For the Sacramento Kings to make this proposed rebuild work, they'll have to draft incredibly well. What they should be looking for is a young defender who can hit the ground running like Caleb Wilson, an elite high school player who made the transition to college ball incredibly quickly.
Wilson is a power forward playing for the University of North Carolina. His tenacious attitude and fast-paced defense made him a fast favorite among Tar Heels fans. The constant dunking doesn't hurt. That's probably why he's currently sitting at number four on FanSided's 2026 NBA Draft Big Board.
In his high school playing days, Wilson made a name for himself as a dominant defensive presence. Honestly, it seemed like he was everywhere, picking his opponent's pockets, breaking up plays, and just generally being an aggressive defensive menace at every potential opportunity.
What's impressive about him is how quickly he found his game in college. At the age of 19, Wilson could be forgiven for needing some time to make the transition from high school ball. Within a couple of games, he was back to form and became a defensive nightmare for UNC's opponents.
How Caleb Wilson fits into the Sacramento Kings
It's not complicated to see how Caleb Wilson fits into the Kings. They are weak on defense, and he is good at defense. Honestly, it's just that simple. Plus, Wilson collects rebounds with the focus and intensity that collectors are using to chase V.J. Edgecombe rookie cards.
At the same time, the Kings will need to be prepared to work with Wilson on his offense. He is a prolific dunker who cuts through the paint like a knife through warm butter. Plus, he's a credible lob threat. If he can find a rhythm with a Kings' playmaker, they could really get something going.
What Wilson lacks is three-point shooting. A defensive player is good, but 3&D players are all the rage in the league these days. Even with that weakness, Wilson would be a solid pickup for the Kings. If he hasn't worked the kinks out of his three-pointer by the time he gets to the NBA, they can help him.
It's Wilson's size, speed, and high defensive IQ that the Kings need the most at this point. Putting him on the court with Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and, hopefully, Keon Ellis could be the young core Sacramento needs to build into the future.