The 2022 NBA Draft is finally here! While the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets hold the first three picks, it’s our own Sacramento Kings who may truly kick off the draft. Most prognosticators rank Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, and Jaden Ivey in some order as the top 4 picks, but does Monte McNair agree? Will the Kings stay pat at 4 if Ivey is left on the board? Will they trade down, trade up, trade out? Will they shock us all and draft someone other than Ivey or Keegan Murray at #4? McNair has surprised us before, and has a history of keeping his draft secrets close to the vest. I have no earthly idea what Monte McNair will do when the Kings are on the clock, and I think that this year, that’s the best way to approach the draft. In my opinion, there are four top tier prospects in this class, and since the Kings sit at #4, I believe their pick should be simple enough. They shouldn’t overthink team fit and needs as opposed to talent. While Smith Jr. and Holmgren are both strong two-way fits for the Kings, Banchero and Ivey are less so on defense. Meanwhile, guys like Dyson Daniels, Jeremey Sochan, and especially Murray, are strong prospects who both fit the Kings needs now and have a ton of room to grow. Fit limitations—especially when you’re playing in basketball hell—may not be so simple to overcome as they would for most other non-Kangz rebuilding squads. That said, I truly believe the top four prospects all have star upside, and the Kings should swing for stars when they have the opportunity to do so.
Bullets Forever
