While Tyrese Haliburton slipping to Sacramento at #12 was the highlight of the NBA Draft, the Kings received high marks from draft experts for their 2nd round selections of Robert Woodard II and Jahmi’us Ramsey as well. The Kings obviously felt strongly about the potential both Woodard and Ramsey have, inking them both to multi-year guaranteed deals shortly thereafter.
The second round hasn’t been a strong suit for the Kings in recent years. The last time a second rounder truly panned out for Sacramento was back in 2011 when they drafted Isaiah Thomas with the last pick in the draft. Getting extra value by finding role players or better in the second round can be huge boosts to rebuilds.
Both Woodard and Ramsey seem tailor-made to carve out roles in the NBA, already coming in with NBA-ready qualities. Woodard is already built like a seasoned-pro and prides himself on his defense above all else, but has also greatly improved his shot in just one year of college, going from a 27.3% shooter from beyond the arc as a freshman to 42.9% as a sophomore. Ramsey shot just as well from three on even more attempts in just a single year of college. If nothing else, Ramsey can score the ball. I almost wish we had had a normal summer league this year because it would have been a perfect spot for Ramsey to show out. I’m hardly the best one to speak on their abilities however, and for that I recommend the excellent profiles Brenden did on both Woodard and Ramsey.
Judging from Sacramento’s first preseason game on Friday, both Woodard and Ramsey have a ways to go before finding their way into the rotation as they didn’t appear until the game was well decided in the fourth quarter. It makes sense that as unproven rookies, they will have to earn their keep, especially with the Kings having a decent amount of depth at their positions. Normally this would mean the young Kings would be able to spend some development time in Stockton, but that doesn’t appear to be likely this season, as the G-League is only taking place in a voluntary bubble with a smaller game slate and the Kings are reportedly not participating (although no official announcement has been made).
Covid unfortunately might provide another opportunity for playing time. It’s hard to imagine a world in which each NBA team doesn’t suffer from losing players for periods of time due to the disease, especially with no bubble in place. Just look at the amount of cases that have popped up in the NFL through their season.
Whatever the case and however they get their time, it is important for the Kings to play and develop their young talent. Both Woodard and Ramsey bring something different to the table and at different positions. As the season goes along, I suspect they’ll get more and more time, and we’ll see if the Kings’ trust in their abilities pans out. Striking gold on even one of them would be a shot in the arm for this franchise.
Ramsey reminds of Frank Mason, except taller. Playable if necessary as a rookie. I think he’s hilarious. Couldn’t get a feel for Woodard. Seemed nervous at first, stiff posture, but after a few minutes he seemed comfortable handling the ball.
Ramsey is hilarious? That sounds ridiculous. Can you be more specific? Were you the one who called him hilarious before?
Kings fans getting schizophrenic, now they start laugh at players and think they are funny like comedians.
Things that a 14 losing streak record do to people
It’s going to be hard for the rookies to make a positive impact this year due to the lack of summer league and extremely short camp and preseason.
They fit in from the cap flexibility perspective. The rest remains to be seen.
I like them both, but the chances that they will both pan out are slim.
Walton’s not going to give them significant minutes.
Short of significant injuries or massive roster upheaval, he has no incentive to do so.
Or the ability to develop them judging from what I’ve saw dating back his *akers days
The unfortunate truth
I’m hopeful for Woodard and Ramsey. But, I’m usually hopeful for all young players. I’m not expecting much until they show they can crack a NBA rotation and really belong there. And demz da breakz of da game.
Agreed. I think the Kings can call it a major win if just one of them becomes a rotational player. History and the odds are not on their side in being 2nd round picks in a weak draft. Fingers crossed but reality realized.
no game thread for game 2?
In the few minutes Woodard played in the fourth quarter tonight he displayed athleticism and hops. On several rebounds and contesting several Blazers shots he showed an ability to really elevate.
Tyrese hanging up a +20 box minus on 11-8-6 with a steal and a block – 11 other teams made a mistake.
Kings hit a home run when they drafted Gary Trent, Jr. in the 2nd round. Too bad it was for another team…
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