As it stands right now, the internet basketball community seems focused on the idea of the Sacramento Kings drafting Darius Acuff Jr. It's a good call, without question, but they should keep Keaton Wagler in mind. If the draft turns out differently than many are projecting, he's a great choice.
FanSided's most recent mock draft popped up just after the withdrawal deadline for NCAA players to declare for this year's NBA Draft. While a few players pulled out, the big names like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are still in the mix for the top draft spots.
That includes Acuff, who FanSided has consistently connected to the Kings over the past few months. They, like a few other mock drafts, have concluded he's their most likely number seven pick. Being that Kings' general manager Scott Perry coached Acuff's dad in college, it's not a surprise.
Keep in mind that it depends on how the first six picks go. While it's unlikely that Acuff is going to go in the top four picks, several other mock drafts have him getting taken at five or six. That means the Kings have to keep other options in mind, such as a great combo guard like Wagler.
Wagler is an interesting potential addition to Sacramento's roster
As it stands right now, FanSided is projecting that Wagler will go fifth to the LA Clippers. If that holds out and the current roster stands, Kawhi Leonard would be one heck of a mentor for Waglers. Well, assuming the Clips aren't forced to give Leonard up or trade him.
There are projected scenarios where the Clippers actually end up going with Acuff, shifting the Kings' selection around. A lot of mock drafts have them going with someone like Mikel Brown Jr. or Kingston Flemings. Wagler is another name in the mix for the Kings, one they should take seriously.
A 6'5" guard out of Illinois, Wagler has proven himself as both a shooting guard and a point guard. He's got a few issues to work out, but very few 19-year-old players don't have a problem or two. That doesn't change the fact that he's a deadly shooter alongside great size at point.
Assuming the Kings are locked in on a point guard in the draft, they definitely have plenty of options to choose from. Whether they end up with Acuff, Wagler, Fleming, or someone of similar caliber, this franchise's rebuild will have another key piece in place.
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