare the defense. In his Sophomore season, Jackson shot 36.1% from three, showing he can knock some down.
Even without a deadly jump shot, Jackson still provides on offense with and without the ball in his hands. With the ball, Jackson is an impressive playmaker. He is fantastic about finding the open man and can use his athleticism to get to the rim. Without the ball, Jackson makes his mark by cutting to the basket and always seems to be in the right place on the court.
Andre Jackson Jr. would be a fantastic fit for the Sacramento Kings, mainly for his defense and rebounding. The Kings could use somebody with such a defensive presence. Jackson will become a special player if he develops a consistent jump shot, as it is impossible to teach his hustle.
Jordan Walsh, Arkansas
Jordan Walsh is a similar prospect to Andre Jackson Jr. but possibly has more potential. Walsh is a premier two-way player in this draft class whose focus has been his defense. The one-and-done forward out of Arkansas is 19 years old with 3-and-D qualities but the potential to be much more. In his Freshman season, Walsh averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
On a talented Arkansas roster, Walsh was merely a fourth option on offense. With inconsistent shooting and limited touches, he did not get a real opportunity to prove his value. The 6’7″ forward has an outstanding 7’3″ wingspan. His incredible length and elite athleticism make him a premier prospect.
Jordan Walsh’s defense is a huge part of his game. With his size, he can disrupt ball handlers and guard every position. Walsh is an impressive hustle player, taking charges and fighting for loose balls. While his 3.9 rebounds per game do not stand out, this number will increase when he gets to the NBA.
His most significant question mark is shooting. While he was inefficient last year, with 43/27/71 shooting splits, he has a good, comfortable form. He will need to be more efficient in the NBA, but for now, he has other offensive tools to make up for it. He is incredible at attacking the rim, in the halfcourt, and transition. While he averaged less than one steal per game, his passing instincts are impressive.
Jordan Walsh would be a fantastic fit for the Kings and is a must-draft if he falls to pick 38. His two-way presence is incredible, and Sacramento must be searching for this type of player.
Julian Strawther, Gonzaga
For the first time on this list, we look at a prospect who is not a defensive specialist. Julian Strawther is one of the better shooters in the draft class, with the potential to be a premier 3-and-D wing. The 6’7″ forward is 21 years old and a big contributor to an impressive Gonzaga team. In his Junior year, Strawther averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game.
The most impressive part of Strawther’s game is his shooting ability. He had impressive 47/41/77 shooting splits. The highlight of his Junior season was a 40-point outing against Portland, where he shot 8-12 from three. Strawther is a real-deal catch-and-shoot threat with the potential to be an immediate contributor to a winning team.
Julian Strawther is an incredible off-ball player who is smart about finding his spots on the perimeter or cutting to the basket. With the ball in his hands, while his handle needs some work, he can attack the basket and has a nice touch from midrange, and has a great floater.
At 6’7″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, Strawther is an active defender both on and off the ball. On-ball, Strawther has the lateral quickness to stay in front of ball handlers, combined with his size, as he can guard the one through four. Off-ball, Strawther is a smart player who makes the right rotations and is active in passing lanes.
Another impressive aspect of Strawther’s game is his rebounding, something the Sacramento Kings lacked from their forwards last season.
Julian Strawther is projected to fall past the 38th pick, so it would be a good move for the Kings to pick him up.
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