Sacramento Kings NBA Draft Odds: Kings Building Around Fox and Haliburton

Sacramento Kings (31-41)

Picks: 9, 39

The Sacramento Kings are coming off of yet another disappointing season. The Kings haven't made the playoffs since the 2005-06, the longest postseason drought in the NBA.

A big part of the reason the Kings have struggled to make the postseason over the years is the way they have shaped the rosters around talented, young stars. This was the issue in 2021, as point guard De'Aaron Fox turned in the best season of his young career, churning out 25 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists per game.

Fox had some great backcourt teammates, with Buddy Hield and rookie Tyrese Haliburton playing great with and without Fox on the floor.

Hield shot an elite 39% from 3-point range, and Haliburton's 5 assists per game were second on the team behind Fox, an impressive feat for a rookie.

But beyond that great guard play, there wasn't much positive to discuss.

Richaun Holmes was solid on both ends of the floor and has played himself into a bigger contract. Harrison Barnes is a solid veteran forward but the Kings still played the 6-foot-4 Hield at small forward sometimes, showing their dire need for forwards.

NBA Draft Needs

• Wings Who Are Capable Switch Defenders: The Kings' defense was easily amongst the worst in the league. They were dead last in defensive rating, giving up 116.5 points per 100 possessions. They played way too many undersized players such as 6-foot-4 Buddy Hield on the wing. They desperately need forwards.
• Rim Protector: You can't have a solid defense without a proper rim protector. The Kings currently have one in Richaun Holmes, but there's a possibility that he doesn't stay in Sacramento. Either way, drafting a defensive-minded big would be a boon for the Kings.

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