7 Prospects Kings should target with 13th overall pick in 2024 NBA Draft
By Mat Issa
Johnny Furphy
2023-24 Stats: 9.0 PPG/4.9 RPG/1.0 APG/0.9 SPG/0.3 BPG on 60.9% True Shooting (33 Games)
If the Kings decide to pull the trigger on a trade for Brandon Ingram (or a player of that stature), they will likely part ways with Huerter and Harrison Barnes (and some draft capital). If one of the pieces not involved in that trade is the 13th overall pick, the Kings may look to replace the shooting they lost with Huerter and Barnes with Johnny Furphy.
Furphy had a slow start to his freshman year in Kansas (he only started in 19 of 33 games during his long season). However, he eventually found his footing and really made his imprint on the storied Jayhawks team.
Some awesome stuff developing in Kansas with freshman Johnny Furphy #NBADraft
— Tyler Rucker (@Tyler_Rucker) January 25, 2024
Starting to become a potential "party crasher" for the 2024 NBA Draft. Recently turned 19 and is oozing with upside.
Averaging 14.5 PPG in last 4 games since being inserted into starting lineup on… pic.twitter.com/wdZQgKo7rk
Furphy projects as a strong shooter (shot 45.7% from three during the month of January) who also offers size (6'8 wingspan), closeout attacking, and a strong feel for the game.
Furphy is nearly four years younger than Knecht. So, he has more room to grow as an on-ball scorer and defender (defense is not a strength for either of these players right now). Meanwhile, while Walter is probably the better prospect between the two (because of his shooting versatility and length), there is a good chance he won't be available at 13, making it more likely that the Kings will need to snag someone like Furphy.
Furphy also has one of the best motors in the class (and he definitely has a higher one than Knecht and Walter). Having a guy whose engine runs that high coming off your bench can be a super dangerous weapon.