It was a tale of two sides of the ball for the Sacramento Kings this past season. They could produce points on offense, averaging 101.3 points per game (14th in the NBA), which kept them in most of the games they played. However, they could not stop opposing offenses at all. During games, they allowed opposing teams to average 105.0 points, which tied for 27th in the NBA. This play led the Kings to a 29-53 record, ranking sixth to last in the league. The Kings need defensive help to accompany center DeMarcus Cousins, and the draft is the best way to approach that since the Kings have very little salary cap room, but they only have one pick to do such. Let’s look at how the Kings can do in the draft.

                                                                                                                               

Current Lineup

PG: Darren Collison

SG: Ben McLemore

SF: Rudy Gay

PF: Jason Thompson

C: DeMarcus Cousins

                                                                                                                            

Draft Picks

Round 1, Pick 6

                                                                                                                               

Team Needs

Big Power Forward: The Kings could not stop teams from scoring, and Cousins is the only real defensive presence on the team, so they need to add a defensive play maker so they can try and hold teams to less than 105 points. Jason Thompson is more offensive minded and isn’t that much of a threat on defense, so a big addition at the sixth pick would be huge for Sacramento.

                                                                                                                               

Possible Picks

Frank Kaminsky: The big man out of Wisconsin fits the mold of everything the Kings need. Kaminsky is a big power forward, standing at 7’1” and weighing 231 lbs, who can grab boards, send back shots, and play lockdown defense in the paint. Not only can Kaminsky play stellar defense, he is able to be mobile on the floor and be an offensive threat, inside and from the three point line. He creates mismatches on both sides of the ball, which would allow the Kings to stop teams on defense and then capitalize on offense. Put Kaminsky next to Cousins, and you have a deadly frontcourt in Sacramento.

Willie Cauley-Stein: If the Kings are looking for a solely defensive player, then Cauley-Stein would be a perfect fit in Sacramento. While Cauley-Stein usually plays center, he can be converted over to power forward and create many more defensive stops. His defensive versatility, physicality, and offensive rebounding would help propel the Kings back into contention in the tough Western Conference.

                                                                                                                             There you have it for the Sacramento Kings NBA Draft Preview. If you wish to read the last one on the Orlando Magic, click here. Be sure to come back tomorrow for the draft preview for the Denver Nuggets.