With 58% of the vote, Chet Holmgren is the 2nd player on the Kings Herald Draft Board. He joins Jabari Smith Jr.
When a choice comes up, pick who you’d want the Kings to pick given all the players remaining. Note: THIS IS NOT A MOCK DRAFT. This is a draft board, a ranked list of prospects you’d like to see the Kings pick. In other words, if we were the Kings front office, when our pick came up, we’d take the top name left on our board. So pick your choice, not who you think Monte McNair or anyone else would choose in a slot.
Explain your choice in the comments, and lobby for who should be added to the next pick’s choices.
This poll ends at 5 AM tomorrow. The next one will begin shortly thereafter. We will go roughly 20 picks deep.
Banchero seems like he has the best chance of becoming a star.
I watched some highlight, and I can think of he can do so many different things. (Shooting, driving, rebounding, passing)
All I can think of him is Harrison Barnes.
I mean, I don’t see any difference between them at all.
I disagree but even if you are spot on with the comparison that’s a pretty damn good player to draft when the dude is only 19 and Barnes is 30 something. One would think Paulo will improve in certain areas as all players that come into the nba improve in some areas. The great ones make the big leaps. Paulo could be one of those guys that makes a big leap and then you’re looking at an allstar player.
one major difference that jumps off the page to me between Paulo and Barnes is that Paulo rips some thunderous dunks very often. Barnes is a gentle dunker.
Thanks for clarifying the main difference between them.
I don’t mind drafting “another Barnes” at #3 or #4.
(As Harrison Barnes was also picked at #7 many years ago)
(All I want to know is if Barnes the best comparison player to Paulo?)
Barnes is a much better shooter than Paolo, but yes, they do many of the same things.
There’s a bit of Barnes in him & a bit of Sabonis in him.
Could Banchero become another Jokic?
I’d guess no, but that’s not meant as any kind of damning criticism. Jokic is very much a unicorn, if you ask me.
Or a Pegasus. No, he’s not a big jumper. A unicorn, then.
The odds of that are very low.
Banchero is a significantly better creator, scorer and passer than Barnes.
And much bigger.
Yeah, he comps way closer to guys like Blake Griffin and Julius Randle than Harrison Barnes, at least size and frame-wise.
Both of those seem like excellent comparisons. And you could do a whole lot worse.
Harrison Barnes was #1 coming out of High School. He has the most gifted talent in that class. It would be good to pickup all the athletes like that, but you do need a good mix and specialists at a position also.
He is three inches taller and 20 lbs heavier at fresh levels . That means power forward .
Yep. It’s Banchero for me. I think anything else is overthinking it.
Finally, I agree with Greg on something. Anything!
Don’t make this a habit Gonzo. It’s bad for you.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day!
Not the electronic ones.
The military can’t even get that right.
Except you are end running any analysis by stating “anything else is overthinking it.”
Two of our top 3 players would have the same skillet and weaknesses and play the same position. If he can’t play alongside Sabonis, I don’t think you can select him.
Which is how the Kings drafted Marvin Bagley over Luka Doncic.
If I’m certain of one thing, that decision wasn’t a result of overthinking.
Not true at all. Luka should’ve been the pick as he was the EASILY recognized as the best player available in the draft AND he played a position of need (SF).
If you are referring to Fox, time has shown that no matter how good Luka is, he needs additional playmakers around him and they play different positions so you can have them on the court together. Banchero and Domas are not likely to play together effectively as they have the same skillset and both play down low and below the rim. Playing two post players doesn’t work anymore and it limits Fox and the rest of the team from playing in the paint.
If you believe that Banchero is better than Murray, fine. I don’t think there is much of a difference between the two and I have Murray rated higher as he does exactly what is needed from a modern stretch 4 (cut hard, rebound, and provide weakside rim protection), but feel free to die on the BPA hill if you want.
I think my chances for survival are better on the BPA hill than the worrying about fit on a 30 win team hill. I’m taking the best talent for this talent-stricken roster.
IMHO, fit is for Finals contenders. Perennial losers need to draft BPA and work it out later.
I love how people think the BPA list is the same for everyone.
I know the experts have their mocks and the top 3 have been the top 3 most of year, but if two players are very close to each other in terms of BPA, then one that fits horribly and one that fits perfectly should come into the decision making process.
In my eyes, I only see Smith as a surefire prospect in this draft, Holmgren’s suspect foot speed on the perimeter at the 4 and lack of size at the 5 are concerning but I still have him 2nd on my board, before Murray, Sharpe, Banchero and Ivey, all of whom I have in a similar tier.
Your BPA is most likely different than mine so when I hear “but BPA!”, all I hear is that you don’t have an actual argument for why you think your player is BPA.
But I think the issue is that you argued redundant skill set above. If you think that Murray (or anyone else) is a better prospect than Banchero, you may wind up being absolutely right. But his skill set and how it plays off of Sabonis should be a non-factor. Simply stated, no one on this roster is good enough to mandate passing on talent.
My vote here too, heck I voted for him yesterday.
Just glad I don’t have to keep passing on Chet in every poll for the next 5 days or so.
Yeah, the last thing you need is Chet repeating on you.
Yeah, this is also my 2nd day of voting for Banchero. However, I think Holmgren’s the 3rd best prospect.
My pick here is Jaden Ivey, and I think I’d take him at #1. The comp is Ja Morant, I’m telling you.
Granted I’ve really just watched highlights, but Banchero’s motor doesn’t seem high enough. I don’t seen him crashing the boards, staying active, keeping plays alive. He can get to his spot 5 feet from the rim, but against bigger better defenders, I don’t know if that will translate.
Compare to the highlights for Holmgren, he is constantly grabbing loose balls around the rim and creating havoc down there. My fear would be he’s too light and will get pushed around in the NBA.
Am I insane for being scared of Chet? I see the numbers and the pedigree but that paper thin frame as a white dude gives me no confidence he won’t be a bust.
I’d put Smith & Banchero ahead of him, but I think he’s the 3rd best prospect. The frame’s definitely my biggest concern.
Sounds like I’m not alone. Is there even a comp for Chet with body size and pedigree in the NBA or has been in the NBA? He needs some whole milk in his life.
He is very similar to but still 15 lbs lighter than Evan Mobley when was in college
Especially from the posted photo in the article, just scary.
I would rather worry about frame instead of skill set. Thomas Robinson had a good frame, but a lacking skill set.
Agreed. Holmgren’s a much better prospect than TRob.
What does his skin color have to do with anything?
You’re right, it probably doesn’t. He just doesn’t strike me as the prototypical genetics to fill out to a proper size for competing in the professionals is all I’m saying.
He’s skin-ny
“As a white dude”
classic
God forbid we point out anything obvious about someone without offending others.
Race just has ZERO to do with it…get over it
His being white seems unrelated to the frame issues. Otherwise, AD, KD, Poku, Ingram, Giannis all came into the league as string beans. Maybe he doesn’t have the shoulders of an AD or Giannis, but he’ll definitely fill out at least as well as Ingram or Poku.
That’d still be concerning if he was going to be your full time Center versus the Embiids and Jokics of the world, but he’s not. He’s a stretch-4, that could even spend some time at the 3 ala Evan Mobley. He has tremendous perimeter skills for a guy as tall as he is, which often gets overlooked when you pigeonhole him as a big man.
Not only that, but he’s handled NBA bodies like Banchero and Duren at the college level with some success. He’s also remained healthy, and the lack of weight is probably a boon in that department.
I foresee as long career as one of the most versatile players in the league, regardless of how much extra weight he puts on.
Exactly correct, if we are consistently throwing him against the Jokic and Embid’s of the NBA then we immediately need to fire and hire a new coach.
And for how big Sabonis is, he still has issues guarding guys like Embiid and Jokic. It is difficult to defend HOFers no matter who you are.
Poku still looks like a skeleton out there.
Yeah I was just looking for body comps, but Poku is still young and also not half as talented as Chet.
I guess that’s who I imagine being the nightmare comp for Chet.
Yup, same.
Let’s hope Evan Mobley size comp is valid. Chet is an inch taller and 20 lbs lighter but I’d be happy with an Evan Mobley outcome his rookie year.
His best comparison to me is Pau Gasol . Was very thin as a 20 yr old 3rd pick in Memphis . Also, very skilled and good . Hmmm
People had the same reservations about Durant
Each of the Big 3 have some sort of red flag. Chet just had the one singular red flag, but it’s probably the single biggest out of the big 3’s. You’re not crazy, but there’s also reason for the appeal.
Not to beat a dead horse and water under the bridge and whatever other stale metaphor, but I hope to hell that the don’t draft Holmgren. Whoever drafts him is getting a bust. Banchero, on the other hand, has excelled against high level college competition: my pick yesterday and today.
He’s my man too.
I think the horse could use a few more wacks with the bat. I’m seriously worried Chet falls and ends up a sacramento King. It’s not because of his skinny frame although that doesn’t help my assessment. It’s how slow the guy moves. He dominated in high school and college because he’s taller than everyone. He’s also super skilled, that helps too and I’m not taking that away from him. My issue is the speed at which he plays.
fun exercise for everyone… watch 30 seconds of highlights of Jabari Smith, watch 30 seconds of highlights of Paulo Banchero, watch 30 seconds of highlights of Chet Holmgren and then watch 30 seconds of highlights of Keegan Murray. Tell me you don’t see it too! Chet is a 4 speed automatic pickup truck running on diesel fuel. Jabari, Paulo and Keegan are a 5 speed manual transmission Porsche running on premium. Ok ok ok, maybe Keegan is a 5 speed Honda Accord but my point still stands. Chet is slow, he moves slow in all facets. He’s got great instincts but he’s slow. That is what scares me about Chet and his possible landing spot in Sacramento. I can’t see that lack of speed working out well for his excellent collegiate game becoming an excellent professional NBA game. It’s very scary to me. I’d rather have Smith, Banchero, Murray, Ivey over the slow moving Holmgren who will automatically be the thinnest player in the league the moment he is drafted. I’m still leaning towards Sharpe over Chet as well. The un known gamble on him still out weighs the slow pace/slow moving fact of Chet that freaks me out.
I fee like Chet is Sacramento bound because he’s going to drop for the reasons I indicated. Dude is slow. Monte won’t be able to pass on the falling Holmgren and there you have it, he’s a King. We draft the one bust in the top 8 yet again. I’m so traumatized as a kings fan, yeeeeesh.
all of this said, I hope I am wrong on Chet no matter who drafts him (especially if it’s sacramento). My uneducated eye test just won’t stop telling me the same thing. Don’t draft Chet!
Didn’t Magic and Thunder wouldn’t pass on him ?
(If Smith goes 1st, then who would Thunder choose ? If Chet falls to 3rd, would Rockets still pass on him ?)
Say what you want, but the man can move some inventory.
ThonThin MakerStarvin’ Bagley.
Lew Alslender
Coreless Williamson.
Skel(eton) Labissiere
Slimmer Fredette
Harrison Bones
Alex Thin
Gaunte DiVincenzo.
Starvin’ Marvin
Thin Lever
Damontas Sabony
Russell Wispbrook
Ja Lessrant
Donominivan Mitchell
Penny Wasteaway
The Chicago Bullimias
I could go on, but I’m a very busy man.
We can tell.
There are rumors that Orlando will take him #1.
I sure hope they take Chet #1.
I agree with your points. I’d draft ( in no particular order) Murray Sharpe, Ivey, Griffin ahead of Chet. Hell, I’d trade back or give up the pick for a near All-Star level starter.
He still reminds me of rookie 3rd pick of Memphis yers ago . Experts thought even with his skill just too skinny ! Name – Pau Gasol .
Here is where things get tricky for me. I like the potential surprise of Sharpe, the future star promise of Paolo, and the steady, high floor reliability of Keegan. Ivey might be the second coming of Morant or Donovan Mitchell, but that would mean reseting the roster and moving Fox, which could get messy.
I’m guessing Paolo is the choice here, and I really don’t have a problem with that. The kid is going to be very good, but I just don’t see it happening in Sac. I’m not sure how he would work with Fox and Sabonis. If you see him as the cornerstone of the franchise, then Fox and Sabonis shouldn’t matter. The problem here is Monte’s mandate to win NOW. Paolo doesn’t meet that agenda. He’s not a 3pt shooter or defensive anchor next to Sabonis.
For me (and if I were Monte) I’m taking Keegan. He fills the hole as a 3pt shooting big who can help on the weak side and defend the rim. He also fits Monte’s mold of an established high IQ college player who carried his team, much like Hali and Mitchell. Keegan is also a late bloomer who is just now coming into his game and body. I don’t think his ceiling is as low as people think.
Most importantly, Keegan is ready NOW to help the Kings take the next step. I see him as a steady and solid player like a Horford or Millsap. He’s just going to help you win by brining his lunch pale everyday. He’s not flashy, super athletic, or going to be the face of the franchise, but he’s going to end up being a 14 year NBA player who found his way onto a dozen playoff teams, probably with a title or two, when it’s all said and done.
Adam. Do you see ant other trades the Kings could make to grab a shooting guard or small forward later in the draft? I am intrigued with Abajii who looks to be around numbers 15 to 20.
The Hornets have #13 and #15, need to extend Bridges, and desperately need a center. They’d also likely love to get rid of Hayward’s deal.
I could be convinced to eat Hayward’s deal for the #13. It would likely take Barnes and Holmes to make numbers work, but if someone like Sochan, Johnny Davis or Dieng is sitting there, it could be worth it. It also depends on who the Kings take at #4.
If the Kings walked away with Murray at #4 and Sochan at #13 all for eating Hayward’s deal, I’d do it. The Kings could potentially roll out a lineup of Fox, Hayward, Sochan, Murray, and Sabonis. I’d love that.
That’s not a bad idea and the types of deals the Kings should be exploring.
I agree that Murray’s ceiling is also pretty high. Maybe he’ll never be an All-NBA player, but it’s no stretch of the imagination to see a couple of All-Star games for a 6’8″ forward that can defend 3-5, run the break, knock down the 3, make good decisions, and outhustle everyone on the floor.
I would like to see Dyson Daniels as an option on the next pick.
Daniels, Eason and Johnny Davis would be my next additions to the list.
Cool beans. I know it may seem like a reach at 4, but he is a very intriguing prospect I am starting to get behind.
All three measured better than previously thought at the combine too.
Just kidding. I have Banchero here. He may not address rim protection for the Kings, but he has the best chance at #3 to add talent, which the Kings need desperately.
Jabari Smith will and should be the first pick without a doubt. I’m skeptical about Holmgren, so Banchero second. I’d pick Murray third but Holmgren will likely go 2 or 3.
Assuming the Kings stay at four, and a deal can be made to swap with Detroit or Indiana, I’d feel pretty confident that Murray could be had at five, but much less sure about six.
Still a lot of chatter about the Kings moving up to two, but to me, there’s no point in sending out assets to move up unless you can land Smith.
There are rumors that Orlando prefers Holmgren, so Smith could drop to #2.
I’ve heard the same. I’m uncertain about making the move, because I expect the cost to be high, but I’m uncertain about pretty much anything as it relates to the pick. We’re going to get a good player, that’s all I know.
No way in hell that happens. Trust me Jabari is going one.
I would only consider sending out a Fox to get another top 5 pick. I know the Hornets wouldn’t do this but I’d take the Hayward contract off their hands give them Fox and take their first pick. Those are the types of deals we should be trying to make.
Smith should go 1st IMO, but there are rumors that Orlando prefers Holmgren.
Maybe it’s a smokescreen to get OKC to trade up (if OKC wanted Holmgren)?
That’s possible, but Orlando tends to like long prospects like Holmgren.
Paolo this time. He has the offensive versatility the team needs. He could develop in to a solid playmaker while getting buckets when the offense stagnates. Defensively he has some work to do, and not being the primary guy on offense might help him have more energy on the defensive end.
Sochan and Dyson Daniels added next round.
I got bit by a mosquito last night and first thing this morning I wrote a detailed scouting report for the insect (now deceased). Is something wrong with me?
Scouting report on the Mosquito:
SOFT
Doesn’t play through contact
Poor awareness
Pros: Good hang time. Plays for blood. Sticks to his man.
Cons: He’s. A. Mosquito.
“she’s” a mosquito.
I duuno, Kosta, he’s got a real taste for blood.
true, but his playing days are over! 😛
has a good shot, should stay outside
Speaking of insect pests…I just found out yesterday that there’s some wasps starting to build a nest near the front door of my apartment unit, so contacted my property manager and they told me the exterminator is supposed to come today to deal with the issue. Hopefully it gets resolved.
I got back from a bike ride on Saturday, unzipped my jersey and a yellow-jacket flew out. That little bastard escaped and has been winning the hide-and-seek world championship in my house ever since, haunting me.
I still have no idea how I didn’t get bitten to pieces during my ride, even with a skin-layer under my jersey.
Yellow jackets, you say?
were you wearing a yellow-colored jacket?
MAMA!!!
This is why I’m a Patreon member here at Pest Kontrol Herald.
Something that isn’t insect-related but that is nest-related is that birds built a nest above my parents’ BBQ.
Stromile Swift fans, no doubt.
breaking news: Larry Bird announced as special advisor to basketball operations in Sacramento.
How was his 2nd jump?
after a meal, he’s got nothing. If he were utilized correctly, as a microwave scorer off the bench, he might still be alive.
Expiring contract–he’s off the books!
Mosquito, wearing a Kyrie Irving jersey, standing on the basketball:
“If the Basketball is round, how come it looks flat to me?”
Because the ball also refuses to have a needle put into it.
Damnit, Andy. You win the internet.
(pictured: Morgan Freeman beating a dead mosquito)
Take credit for the shot, and the assist!
I remember misspelling “misquito” in an eighth grade spelling bee. Dumb mistake. I knew all the other words.
In terms of sheer potential, Paolo, Ivey, or even Sharpe is the pick here. I went with Paolo for his size. He could potentially be a true offensive hub as a point forward and #1 option. He has incredible explosiveness, agility, and skill for a guy that big, and those are the true gems of the NBA. His shooting and defensive consistency remain big question marks to me, and that concerns me about his fit in Sacramento. But with his ceiling, you can’t pass talent up like that if you’re a team like the Kings.
I selected Paolo, but I’m less certain in my choice than the previous two. I do think he’s going to be a pretty good player, but I feel the same way about Ivey, Sharpe, and Murray.
These are the times that try mens’ souls.*
*This applies to all genders, and also, there’s no such thing as a soul.
Then why do we have the word?
You better hope there is . Having a near death experience years ago I believe very differently now and have no fear of death . I believe you will be wonderfully surprised
If the Kings are ever going to do a clean sheet rebuild, next summer is it – the only current players on the books for 23/24 are Fox, Domas, Holmes and Mitchell with Domas’ expiring + Holmes + Mitchell on *very* tradeable contracts.
With that in mind, it’s time to swing for the fences. I’m fairly certain that Murray and Banchero will be very good NBA players but Shaedon Sharpe looks like the guy who has the range to be anything from a complete and total bust to the best player in franchise history. I say take the swing now and if it goes Kangzy, well… at least you tried, Monte.
I like the rationalization happening here.
PB, again
If only we still had Bjelly.
That would make an ideal pairing.
I picked Banchero. Pretty insane that a player that talented is widely considered the 3rd best prospect. Of course we would get the 4th pick…
A lot of people are making very persuasive arguments about the various prospects, which I appreciate, but it just illustrates how much potential there is for Sacramento to get a damned good player. It’s not helping me confidently select one player over another, but barring something very weird, I expect to be pleased with adding any of the guys who are being discussed for the four pick.
I would sure love the opportunity to add a player like Grant or Bey, or Brogdon or Duarte, because I’m positive (Me? Positive?), we can still add a terrific player at five or six. That seems like a surer (Me? Sure?) way to become competitive sooner.
Unless one of the guys at four turns out to be a franchise guy, then we should definitely do that instead.
This has been unhelpful. The main thing is that there will be a very real opportunity to get better, and do so ahead of free agency.
I really think there can be something to a trade with Ind centered around #4, Holmes and filler (maybe TD to give legit upside to their guard rotation) for #6 and Brogdon. We likely still get Murray.
DD wouldn’t like it but I think there would still be plenty of minutes for four solid guards.
Fox, Davion
Brogdon, DD
Murray, Holiday
Barnes, Lyles
Sabonis, D Jones
Probably have an 8 man rotation w/ Holiday and Lyles getting minimal minutes.
Pretty reasonable, although I’d be inclined to have Barnes cover certain wings, and have Lyles at PF. Trey really seems to bring a lot of positives, and just does many things well. I’m glad we’ll be getting a cheap look at him next season.
Barnes could also swap positions with Murray, if Murray’s defense is as-advertised. There’s a ton to like about him.
Thoughts on trading fox for Toppin and 12th pick, sharpe at 4 and Baylor’s Jeremy sochan at 12?
No.
Absolutely not.
Fox for Toppin, #12 after we tell them who we want them to pick, their 2023 first round pick unprotected and their 2025 first round pick unprotected. Maybe.
You must mean RJ Barrett?
Ok Barrett would be great. It’s the Knicks 11th pick not the 12th, my mistake. Still not a believer that Fox has what it takes to lead this team to the playoffs. I hope I’m wrong.
I saw a proposal of Fox for 3 of Phoenix’s 1st rounders on the Suns’ SB Nation site. I’d rather do that.
Likely to be picks in the 25-30 range. I’ll pass.
No. You don’t think Fox can lead the team to the playoffs but you bet on Toppin? I also laugh at how people on this board think Fox is so bad, but also think that everyone else is drooling to get him.
Kings centric big board: Murray
I believe he’s nearly as good as the top 3 sans Smith Jr. and could be star in his own right on top of being a fantastic fit for this roster
I am choosing Paõlo and you can take that to Banchero
Here’s a 538 article:
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/dukes-paolo-banchero-is-a-modern-big-man-with-an-old-school-shot-profile/amp/
It’s a great article, and it points out one of my concerns about Banchero: He seems to fall in love with his jump shot instead of working to get better shots, or kick out from down low. He’s going to draw a lot of attention when he’s less than ten feet from the rim, and he’s a good enough passer to hurt opponents who throw multiple defenders at him.
Banchero definitely has the attributes to be a great rebounder, but I have a feeling whichever team lands him will spend a lot of time yelling at him to crash the boards instead of hovering out on the perimeter or leaking out. It’s not an unusual trait for skilled, multi-faceted big men.
I’m fine w/him being on the perimeter if Sabonis is also on the floor & Paolo’s shooting 3’s or driving to the basket.
Banchero. No overthinking needed here. Already has and NBA ready body. Can get his own shot and will probably come around to making plays for others. If he can be coached up on defense by Mike Brown, he can become a possible stud.
It’s Sharpe until you drop time!
Jaden Ivey looks like a mind blowing superstar from his highlights. Kings need that energy and charisma to reignite this fan base and arena. He’d have paired incredibly with Haliburton, I wish we weren’t so tied to Fox smh
Sharpe. I’ll keep picking him until he gets selected. Think he’s going to be a top 20 player by year three.
I’m with you here
This draft class has me thinking multiple all-stars come from it – and the best may late in the lottery…. Much like ‘96
Sharpe is my pick. High level Guards have a better chance of being really good – last 10 or so years – than bigs. Banchero would be next but I can totally see a chance he is a high level role player who does not excel at any one thing too.
I voted shaedon Sharpe here. I like him as a pre-2023 top pick. He’s young enough he might grow even taller as well.
My big board goes chet, jabari, Sharpe, then Paolo. I like Paolo also, but he plays the same way as sabonis.
Voted Keegan. Numbers test. Eye test. Skill set would complement Sabonis.
I am going to have to go with Ivey. I know he wouldn’t necessarily slot in a position of need but I think the is a straight shooter with upper management material written all over him. Seriously, not a scientific analysis but Ivey gives me the same vibe that Damian Lillard did during that draft, I can just see him being an actual star instead of just a “solid player.” Holmgren does nothing for me and I think he may be a genuine bust as an NBA player and I don’t see his ceiling as a star player at all.
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