NBA Position: Wing
General Info: 18-year-old Freshman, played at Duke. From Newark, New Jersey.
Measurables: 6’6, 217 lbs, 6’10.25 wingspan.
2022-23 Season Statistics: 8.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 1.4 TPG (28 games played, 20.6 minutes a contest), 41.4% FG, 42.9% 3P, 79.3% FT
All hyperlinks in this profile are video clips showcasing the skills discussed. Stats are from Synergy Sports or Basketball Reference.
Duke freshman Dariq Whitehead had a rough season in Durham. The former 5 star recruit suffered a right foot injury in August 2022, right as the Blue Devils began preparing for the season. The injury required surgery, and throughout much of the year the 18-year-old rarely looked like the explosive star he was heralded as before college. He still had some bright flashes at Duke, especially as a deep shooter, and his offensive numbers improved later into the year. But there’s no denying that his overall impact was a shadow of the expectations, which is why he’s being talked about as a late 1st-round pick rather than the lotto-lock he seemed a year ago.
Before you glance at his statistics above and bounce off this profile, here was a regular highlight for Dariq before his foot injury, when he was a promising star at Montverde Academy. His combination of three-level scoring, athleticism, and confidence made him look like he had the tools and clear pathway to NBA success.
This is a far cry from the slower, more-grounded Whitehead we saw at Duke, who struggled to put pressure on the rim. But when Whitehead’s representatives announced this month that his original injury had not healed properly and required a second surgery, there was a collective “that explains everything” that resonated through the NBA Draft twitter community. And while nothing is assured in basketball or in health, if Whitehead’s medical records pass inspection by NBA doctors and training staff, he could offer teams later in the 1st round a chance to buy low on a potential three-level scorer with high upside.
Let’s hit the great news first; Whitehead is one hell of a deep shooter. He shot 42.9% from three on 98 attempts on the season, and was 44.3% on all catch-and-shoot shots (1.32 points per possession, 94th percentile in the nation). His form looks consistent, he’s got range way out to the NBA three, and he’s got wiggle on his jump when defenders come flying at him. He’s one of the more fluid and natural shooters in the draft class, and can hit off of movement. He was the only Duke player this season to shoot better than 35% from three (I think his deep shot should have been a bigger part of their offense), and he did a good job of moving off the ball and getting free if defenders looked away. His ability to bomb off the catch will give him an obvious role in the NBA.
He also shot 38.7% on off-the-dribble shots at Duke (0.91 PPP, 71st percentile in the nation), and his sweet stroke and ability to quick-hit from deep and the mid-range going back to high school gives evidence that he can be both an on- and off-ball scoring threat in the future. Whitehead shot 40% on mid-range jumpers last season (albeit on low volume, just 20 total attempts), and loves to use a spin move to create space from defenders. His quickness and elevation were less-than-ideal at times, but considering how much of the rest of his game was hampered, it’s impressive that Whitehead’s shooting numbers were as strong as they were all season long.
Much of the rest of Whitehead’s game is very much up in the air. Without his explosiveness, he didn’t always show great touch at the basket, and shot just 50% at the rim on the season (25th percentile across the nation). His assist numbers (1 APG, 27 total on the year) aren’t impressive, but he had flashes of vision and passes with flare. Whitehead was also a minimal factor on the glass, snagging just 2 per game (4.7 per 40 minutes). This isn’t overly surprising, given his spacing role on offense and the fact that Duke played a lot of multi-big man lineups (featuring 7’0 Kyle Filipowski, 6’8 Mark Mitchell, 6’10 Ryan Young, and fellow 2023 draftee 7’1 Dereck Lively II). But that won’t be a workable excuse in the NBA should Dariq hesitate to crash the glass given his 6’6 size and 6’10 wingspan.
On defense, Whitehead had a mixed season at Duke. I thought he looked better in the later games of the season that I watched, especially in the NCAA tournament. He plays physical and bodies up opponents, uses his length to recover on misplays, and tries to dig at ball-handlers and get into passing lanes. His physical tools could give him some real defensive range after some experience with a smart defensive coach. But he also repeatedly failed to stick with quicker opponents on perimeter drives – something Duke compensated for with their big-man lineups, but a bigger concern moving forward. While no one drafted at #24 will change the Kings defensive trajectory, one wonders if this roster—especially with their perimeter drive struggles and lack of rim protection—can handle more defensive question marks moving forward, especially from the wing.
Given that so much of the allure for Whitehead is in his tape from Montverde Academy, check out this pre-Duke/pre-injury scouting report video from Adam Spinella, who runs an awesome Substack for NBA draft nerds. Spinella captures the offensive upside that made Dariq an early lottery-pick favorite.
The biggest questions surrounding Whitehead are for the NBA medical and training staff, who are much more qualified to speak on this stuff than I am. Foot injuries are always scary, especially for an 18-year-old who clearly needed his verticality and explosiveness to bring out the best in his offensive game. There’s no clear answer for armchair scouts as to how much this second surgery will help Whitehead’s quickness, bounce, and confidence—and how much adding those three things back into his game will help him improve his defense moving forward.
But to me, the second biggest question is for Monte McNair, and how risky he’s willing to play with his #24 overall pick. If Whitehead is there for the Kings, would Sacramento swing for the fences on a player who, until August of last year, seemed on a trajectory to be a early-lottery selection? Or do hypotheticals not mean much in basketball when the the ball always tells the final truth? The Sacramento Kings have, in McNair’s tenure, used their 1st round picks on proven producers who had high basketball instincts and clear roles at the next level. Whitehead meets one of those requirements—at the very least, we know he can be a high-level floor spacer—and offers no sureties outside of that shot. But I believe that with patience, a coach with a defense-first approach, a strong developmental system, and some no-injury luck, Dariq Whitehead could be one of the better players in his draft range.
DaRiq DaROY!
DaRiq is DaRisqy
It sorta lines up with what the Kings decide to do with roster additions; someone mentioned Jonathan Isaac, and Mo Bamba has been on the list as well. Bigger players, bigger salaries, bigger risks, bigger rewards.
The Fantasy Season of 2022-23 is over. Part of that magical journey was health and durability. The Kings had a handful of injuries (Domas for the season, Fox for the playoffs, and some wrist issues for Huerter, Keegan and Monk) but lead the League in starting 5 minutes played together, and if they also didn’t lead with least injury minutes they were close.
If the Kings take a flyer on the former Magicians (they played for the Magic, aren’t their players therefore called Magicians?) – Bamba or Isaac and then add DaRiq, you should expect to play more of those 10-13 bench guys that you have in reserve more than you probably want to. Some injury risk is acceptable – but how much?
The nice thing is – the Kings can afford to gamble on an injury risk talent as long as they are okay if it doesn’t work out. As opposed to Michael Porter, Jr. – who the Kings almost picked over Marvin Bagley III (yes I know, Luka Luka Luka) because of injury concerns – pretty frikkin’ ironic, but didn’t because they had too much invested.
I’ll leave it with this – if the guys who cleared Harry Giles medical history are the guys clearing Dariq Whitehead – I’d pass.
I still have ample stock on Isaac island and would love for us to land him.
Bamba I’m completely out on at this point, if he didn’t pop with the lakers after a change of scenery, perhaps he just is what he is at this point.
I think the Magic will look to take that next step next season with all that talent they’ve accumulated and will look to fill the locker room with some adults. Enter HB. A sign and trade centered around HB for Isaac would be awesome.
Issaac and Bomba are great if you just suit them up and look at them. One can’t play because he is ALWAYS hurt and the other can’t play because he just can’t play. Hard pass.
The Kings need size, rim protection and rebounding for DS. Domas is very good, but he has very specific deficiencies and requires very specific help and players to cover up for these deficiencies. He does not protect the rim or the paint as a 5. Nor does he space the floor. He needs a Jaren Jackson type in order to optimize his worth.
Second, the Kings need size and length at the forward spots. Optimistically it would be great to solve 1+2 with one solution. Doubtful.
Third, they need a PG- I used to say a backup PG but what they need is an anti-Davion. His opposite. A PG who scores.
Fourth, they need shooting from the bench -guard spot. This was TD- will he return? is he the right guy for that? Might be possible to solve 3 and 4 with a single combo guard with serious size.
The solutions come from 3 distinct sources: draft, FA and trade.
On top of this, a past draft will or may result in signing Sasha but this is an extra. Sasha does not solve any of the 3 problems and may make the solutions more difficult, but he will be a great addition,
The draft has to solve one of the 4 issues, preferably the first one.
In F Agency, Naz Reid may solve the first priority but then again, he may not and will be expensive. A move away from Holmes opens up FA and could solve one of the four issues. A Barnes sign and trade might help.
Monte is in win now mode but not so much that he ignores the age timeline. Hence no move for Middleton.
The draft may just offer mediocre players by the time we get to 24, the trade market may be dry and FA fruitless. We don’t get all our choices in free agency.
Balancing act.
Like to solve or address at least 2 of these. Does Whitehead do that?
not at all.
Hard pass on Issac, and there are multiple reasons for it.
1) Not only is he injury prone, he is the most injured player in the NBA. The man has played 11 games of basketball in the last 3 years.
2) He is owed $35M over the next two years. Bamaba on the other hand will likely be a free agent if the Lakers decline his $17M TO (they will) and can be had for a fraction of that amount in free agency.
3) I’ll just come out and say it…there are off the court issues there. The man plays in the most progressive league in the world but holds beliefs that are counter to it. Those conflicts slide a bit in Florida, but won’t in Cali. The Kings have great locker room chemistry right now, and I don’t want to potentially rock the boat. I didn’t coin the term but I could see some “DNP/CPAC” games.
Yeah, some of things Isaac has “liked” wouldn’t jive well with me at all, and I wouldn’t want that kind of distraction to potentially mess up the locker room.
Ah, that must be some of the “progressive tolerance” I hear so much about.
Hey, I could give a rat’s ass what his political preferences are, because that’s personal. I just don’t want it to upset locker room chemistry or bring unnecessary drama to Sacramento. I would say the same thing about any number of players who would bring similar distractions, like Kyrie, Morant, Dillon Brooks, etc. Clear?
I understand what you are saying, but lumping together one person posting Christian themed tweets with Ja Morant’s firearm issues, Dillon Brooks’ lack of class and self awareness, and Kyrie’s antisemitism just seems to be off. They all may be deemed socially unacceptable, but that doesn’t make them equal. Not intending to be disrespectful, and I apologize for my snarky comment above. Could have and should have been worded differently.
Yeah, god forbid we allow alternative points of view. Geez, just saying the wrong thing is likely to hurt someone.
Hmm, maybe Vivek can create a free speech zone in the locker room, and safe spaces.
Your probably right about Bamba, but he’s only 25. He’s still got time to pop given his talent. LA isn’t nearly as desperate for front-court defense. I’m not sure that means he couldn’t find some minutes in Sac. I’d consider trading Holmes for him and, if I had no good options I’d probably do it.
Duke and Injured players and the Kings:
Marvin Bagley III
Harry Giles III
not a great track record for NBA production.
If he’s not Dariq Whitehead III I am more on board.
Not sayin’, jus’ sayin’. If he’s not Dariq Whitehead III I am more on board.
Can confirm he is not III.
The first thing I though of while reading the Bryant’s piece was Harry Giles (who isn’t playing professionally anywhere anymore at just 25 years old). Players known for their explosiveness who then have lower leg issues before they leave college is rarely turns out well. I personally don’t want the Kings to be the one catching the potential falling knife in Whitehead.
While this is fair, I’d also note that by 18, Giles had had multiple knee surgeries (I think on both knees), while Whitehead has only had one real foot injury that apparently didn’t heal after the first surgery. All reasonable to drop a guy off your big board for injury concerns, especially with the necessary-explosiveness part, but there’s levels to “injury risk” and I don’t think anyone reaches poor Giles’ level.
some of this depends on the type of foot injury. Zagrunas Ilgaskas and Bill Walton had foot injuries, multiple surgeries and were affected by that. My suspicion is that this is a Lisfranc injury which commonly will require two surgeries. These can be tough.
On the other hand, proper medical clearance is necessary- what type of injury, expected recovery and did this injury really affect his play last year or was that just poor play?
I had Whitehead, Lively and TJD as my hopeful/expected picks at #24. I know nothing. I just have opinions.
Now I suspect Lively goes earlier, that Whitehead will be there and TJD might be a reach.
Kings need help for DS. The only other is Nanji but Monte won’t take a flyer on such a risk.
Despite Kobe Bufkin probably going higher than 24, I think a scoring PG might be helpful. Davion for D and someone else to score. This guy might also take the place of the probably lost TD.
the 24 pick is all over the place- I also suspect that all 3 French players (wings) will drop.
My bet is that Monte takes TJD because he is older, and he adds some needed skill set. But he may be a slight reach, whatever that means).
Whitehead- can shoot, has some size, replaces TD but does not replace TD’s athleticism at this point.
is this the priority at 24?
I see your Harry Giles III and counter with DeJuan Blair. Certainly, anything is possible.
However, injuries – Greg Oden, Sam Bowie, etc. – it’s a long list of maybe recoveries who couldn’t- are included as a part of the package that seems unnecessarily risky to me. The most exclamatory talents must still make their way from rehab to game production. The potential must convert to worthwhile production.
I applaud the effort, it takes a strong will to slog past injury that few can muster. But my perhaps bitingly cold take is that I’d rather some other club gamble the millions of dollars and roster spot invested.
To bring up Michael Porter, Jr. again- a top 5 pick without the injury history and drafted at 14, it was a longer road but worked out very well for the WCF Champ Nuggets. He’s the exception however, and not the rule.
The injury risk v. reward is the constant question in every professional sport front office. Nothing new. For the Kings, I’d avoid it – even second round.
And Bobby Hurley
Given MM’s drafting track record (Tyrese, Davion, KM) I don’t see Dariq being an option, too much of an unknown and gamble. I think MM will be looking for a much surer thing.
Aside from that, if we talk about roster needs, Dariq doesn’t really fill them either.
I’d be surprised if we drafted this kid.
Yeah, he’s seems like an NBA two guard. With the Kings already having Huerter and Monk I don’t see Monte swinging for this guy at #24 unless he thinks he’s the second coming of Klay Thompson.
I’ll also add, IMO a playoff team doesn’t draft BPA at number #24 if said player is redundant with your current roster. A playoff team drafts more for fit and role late in the first round. For one, BPA is really hard to pin down that late in the draft. It’s by no means an absolute but I’d wager it’s a trend.
I don’t think the drafting philosophy changes dramatically- you place your prospect in tiers. Wemby at 1, If you place Scoot and Brandon Miller in Tier 2 it’s still BPA but positional, you know the deal- you value/need PG over Wing you chose Scoot. You know the deal.
When you are at #24 the choices are broader and the tiers are wider and deeper. You look for drops or chances to move up or down. Maybe you have your heart set on someone and they are there for the choosing, maybe your guy is gone so you move down or ditch the pick. Again, you’ve seen it all, you just have to reach waaaayyyy back to remember the Petrie/Adelman picks.
Lots of phone calls- all lines active by the GM team.
I’m ready to let HB walk, and trade Vezenkov’s rights because these guys are just to much alike, and they’re both redundant with Murray. That said, unless someone “wowed” me, I’d probably make an offer to Kris now. He’s Keegan twin.
we disagree. or at least I do. I don’t think Kris will be available to draft at 24. That ends that. and I would not draft him due to redundancy.
Second, SV is different than either HB or Keegan/Kris. Similar height but different game. I wish he was 6/11 and a better rebounder. But.
Trading his rights is tricky-Kings own his rights. Kings are flirting with him. If he signs with the NBA, it is with the Kings. To pull the rug out from under that budding relationship would, IMO, drive him to just stay in Europe and thereby significantly decrease his value to the receiver in the “trade his rights” So he has little to no value UNLESS he signs with the Kings.
Sign him and make independent decisions on Lyles and HB- you can never have enough assets (unless they are twin assets).
IMO, Kings have 4 distinct needs- #1 a backup or partner for Domas- one who rebounds, protects the rim and paint and ideally can spread the floor with a 3-point threat. # 2. length and athleticism at 3/4. Possible that 1 and 2 overlap but have to see this as two different needs. Sasha will not solve this, but it is too important to get an asset for nothing except salary. #3- another PG- one who is an offensive threat. an option to Davion #4. move Holmes for anything to free the salary and the spot on the bench.
Some of these problems can be solved with one move, others will take 2-3 moves.
The solutions lie in the draft, in free agency (either losing or getting) and in trades. This is a big knot. Hope Monte and friends can solve some of this in off season.
If Sasha signs, Lyles and HB are brought back, #2 might not be solved. #4 might be solved at the trade deadline.
There is value at the #24 pick- depends on who drops, or which team wants that pick and for who. There are players who may be available at 24 and 38 who can address one of those 4 needs- not all but one.
With all the coaching changes, comes new philosophies and a desire for players that fit that philosophy. There is opportunity in that transition.
Collins adds length and athleticism at the 4 spot, and can be a small-ball 5 when Domas sits. We don’t know what SV’s game will look like exactly, in the NBA, but he’s a 6’8″, 225 lbs. forward with below average NBA hops, likely average (at best) defense, a little slow, not a play-maker, no handles (his claim to fame is scoring in bunches w/o ever taking a single dribble), high percentage shooter. How is that different from HB, or Murray’s games?
The part about “he has little to no value UNLESS he signs with the Kings.” Uh, What???? Because VS got traded to LA, NY, CHI, etc. he vows to never leave Europe? Seriously? I do think that chemistry makes Monk more valuable to Sac than other teams, for obvious reasons, and that may be true of Kris. What makes Sac such a unique destination for VS?
Your talking about, “Some of these problems can be solved with one move, others will take 2-3 moves.” The Kings need to shore-up their interior defense THIS offseason. Collins won’t solve this, but he’d help, in multiple ways. Monk wont plug the defensive hole at 2, but shooting guards are usually the least important defenders on the floor. Mitchell is there and should be playing more with Fox, and Monk’s offense makes up a bit.
ok SV is not much different than HB or KM. We agree but he is “free” in the sense, that he costs no players or picks. Let’s talk value- Kings are flirting with him- sent Jodi, Brown, Matina, Monte and a couple of others to see and meet him. Full court press. They establish a relationship, and he signs, we hope.
If the Kings leverage that attention and relationship just to trade his rights, My guess is that he does not want to do that all over again. Time is short. He can be happy in Europe- why try to develop new relationships and friends. Hence< I don’t his rights have much trade value. He is flirting with the Kings, not with the NBA or any team. Granted the Kings are part of the NBA and that has to be part of his calculus, but his real choice is with the Kings, not with who the Kings trade his rights to.
And I do not believe that all the Kings effort would track to a trade of his rights.
Chemistry makes Sac attractive to both Monk and Kris. Yes. The relationship (which comes prior to chemistry) makes Sac attractive to VS. Break that and he goes, and other teams know that. IMO. His value is diminished. He is not negotiating with the Kings to decide to go to the NBA- he is negotiating with the Kings to go to the Kings within the NBA. Kings got him for a second-round pick. His value, if this falls apart is far, far less than that. If you want to trade him, let him sign and play for a year first.
I believe that Monk is great- at least good Monk is but he is best suited for change of pace 6th man. Too short with Fox to start. Wait for the right match up.
Davion is a demon on D. One of the best but teams lay off of him. I believe now that Kings need shooter/scorer back up PG to work in parallel to Davion- sometimes one, sometimes the other.
Yes, Kings need to address what I outlined as 4-5 problems. Collins is not the full and complete answer there. I do not think Atlanta wants Huerter back and they have marginal interest in taking the restrictions off the trade.
I do like the back and forth- but I realize that this is all un-informed opinions. Monte holds the data and the cards. He will decide. The blog entertains us while Monte takes his course.
I think the central issue for Vezenkov is whether to come to America(NBA), or stay in Europe. I have a hard time believing he’s really stressing which team he lands on. Maybe I’m wrong.
The more I consider this, the more I think the sad fact of the matter is, Sac is the reason he’s still in Europe. If LA had acquired his rights he’d have already come over last season.
there are definitely some needs that might be addressed in the draft.
your #1 (big man): the team might need to bring in more than one big man this offseason. Therefore, even if the front office is targeting one in free agency or trade, it probably won’t hurt to draft one. You’ve already mentioned Trayce who is a possibility. I also have Tshiebwe on my list. seems to have good touch on his shot. Nnaji possibly to defend the giants. Vukeviuc possibly as a draft and stash. Bona possibly for the freakish plays.
your #2: (length and athleticism at 3/4): that’s a tough one. How about Ousmane N’Diaye as a draft and stash? He can shoot and is 6’10”. Or Jalen Slawson for depth. he contests shots.
your #3: (backup PG): Colby Jones or Marcus Sasser?
I’d add a 5th need: defensive stopper at the 2/3/4 to play with Huerter and Keegan. Cissoko might be that guy. It would also be good competition for Kessler Edwards.
Monte is really likely to address the issues with the starting line-up first and figure how to flesh-out the rest of the roster later.
I thought we were talking about draft prospects.
Ok, fair enough, but therein lies a problem, because Monte may not see starting talent sitting at #24. That’s why I think they would like to package that pick with some other assets, Holmes, Vezenkov, etc. and find a trade that brings back a starter (especially at the 4 spot). That takes all the pressure off the draft and finding quality bench players in free-agency is much more doable.
I believe Monte wants immediate results, even if moderate. So I doubt much interest in draft and stash.
Kings may need more than one big man Agree. TJD is a Monte type- older and it is clear just who he is. Tshiebwe is a tremendous rebounder but cannot guard the pick and roll. Nnaji would be a draft/stash. Bona or Vuc are fine for the #54 pick. N’Diaye, Slawson- no. Colby Jones might be the combo guard but not at #24. . Agree there. Sasser is so much like Davion. I would want more size.
As I said, we (I) entertain ourselves with the blog and Monte takes his course.
N’Diaye’s catch and shoot numbers are good. he’s long, athletic and can play D and rebound. he picked up the game late and just turned 19. needs to finish at the rim stronger and improve shot selection.
why not at 54?
ok
Has the boat left the dock on Queta?
they are unhooking the tie ropes now
N’Diaye is a forward.
I’d love to trade Heurter (along with the pick we gave for him), #24, and Holmes for J, Collins. I’m not sure it would take that much but, it solves problems by getting rid of the defensive liability at the 4 spot, clears Holmes out, makes room for Monk as a starter, more minutes for Davion. Not sure they do it after extending Bogi, but I would trade Huerter over Monk as MM is better at the two, and I think Huerter has more value due to his contract. I like an 8 man rotation of Fox, Monk, Murray, Collins, Domas, with Davion, HB, and sign another big to come off the bench.
As for bigs I’d target the Raptors, Wizards, and Atlanta as they all have too many bigs to keep, especially Toronto. Atlanta has too much meat as well with, Capella, Collins, Okongwu, and Hunter. Toronto has, Fernando, Achiuwa, Siakam, Poeltl, Koloko, Young, Porter Jr., S. Barnes,.
Wizards are up against the cap with their 2 best players (I don’t like Beal) hitting free-agency at he same time. Kuzma might work as well as Collins, and Kristaps could be a home-run.
Bruno Fernando should have been listed with Atlanta (oops), but he’s a FA.
I do believe that this is the way to approach it. Look at all the SF’s in Brooklyn. There is length and athleticism there.
I think that good Monk is a tremendous player. “Bad” Monk- not as good. However, he and Fox together are too small. And I am thinking that Davion needs an equal counter part- a PG who can score. That’s not Monk.
That gives flexibility – sometimes defense, sometimes offense. Too many teams just lay off of Davion. Atlanta wants to get rid of Collins. and I am just not sure how good he is. Can he protect Domas at the rim?
IMO Kuzma is a better fit than Collins along side Sabonis. Unless we do a sign and trade involving Barnes and try and get Holmes out of his contract any of this doesn’t work. IMO if you want a really good young(23) power forward to pair up with Sabonis who can spread the floor who is big enough to help Sabonis with the bigger centers but is also a very fluid player with a high motor and could be available at a lower cost than Kuzma or Collins I would go and get Naz Reid. 6″9″ and 260 pounds but very agile. He fits McNair’s timeline and is getting better every year.
PS If you could get some more money not a lot then as a backup center for Sabonis would be Jacok Poelti. Was a starter but mght want to get on an up and coming team looking ahead. He could relieve Sabonis where he doesn’t have to play quite so much which would keep him fresh plus play more at backup center. Doesn’t score much(has averaged between 10 or 12 points last couple of years but rebounds really well and can protect the rim. His BBIQ is very high and is also a good passer. That’s what we need.
Big fan of Poeltl, but like you said, he’s been a starter for the last three years. Why would he sign on to backup Sabonis? I doubt the prospect of playing for an up-and-coming team would make up for the reduced role and its impact on how much he can earn down the road.
Your a helluva idea man, Jack!
Thanks. Its fun to speculate but you still need some insight on players and if they would fit in Monty’s timeline. Like me alot of us are a little sentamental and aren’t willing to trade some players who now don’t fit. We need to realize this is a business and Monty is darn good at it,
Are you retired or something?
Retired basketball coach of 47 years.
Mason Plumlee is a solid defender and rebounder, a wonderful passer, though he gives you little in the way of scoring.
However, unlike Poeltl, his role as a back up is manifested. His salary cost is likewise less.
I like the idea of a Plumlee backup and a up and comer starter-able at the PF position to share with Barnes/Murray – PJ Washington, Naz Reid, Grant Williams type.
Another direction if the Kings went all in on Luxury tax, I’m a fan of Nikola Vucevic – that’s a deadly duo with Domas – a sort of twin Jokic-lite towers (maybe high rises, not towers). Other than shot blocking, he solves lots of other shortcomings. Then you chose a Tower/shot blocking big in the draft or sign Queta or keep Len.
If we could’n get Poelti then IMO Plumlee would be a ysecond choice. Still has a couple tears left and isn’t injury prone.I need to start learning more about Queta. Monty does a great job of drafting so I wonder what’s going on.
For this season he was selected 1st team all G league and 1st team defensive team; he also finished second in G league MVP voting. There does seem to be some talent there.
On the other hand, he looked very undisciplined in his brief appearances in NBA games, and his hands seemed less than ideal.
Plumlee sucks! More to the point, Monte already has shown a complete lack of interest.
Coaching pros is different, Jack. Starting with, they have agents.
#1 Basketball hasn’t changed and I am not talking about coaching pros I’m talking about evaluating players. With some experience coaching players and for some years evaluating players I think I have a pretty good idea what players could help the Kings and why. #2 I’ll let Monty deal with the agents. He seems to do a pretty good job. I’ll trust him.
Besides the injury question mark, I don’t see Whitehead addressing any Kings needs. If we see ourselves as a PO team striving to be a title-contender, that is also not the context for a high risk/high reward pick in my opinion.
I agree generally with the needs others have identified here (in my order of priority): (1) rim-protection + outside shooting at the 4/5; (2) wing-depth at the 2/3 and 3/4; (2) a PG to replace Delly, and perhaps offensively complement Davion; and (4) a back-up (big) 5.
We don’t currently have anybody for my (1) [a bigger version of Lyles, maybe someone for Lyles to back up if he is retained] and this will take most creativity, work and luck from the front office.
For my (2), there may be solutions with retaining current players like TD, HB, in the draft at 24 and/or Vezenkov.
I wonder if my (3) and (4) could be addressed by Keon Ellis and Neemias Queta.
I am generally not keen to trade/let walk any of our starting-5 or Monk, even though Huerter and Barnes had poor play-offs. I think Huerter will at least continue to give us what he gave us in the regular season and was among the keys to our making the play-offs; similarly for the right price, I think Barnes can be valuable for a few years still.
The player I would be most willing to part with is Holmes, hoping he can somehow be traded for “value”; I really liked him and his attitude, but since the child custody matter, despite him seemingly being absolved, he does not seem to be in the right place in his head for basketball (and is a suboptimal fit for our needs now).
I would also let Len walk; I am sure Queta could replace his role of 3rd C, and possibly more.
I am on the fence re TD; he could continue to be OK as a backup 2/3, but it depends on the price and the alternatives in the Draft, FA, and trade.
Metu … I am pretty indifferent, least important decision probably for the front office.
we are thinking along the same lines. Len and Metu were short term attempts to fix your #1. (Rim protection, floor spacing) Did not work. Q? I am just not sure.
#2- wing depth- and length + athleticism. The depth can be addressed with resigning HB and Lyles and signing Sasha, but this does not address length unless HB grows 6 inches. #3- the PG – for sure need to replace Delly but listened to Bob Gerrald (G- Man’s son) and he advocated for a scoring PG to be used in parallel to Davion’s defense. Monk scores but is not a PG. So that’s #3.
#4- Kings do need a backup for DS. and I would add #5- move Holmes off the books
I am “out” on Metu and Len and “in” on HB and Lyles and on the fence for TD When asked to perform he did, and he scored. That may have been the Whitehead role but a low priority for the draft pick and a risk with a bad tire.
Kings have this one year + trade deadline to solve 5 problems. Will take longer than that. Patience and a goal/plan not just the old willy-nilly like in the past i.e. sign second level free agents.
Siakam is my favorite acquisition who may actually be getable. IIWM, (if I were Monte) I would target the Raptors really hard. They have as many Center/Forwards who could help the Kings as I have fingers (thumbs aren’t fingers). Plus, they’ve got Anunoby. A starting line-up with Poeltle at 5 next to Domas may not win as many games in the regular season, but could be more effective come playoff time, and JP leaves a solid option if Sabonis decides to skip town next offseason, which absolutely IS a contingency that needs to be planned for.
Your New Starting Five: Poeltle, Sabonis, Murray, Monk, Fox
(apologies, it’s the slow part of the season)
And when we’re referring to Domas, thumbs are a sore subject.
Very cool!
Your backcourt is too small starting Fox and Monk; if Momk starts, who is scoring for you off the bench?. Poeltl provides little offence besides setting good picks (like Sabonis already) and will clog the key even more. Sabonis may be worse at guarding 4s than he is at guarding 5s and is not a weakside help shot blocker. Between Sabonis and Poltl you should get a lot of rebounds.
Poelti is IMO not a #4 alongside Sabonis. If you want a third quard how about Keon Ellis. 6″6″ shoots the 3 and plays good defense.
agree completely
Poelti doesn’t have to score a lot just do what he does best like rebound, protect the rim and passes. We have other players who can score.
IMO Poelti at backup center and Naz Reid next to Sabonis.
Keon is sort of the forgotten guy. I like the 3 Euros- Bilal, Cissoko and Rupert but Ellis might be that already.
Not sure if it is possible to get Reid + Poertl- not enough money- even is the 27 M cap hold for HB is renounced.
This is a bad year for what the Kings really need: rim protection, floor spacing, rebounding- all to take pressure off DS who is great but has severe limitations.
I could be wrong but 27 might do it. We also could denounce Metu. Len and TD. That’s around 6 to 8 mil. IMO you could get Reid around 40 for 4. That’s 12.5 a year. Poelti for say 60 for 4. Around 15 a year or plus or minus either way. Now you have a really good young player in Reid and a really good rebounder and defender in the paint to help Sabonis. You really don’t need much more. If you want to go a little more I read where a trade of Holmes and one of our seconds to the Clips foe Terernce Mann. You get an out for Holmes as the Clippers need a back up as Plumlee is a FA. Mann could take TD’s place and he is better than TD. He can defend 4 positions and has played point guard at times for the Clippers. Also fits Monty’s timeline.
The roster would be starters: Fox, Huerter, Murray, Reid, Sabonis Back ups: Mitchell, Monk, Vezenkov, Lyles. Poelti. You would still have Mann, Edwards, Dosier with Ellis and Queta on two ways.
If Vezenkoy doesn’t come over you still have Mann, who is a lot better than TDD, to fill his spot. Also allows Edwards to play more who I really like.
Why would Poetl want to be a back up? He can start for a team that clearly values him in Toronto.
I’m not sure Poeltle’s comin’ to Sac for that kinda money. He’s probably not comin’ here to be a back-up either, which is why I put him in the starting 5. I don’t know, at all, if it works, but it could, especially in certain matchups(like when Kevon Looney starts looking like a Hall-of-Famer).
If it doesn’t work, send him to the bench, but your gonna need to sell him on comin’ here first. Either way, I think there are minutes enough for both, and long-term Poeltle may be better than Sabonis. Mostly, I feel like they’re both good enough and skilled enough, (especially Domas offensively, and Jakob defensively) they could share the floor for 8-10 minutes per game. With good enough interior passing they can score enough in the paint to make it work. That’s 28-30 minutes apiece, on average. Also, Sabonis needs to make it a priority to improve his mid-range game, and JP in the middle would force him to do just that. We might not need to watch Domas get his eyes blackened on a nightly basis, keeping him healthier with less attrition.
I can’t think of a team that could use an enforcer more than Sac, and Poeltle is the best one one the market. Without the physical punishment of having to always guard 5s Sabonis will have more to give on offense, especially in the playoffs. Focus your defensive assets where they belong (at the 1&5) and you can afford Monk at the two. Huerter is the odd man out, which works because he becomes a valuable trade piece with his contract, biggest defensive hole, and didn’t show in the playoffs).
About a lack of bench scoring in my rotation above, (was that you), HB can score, Mitchell’s getting better, Vezenkov as your third big hopefully goes super-nova and sends Poeltle to the bench.
I like the roster you just posted below, as well, love Reid. He could be better than Poeltle, he’s younger, likely much cheaper, and can shoot with range. Plus, I wouldn’t want him in Minne if I were his agent, unless maybe they trade KAT, or Gobert (that’ll happen). I think your spending too much energy on the end of the bench. I’m concentrating on an 8 man rotation, 5 starters, 3 bench players (1 guard, 1 forward, 1 big). The rest are throw-ins.
Oops, pretty sure that’s my longest post yet, my bad.
Fox, Monk, Murray, Vezenkov, Sabonis
Mitchell, Barnes, Poeltle
Mitchell, Herb Jones, (rights acquired for Huerter) Poeltle
I would’t do that. If you are going after somebody like Jones I would go after Patrick Williams instead. Jones doesn’t have much offense. IMO Monk should stay where he is. One of or not the best 6th. man in basketball.
As GM, you can give that reasoning to MM’s agent and watch him sign elsewhere next season, leaving us a disgruntled Fox. Agents are powerful. Players are assets, but they are also people. Monk earned the starting job during the warriors series.
I can’t seem to figure out the brackets thing
Brackets thing: you look at the entire field of 64, make your picks one game at a time, filling in the progressive boxes towards the middle of the page.. The guesser who gets the most wins right, wins the pot of money. Brackets, NCAA style.
I guess I deserve that. Can anyone advise me on use the brackets option on this forum on this forum, please/thanks.
One reason Monk wanted to come to the Kings was Fox. They like playing together are friends and do complement each other. Monk isn’t going anywhere next year. He wants to win a championshp and with Fox.
You missed the point, Jack. We all know the history. Monk being friends with Fox is actually not a reason to punk him out of the job he earned by settin scoring records for a bench player in the playoffs
He still isn’t going anywhere next year or the next. I’ll bet on it.
Patrick Williams could be good, I looked-up his stats, since you keep mentioning him. 10-4-1 isn’t terribly impressive, but he could breakout in season 3, and his 3-pt Pct. is better than I realized. Jones’ stats aren’t any better, but I think he brings more rim protection. I’m not in love. One guy I think we could all love is Siddiq Bey.
IMO Barnes just doesn’t fit Monty’s timeline. I would rather have Reid at 23 who I think is better than Barnes.
Amazing come back by my #2 team, the C’s. Would love to see a Boston-Denver finals.
This Whitehead kid looks good! Not sure how he would fit.
Throw the money at Naz Reid as backup center and Cameron Johnson as starting PF, who plays decent D and shoots the 3. More realistic. However, I was hoping Celtics to lose so we could obtain a disgruntled Jaylen Brown for HB(S&T)Keegan,Holmes,#24 pick.
Reid could work at backup center. I do like Cam but does not give us rim protection like Reid would. Still have Reid at PF and get Poelti to help Sabonis.
I think Poeltl wants and may well get 20m per year – too much for a back up center (see Richaun Holmes). I also think Poetl wants to start. I don’t think Poetl and Sabonis fit well together (on either end of the court).
Poelti would’n go along with Sabonis that’s Reid’s job. He would backup Sabonis.
Jack, you understand that Poeltle would need to agree to do that, right?
Yes I do. Lets see what happens.
Jack, he said Reid and Johnson! Are you doing this on purpose?
Doing what? Are you doing this on purpose?
Yes, I am trying to explain some things you don’t seem to be understanding. Are you trying to understand, or are you sandbagging?
I always like and want suggestions. I have never sandbagged. I will tell it like it is when ever possible.
Bobi Klintman might be a possibility. Rumor is that it was the Pacers who made the 1st round promise to him. They pick at 26.
This is noteworthy. Trayce Jackson-Davis is mocked to go late 1st round and early second round. He may be a possibility at #24 or #38. He also fits Monte’s trend of upperclassmen as he is a senior and 23 years old. He’s not a stretch 4, but is definitely a rim protecting and rebound 4.
Jalen Wilson is also a senior but more of a combo wing. He is also mocked near Jackson-Davis. IMO, Wilson is more in the mold of Keegan Murray, but not as good. He can stretch the floor a bit, but doesn’t excel at it. He does rebound well.
https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1663276217339121665
I was looking at a consensus mock draft today for the first time this year, (it’s practically June!) and I was pretty encouraged by the number of athletic bigs expected to be available and taken in the late first.
Toronto “likes” Jordi-yikes
Teams will commonly bring in the guys they like for the first work outs. The Kings, unlike previous Kings teams do work out players (T. Robinson was drafted without even a single work out)
Tshibwe was brought in a week ago. A potential target as undrafted or 54. Can rebound but not guard the pick and roll. TJD and Jalen Wilson brought in today- these are all the types of guys Monte likes. #24 is a bit high for TJD but if that’s what you want, you jump. He will be long gone at #36.
I would be ecstatic with TJD and Cissoko at 24/36. J. Jacquez is not really athletic but the type that Monte likes too.
I’m a bit surprised no one seems like the idea of trading for Siakam. I think he and a decent back-up big would level-up this team into contention. I know he’s under contract, but I’d love a guy like Isaiah Hartenstien. IIWM, I would definitely inquire about him.
Explain how you would get Siakim? A lot of money for one player. I don’t think Monty would go for it. He also wants players within his timeline’ With one player IMO you are breaking up a team that has the chemistry right now.
Well Jack, I’d make ’em an offer they could easily refuse, and hope they don’t. Start with #23, Vezenkov, Holmes, Barnes (not sure you could include him), Huerter, maybe another protected 1st. They’re gonna have some input, of course, and the Kings cap specialist (I’m not that guy) would likely have some input.
It’s actually easier to say what I wouldn’t offer, Fox, Murray, Sabonis, Mitchell.
Davion would go to if the deal is right and Sac is getting good value but, I’d rather include a future top-10 protected first as I like Davion’s potential, especially in the playoffs.
He’s 29, but athletic, with 1 yr left on his deal (which does make it risky). I think his game is perfect here, better than Kuzma, who I also like a lot. Siakam’s a better defender, and probably a better teammate.
After watching that game tonight, forget everything I’ve said and throw the max at Caleb Martin!
All the assets listed above are too much for him with only one year left at his price, but some combination of any of the above.
WAY too much for Siakem. You gut the team and impact the future. The next future #1 that can be traded is like 2027 since the Huerter protections last 3 years.
HB would have to be a sign and trade since he is a FA. Sasha has to sign first before he can be traded, and he can’t be traded for months. His t rights, as i said before, are useless.
Raptors won’t do this and Kings cannot do it.
Thanks murraytant I agree.
Thanks for agreeing with me.
It’s official: Denver and Miami in the NBA Finals this year.
Wow! What do any of you think Boston is going to do now? Really can’t stay where they are now.
Really? I don’t see them relocating, ever.
Sorry. What I meant what are they going to do about the players. IMO I don’t see them improving if the roster stays the same.
And I thought Seattle Celtics had a nice ring to it.
Actually, I think their problem was quite similar to Sacramento’s in the post-sason, that when their 3’s weren’t falling, they didn’t have a good alternative, and were too spotty on D to equate matters fromn that side of the court.
It is a team with a young core (with the exception of Horford), and a very young, inexperienced coach. They need to clean some stuff up, but blowing it up may be a mistake.
I agree.
Could there be say one trade or FA the Kings might consider?
Great to have you in the conversation. As a “Super-Max” candidate Jaylen Brown may cost Boston nearly $100 mil. more than another team would pay. That may be reason enough to “blow it up.” And he may be worth the money, but they could get a nice return for him and begin again with Tatum, he’s young enough. They’ve got some really questionable contracts. Smart has obvious value and Brogdon is “ok,” but $40 mil. for the 2 of them and you still have a pretty iffy PG situation. Pritchard’s not the answer. Fox’s money looks like a steal compared to these three who, together aren’t worth his production. I think they fire Mazzula, I would.
Good point about the Kings trouble hitting shots. Huerter was the worst victim. Once his shot quit falling he was basically unplayable. I feel like he shot his way out of the starting job, and would have no problem giving his to Monk. Sac was bad at home all year and I don’t know that the fanbase has really processed that fact. Young shooters seem to get nerves in the face of home town pressure. The louder the crowd, the more yips they get. Is there a way to address this w/o waiting for maturity to mellow them out? Is it even a maturity issue? Miami didn’t shoot well at home either.
We’ve seen some really weird series lately, with teams not winning at home. Is the rise of 3-pt shooting bringing an era of a diminished home-court advantage?
and everyone fired their coach because they lost to an 8 seed.
Why not Bagley’s brother?
He is available.
AnybodyButBagley’sBrother.
Does Doncic have a brother?
If he does his Daddy has issues…..remember.
Jokic does.
Philadelphia couldn’t cure what ails them with the Doc, so they hired a Nurse and are asking their fans to be patient
clever
Don’t love Whitehead or the risk…I do see the potential.
I would like to keep most of rotation guys
Lose Delly, Add Ayo Dosunmu OR Colby White OR Derrick Rose
Lose TD, Add SV
Lose Len, Add Naz Reid OR Thomas Bryant
Trade Holmes – Add Draft Pick
Keep Edwards, Barnes, Lyles, and Queta
I’d prefer to add Clowney, Coubilaly, or Kris Murray in the draft.
Sensible
PG- need a third one, one who can score (the anti-Davion)
SG- need a shooting replacement for TD. Actually, he usually performed when called upon.
3/4- Move Keegan to 3. Add SV, Keep Lyles. HB- see below.
C- add rim protection. Naz? I think so. Bryant had one of the worst defensive ratings in the league. I think they should try to move Holmes but will find no takers. May have to wait until the trade deadline in February or release him with the stretch provision.
Draft- I predict TJD. Soft attempt to solve the DS back up. Second round- I hope Cissoko but more likely Kobe Brown or Jalen Wilson or J. Jacquez. And trade the #54 pick. Monte goes for known guys and trades in the second round. Besides the Kings will already have 3 rookies.
Barnes- I think they let him go or sign and trade.
It seems that they have the money for Reid but if HB is renounced there is a pile of free agency under the cap cash. If they sign and trade, there may be more value available. Cash just gets one of the available free agents. Sign and trade might yield a young guy on a longer deal. Memphis needs a SF and needs an adult. Santi Aldama or Z. Williams?
I do predict that HB gets an offer higher than the Kings want to match. Bogi redux.
I like Yuta Watanabe as a less expensive FA, but he may be redundant with K. Edwards.
Bilal would add length to the forward spots as would Clowney (who will be gone at 24) but both are a year away from being a year away. Kris is redundant. I like versatility and change of pace.
Kings sign Oscar Tshebwe as an undrafted free agent.
Roster- 14 players + the 2 two-way guys at Stockton. Want to keep one spot open for quick contingency.
This may be like the last trade deadline. We have big ideas, Monte has a much smaller plan.
BTW- the duds may go from D. Lively now that Dunleavy is the new GM. Goodbye Bob. But Lively is far from being able to contribute anything but a blocked shot or two. The dud timeline is screeching to a halt. They already dumped “James” who was similar. If they were smart they would trade thier pick
Be nice to solve the PG/SG wothv1 player (I like Colby Jones for that).
And getting HB to Memphis would be good for them. They need some more maturity on the roster after the shit storm they had with Ja and Brooks. Williams need some development minutes, and maybe he can have a Keegan like curve.
Williams could be interesting.
Again I read somewhere we could trade Holmes plus a second to the Clippers for Terence Mann. Clips really need a backup center and Plumlee is a FA. Mann can defend 4 positions and on offense has played point quard. If Vezenkov doesn’t cpme and TD is gone Mann could take his place. He is IMO a better player than TD.
Please leave Davion alone. Sac didn’t lose the ‘Dubs series for lack of scoring. It was lack of defense. Pritchard is the anti-Davion. He’s not the answer we’re looking for.
Made the playoffs and everyone forgets that this team has not played defense for twenty years.
Wonder what this team needs?
I do believe that Brown should have played Davion and his defense on stephie. and I do believe that this might have made a difference.
As of now, the Kings have 4 guards- losing Delly and maybe TD. My point is that there is value in a change of pace. Davion comes in for D and the mythical new guy comes in for O.
4 guards are not enough and flexibility is really important.
I liked TD’s enthusiasm and his offense. Delly did not contribute much on the court. A scoring combo guard could certainly replace the value of Delly and overcome the potential loss of TD. Keon might be the defensive answer at 2 guard. n but his offense lags n behind TD.
I really thought Brown should have let Davion do his thing. If we could have knocked off 10 points from 50 down to 40 anything could have happened. My above trade for Mann could solve a lot of problems with PG and SG.
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