| 30 Teams, 30 Days: Sacramento Draft Preview Authored by Andrew Perna - June 5, 2007 - 1:19 pm
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Draft Pick: 10th Overall
What they do well
It wasn’t the Kings’ offense that prevented them from making the postseason this spring, but rather their suspect defense (even with Ron Artest in the lineup). Sacramento was one of nine teams to average over one hundred points a game in 2007 in the NBA, as they led the league in free throw attempts per game (30.2 a contest). They weren’t impressive in any other category, be it offense or defense, leading to their disappointing finish this spring.
Where do they need improvement?
Despite their impressive points per game total, they struggled to stop teams and finished last in the league in rebounding. They also failed to shoot well, adding to the areas that need improving. Ideally the Kings would be able to add a lengthy big man who could step back and hit mid-range jumpers as well as rebound, but that type of player is hard to come by these days. In my opinion, the rebounding issue should be addressed first; it’ll improve their defense and get their lackluster shooters second looks.
Who they should target?
-Yi Jianlian, China
Some believe that Jianlian might fall to the Kings in the middle of the first round, while others project him to be taken within the first seven or eight picks. If available the Kings have to take a flyer on Yi, in hopes that he’ll turn into something big. He’s not the best rebounder, considering his size, but he should be able to clear the lane for other Kings to collect missed shots.
-Spencer Hawes, Washington
Keeping with the size theme, Hawes would be Sacramento’s second option if Jianlian is gone when David Stern comes calling. Hawes is a touch bigger than Jianlian, but less experienced having left Washington after just one season. He seems to be more mobile than Jianlian, but isn’t a rebound hog either. In my opinion, the drop-off between Yi and Spencer is vast.
-Jeff Green, Georgetown/Julian Wright, Kansas
After Hawes and Jianlian the next big man on my draft list would be Josh McRoberts out of Duke or Tiago Spiltter from Brazil. Reaching for either of those players with the tenth pick might be too much for even Sacramento with several other talented players guaranteed to be available. That’s why they take a guy like Green or Wright. If they want a shooter they should go with Green, but Wright has much more potential.
Picks over the past five years
The Kings haven’t impressed me with their draft results lately, although Kevin Martin seems to have become a solid starter and tremendous scorer in the League. Other than that they’ve selected busts and bench players.
2006
Quincy Douby, 19th
2005
Francisco Garcia, 23rd
2004
Kevin Martin, 26th
Ricky Minard, 47th
2003
No Picks
2002
Dan Dickau, 28th
Corsley Edwards, 58th
2001
Gerald Wallace, 25th
Maurice Jeffers, 55th
2000
Hedo Turkolgu, 16th
Jabari Smith, 45th |
