It felt very Kangzy when the Sacramento Kings jumped in the draft lottery, only to end up with the 4th pick in a draft with a clearly defined top three players. But as the predraft process plays out, players rise and fall and the picture of the draft becomes clear, the fourth pick is beginning to look a bit more fortuitous thanks to the rising stock of Jaden Ivey.
Following an excellent pro day, as well as deeper dives from draft pundits, Ivey seems to be building a case that this is in fact a four-player draft.
I legit really like all four of the top-four players in this 2022 NBA Draft class. Have done the draft guide profiles and done all the work into all of them at this point. They’re all outstanding prospects for different reasons. Think you can make a 1 through 4 case for any.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) May 29, 2022
In line with that analysis, there’s been some new chatter that teams in the top three may be gaining affection for Ivey. First, in his latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, Jonathan Wasserman suggests that the Thunder might be giving Ivey serious consideration. From Wasserman:
We’ve heard to keep an ear out for OKC’s potential interest in Ivey at No. 2. While Holmgren has been perceived as a top-three pick all season, some scouts prefer Ivey. His fit isn’t ideal for a roster that already has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, but a team who sees Ivey as a surefire star won’t pass on him due to fit questions. Of course, there is a difference between OKC being high on Ivey and actually making the pick with Holmgren and Banchero on the board.
Similarly, Jonathan Givony says in his mock draft update that the Houston Rockets could be interested in pairing Ivey with Jalen Green:
ESPN draft guru Jonathan Givony on Jaden Ivey: “The idea of constructing arguably the most explosive backcourt in the NBA is said to be intriguing for Rockets brass.” https://t.co/wGgJ0INCFW
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) May 31, 2022
It’s worth remembering that we are in peak smokescreen season, and every report should be taken with a big grain of salt. But Ivey’s rising star can only help the Kings.
If one of the top three teams falls in love with Ivey, that leaves one of Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr, or Paola Banchero available at the fourth pick. Or, if the Thunder like Ivey, they might be willing to trade down to the fourth pick, allowing the Kings to move up to the second pick and have more control over which player they pick.
Personally, while I would love to be able to trade up and grab one of Chet or Jabari, it’s also great that the Kings are in a position of strength in this draft. They can allow the draft to come to them, and if they aren’t interesting in whoever falls, it seems like some other team will be.
Kings really lucked out at the 4th spot. It seems to be an excellent place for a possible star or an opportunity to cash in on a trade. Monte needs to do his homework between now and the draft.
Yeah, seems like a good position to just take whoever is left at 4th if indeed it may become a 4-player draft.
Just don’t screw it up when you were in the perfect draft position in 2018 now, Kangz…
Breaking: Kings trade back to #8 and pick up John Salmons
You mean the #6 and Buddy Hield?
Star Trek: Vivek coming to Paramount + soon.
Ew. That sounds disgusting on many levels.
Wait till Stauskas gets a ring and the Kangz trade for him cuz they need veteran leadership and a championship winner.
Isn’t that what he’s been doing? It’s not like you start draft preparation in April. LOL
After having Divac for yours, I can understand why some Kings fans might this or at least expect otherwise.
Years not yours ugh
I don’t find it surprising that fans disagree with Monte’s decision making. That’s typical regardless and happens with every fanbase. What I find interesting is the insinuation that Monte McNair is not prepared for this type of scenario.
And it comes back to what I’m saying: If Ivey is clearly the best talent of the draft, why wouldn’t he go higher than 4? I’ll also maintain that the draft pick will not impact winning next season that much, and whoever the Kings trade for will be more impactful than who they draft at 4.
Because drafting isn’t an exact science. There is – with some notable exceptions – no such thing as a “clearly the best talent of the draft“or “a clear top 4 in the top tier“.
(Read all about it in my hopefully soon to be posted article!)
Rather than the top 4 being the 4 best players, it’s more likely the best prospect will be picked after the top 5.
It is an incredibly lucky opportunity to finally get good-maybe even long term.
That’s why I hate seeing Vivek around-at workouts etc. (And I don’t give a fuck if owners can and do do that-not all nor many I bet) ..it doesn’t make it smart or right.
This HAS to be Monte’s choice. And they should have extended him, not handcuff him with this playoff mandate horseshit.
This is an opportunity Vivek. Don’t fuck it up. .
It’s ok, next time it will just be Anjali at the workouts.
Yeah, she needs the reps. Let’s go big 🙂
Having her and Dad at the workouts confirms the true BBall decision makers .
Yeah I’ve always been under the knowledge from most scouting throughout the year this was a 4 player draft, as a matter a fact earlier before the lottery during the ncaa tournament, I remember the discussion on who would be in contention to go first between Ivey, Banchero and Chet before smith Jr started getting a lot of buzz. I’m high on Ivey as the best scorer in this draft and someone who could have an emmodiate impact day one on winning, dudes with his speed and explosion and penetrating ability impact winning simply by their overwhelming physical traits. I’d prefer him Over Banchero am OK if Chet falls to us.
Nah, this was considered a 2 player draft until Smith burst into the scene during the NCAA season. Ivey’s hype started just before that last Summer after he a Chet led the USA team to victory. But he never really rose into the consensus top tier. He still isn’t really there in terms of consensus. I also wouldn’t call him the best scorer in this draft. For example, Banchero is a better scorer (and passer) with the ball in his hands, and has a significantly deeper bag of moves.
Burp!
Wasserman also says that teams are “nervous” about Chet Holmgren. Holmgren dropping to the Kings is the world I want, so here’s hoping there’s fire behind the smoke.
I’m nervous about Chet, too. He’s a project and injury risk.I’m fully inboard the Ivey train. Gimme some thrills
What makes him an injury risk? He is slight of frame but has not had injuries in the past. He is smart with his body position and seems nimble enough to navigate the trenches.
Holmgren has been injured before:
See, the frame isn’t too thin!
If we get Ivey then we don’t need Fox. I say we trade him to NY for their + Randle and Toppin then we use it for Sochan.
Mitchell
Ivey
Barnes/Toppin
Randle
Sabonis
Divincenzo
Davis
Metu
Jones
Sochan
I would prefer RJ Barrett over Randle.
This lineup doesn’t have enough playmaking & shooting. Ivey isn’t a PG & I don’t think Davion’s ready to be a starting PG. The lack of shooting would make the spacing awful.
Holmgren is my least favorite of the alleged Top Three, but if he’s there at four, you have to take him. He does provide the possibility of being a player that can change the direction of a franchise, so you have to take him, and hope for good health.
I could see him missing a ton of games in his first couple of years until he can add some muscle.
He’s undoubtedly my no. 1. I absolutely understand the fear factor with how skinny he is and looks, but there’s definitely a plausible world where he becomes Evan Mobley with a better shot. There’s also a risk factor with a draft pick, one that increases with every slot down. But I believe that Holmgren has shown the most game-changing potential so far. I want him on the Kings if possible.
Nowitzki 2.0?
Dirk was picked 9.
They should be nervous with Chet if they’re picking at #2. His frame is a legit concern. But if he slides at #4, I think its a no brainer
Murray vs Chet should be a real discussion. Also Murray vs Banchero.
I think Murray’s a tier below Chet & 2 tiers below Banchero.
They can be nervous….hes not dropping to 4
I was all about trading up, but the more I see, the more I love Ivey. The Kings should just chill and take whichever guy is left, unless they can trade it for an All NBA type player.
I’d settle for an all-star. Getting a top fifteen player for the #4 pick seems like a lot to ask.
I’d want a legit All-Star, not someone like Wiggins.
If Sac had made a deal for Wiggins, instead of GS, the Kings would be a better team right now.
Doubtful. Sac wouldn’t have had the personnel or the wherewithal to force Wiggins into the very limited role that has allowed him to look better with GSW.
More options are available, which is always better than fewer, unless like me, you are paralyzed by choice.
I can’t go to Wendy’s since they added salads, chicken sandwiches, and all of that bullshit. I came in here for a burger, and now I don’t know what the fuck I want.
The rest of it isn’t worth having.
Not true. The chili is pretty good since it’s fat food. And I live their burgers and chicken, too. Assuming you wish to think that’s actually beef and chicken.
But the frosty’s? Bleh. Horrific cold sugar icicles. Such a gross thing, frosty’s are.
Well played Spackler.
That’s why you should go to Taco Bell instead!
I’ve been pretty loyal to Del Taco since I moved to California, unless I want Mexican food, and then there are so many great local places.
There’s no comparison between Del Taco and Toxic Hell.
Downer cattle. Yum!!!
im nervous that Chet is there at 4 . . . And we take him. I’m just not a fan. He’s got serious bust potential in my book. I’d much rather take Sharpe or Murray.
purrty sure this means that a team below us is hyping up Ivey so that the Kings take him, and let Keegan Murray slip down to them.
Amiright, my fellow Keeganites?!
Cats with Ties and and an all seeing Eye …
Ivey at Four
My theory is that teams have caught wind that the Kings want to draft Ivey and are trying to extract an asset to get them to trade up for a player they were going to get at four anyway. Vlade isn’t running the team any more, so I don’t expect anything dumb to happen.
Vlade? Dumb?
I can’t explain why the “more or less” is the funniest part of this, but I’m confident that it is.
I am starting to be all in on Jaden Ivey at pick number four, especially if he’s BPA. Was initially very against it because he felt redundant with Fox.
But I am envisioning a world where it absolutely works. Sabonis outlets to Fox or Ivey in transition, and in the half court, the Kings use Sabonis as a central hub and Fox and Ivey as cutters off-ball.
Basically, let the fast guards dictate early offense, and use Sabonis as Jokic-light in the half court.
You would have to really believe in Mike Brown‘s ability to construct a good defense, but I am coming around on the fit.
If the Kings select Jaden Ivey, it’s guaranteed that he will never have an off night.
(except during practice/scrimmages)
I don’t see it working really well-winning in playoff-or over time. Just don’t see how you can have 3 non shooters. Unless Ivey is a shooter? Not yet.
Like having a couple John Walls without the D. Good for regular season but not playoffs.
Of it worked long term/well, I’d imagine Fox was traded.
And without the high-level passing.
But why are teams extending on Fox and Ivey to leave cutting lanes? Why wouldn’t they be sagging since neither Fox nor Ivey are big threats from behind the arc?
And transition is great, but even the most enthusiastic transition teams still spend the vast majority of their offensive possessions trying to score in the half court.
I seem to like Ivey, Smith and Murray as my top 3 . Just can not warm to Chet or Banchero .
I’d be ecstatic if Ivey goes in the top 3, but I’d be shocked if it happens. To me, Ivey seems like he’s clearly behind Jabari, Paolo & Chet.
I’d be ecstatic if Ivey goes top 3 and the Kings pick whoever is left of Jabari, Paolo & Chet.
things could be worse (7).
I would be ecstatic if Chet goes in top 3 and Kings get pick of the rest.
Banchero could drop.
I like Smith, then Ivey then Banchero and then Chet. But beauty, eye, beholder.
Without being able to see the future, at face value, all of these guys would make great additions.
As would Murray. And Sharpe, probably. And maybe a bunch of other guys.
I’ll be glad when it’s done, because I’m terrible at this.
You speak for all of us, whether we would admit it or not.
yep
Well said!
What happened to Keegan? He was on your wish list before … seems ironic that winning the 4th pick changes that.
yes. winning the top 4 changes who is on the wish list. Murray is 5th.
Let’s be real, any of the now top 4 heavy draft picks WILL be sweet. If this narrative continues with the so called experts and insiders saying it’s now these 4 guys in any order I would feel way more comfortable not drafting Murray who I have been really high on. I’m just a dude who watches draft highlight videos and makes an eye test ranking system. Meaning, I don’t really know shit.
No one really knows. Hopefully it helps to get an “eye test” on a guy in person in your own gym. And I imagine it’s a lot more fun also!
Me too.
What we do know is that the best player taken in this draft may be selected below 10 as history proves. Giannis, Jokic, Kawhi , Butler et all .
I think that’s what’d happen. It seems like that’d be an easy decision for Monte.
This exactly. Ivey going in the top 3 is absolutely the best-case scenario for the Kings.
Ditto
It’s 5/31, and Jabari/Chet are my 1A/1B, while Paolo/Jaden are my 2A/2B. Murray comes after that. I’d have to see something to get me more excited about Sharpe.
The Kings should get better through this draft, one way or the other. The bigger question is, is the prospect that the Kings draft going to be good enough fast enough to be on the Fox/Sabonis timeline? Tangible question, given that the General Manager is in the last year of his current contract – a situation that could influence what he determines to do with the pick.
Players play longer now so the timeline window is wider.
why 1B on Chet?
He can shoot the ball, he does block shots and he can dribble it.
He is a skilled tall guy but can he dominate like Dirk or is he Zinger?
I like Holmgren for his insane offensive efficiency, and his length defensively. I see him as a stretch four at the NBA level and not a back-to-the-basket center. And if he wound up being healthy ‘Zinger, that would be a helluva pick at #4 (or even 3 or 2).
I don’t see him as the injury risk that others have. I think that a case could be made that his lighter frame would benefit his back and knees.
Last but not least, he has never played frail. Teams at every level have tried to muscle him, and he has always shown grit and toughness. There will certainly be an adjustment to the NBA and he will have to get stronger, but the same can be said about every one of the top prospects in this draft.
That is why I like Chet Holmgren more than Banchero and Ivey, though not as much as Smith. As I always add, I know nothing.
My biggest concern about Chet is that I was of the idea he was more C than PF. But if he’s capable of defending 4’s at the NBA level, which those who have studied him believe he’s capable of, I’m far less concerned. Because I see no way to maximize a Holmgren-Sabonis pairing if you have to play Chet at C.
But, I can see this going another way. I can see Sharpe or Mathurin being their target and no amount of posturing is going to change that. Or hell Murray or Ivey or whatever.
I think what’s clear is that the NBA GMs around the league had a good idea of what Vlade Divac was going to do, they have no idea how McNair will play this. He’s tough to read, on purpose, and I don’t think it’s an accident that much of the national chatter has revolved around the Kings taking a player that the fit is tough (Ivey), ready to contribute now (Murray) or could the Kings ultimately swing for upside? LOL.
I think the most important element of Holmgren might just be how ready he is to play right away. Especially since it’s nearly impossible to see how the Kings draft Holmgren and then go out and trade for John Collins, for example. But it’s not inconceivable to go after Kyle Kuzma, for instance.
So there are alot of considerations here. And they aren’t just about Sabonis and Holmgren either, IMO.
Nobody’s concerned if Holmgren is a C or PF or whatever meaningless label you want to assign. They are concerned if he can score and defend in the NBA. I have my doubts but people who follow this stuff closer than me seem to think so,
The defensive responsibilities of a C tend to be different from the defensive responsibilities a PF, so the distinction matters to me.
I will guarantee you nobody in any front office is scratching their heads over whether Holmgren in a C or PF.
That’s b/c he seems like an obvious PF.
His build and body type scream PF but his high impact position seems to be C.
That’s what I’m struggling with.
I think PF will be his primary position. He creates advantages there as well. Then I think you probably have him playing C in specific rotations to maximize the type of spacing mismatches you’re talking about.
My largest concern with Holmgren is can you maximize him and Sabonis together. And the more I think about it, you probably can IF Holmgren can defend the perimeter as well as his supporters believe.
I think you can maximize THE TEAM with both of them. As usual, an individual putting up their maximum stats doesn’t always translate to the most team success.
I do see Chet as a 4. and in that way he can play with DS. I don’t think he will get injured any more than the average. He is not Zion- that’s for sure.
I was down on him- then watched some film and read some people who know more than me. Now, I think this is truly a 4 person draft- you can make the case for any of the top 4.
I would be delighted with any of them- all have up and downsides.
I had settled on Murray but that was when my mind was stuck at #7. I thought he would go 5 though and that led me to Sharpe, Davis and Mathurin – but not now ! I have higher sights and while Murray will be really good and a fit- I now like ANY of the top 4.
any one of those guys will help make the Kings better.
Vivek and close friends should stay home- I fear a stupid trade for a high priced vet. The rookie contract is valuable for years- a vet contract smashes the cap forever.
I agree with the “injury risk” thing about Holmgren. In today’s NBA, we rarely see true back-to-the-basket players anymore. Look at Joel Embiid; he could destroy most of the league in the paint, but he defaults to shooting 3’s and plays the perimeter.
Most players simply don’t want to ‘bang down low.’ Holmgren should be fine throughout the course of a season.
Also, I remember the Zion Williamson draft, and very few mock drafts/articles mentioned HIS injury concerns about his weight. I’m honestly not trying to brag here, but I had my doubts he could sustain playing at his weight. Turned out to be correct.
And I too would like to add, I know nothing!
I said Zion would be injury prone, I mean it’s just physics and fairly observable. Chet’s skills aren’t debatable but his ability to apply said skills in an 80 plus game season against not light weight college players triggers me the same…. I like Chet better than Zion though.
His insane offensive efficiency? Really? It’s a big jump from the WCC to the NBA. He didn’t have insane offensive efficiency in the tournament or against higher level competition. In fact in the small sample of the NCAA tournament, Koloko out performed him.
Your words here indicate:
Smith 1, Chet 2, Banchero/Ivey 3 A&B.
Did you change your mind?
Also, it’s not a function of players playing longer – it’s a function of Sabonis having two years left on his contract, and Fox entering year #6 of losing, losing, losing. Add to that a potential lameduck GM and the result is tick-tick-tick. McNair may need to add a guy that can contribute in a big way from day 1. And that may come via trade instead of picking at #4. We’ll know in a few weeks.
Or Monte decides his best chance is to trade Fox(not his guy,) and go with Mitchell, Ivey, Sabonis.
More than tangible, it’s paramount. He’s making the choice knowing his career is at stake.
Jabari/Banchero 1A & B, Chet/Murray 2A & B, Griffin/Sharpe 3A &B, Mathurin/Ivey 4A &B, IMO.
Interesting. I have thought for awhile that Ivey is as good as any of the “top three” (except Smith)
His upside is Morant or Westbrook. On the other hand, he does need the ball in his hands.
Kings are at 4. Each of the top 3, except Smith has some caution. It seems foolish to try to trade up when one will fall no matter what. It is possible that they totally fall in love with one of them.
Smith would be great.
Banchero will be really good. Ivey has a high, high ceiling.
Chet? I am concerned. If he falls to 4, and I honestly think he will, then the choice is to take him or trade down- I would not trade down more than one spot so that Murray is guaranteed.
Murray will be good and he would be a consolation prize. I have far more concerns about Chet than about Ivey and fit.
The key is OKC- they like length, they have Poku, they are waiting for a draft day home run- is that Chet or is that Ivey?
I bet on Ivey. Houston and Chet? Maybe but I think they are locked into Banchero and scoring.
there is always a guy who rockets up the boards last minute- Westbrook did that. Scottie Barnes to an extent.
well, 4 is better than 7.
Do not trade for a vet- too big of a salary.
I would trade Chet4 for Murray -5 and take Grant or a next year’s #1.
I think people assume if Ivey is selected at #2 that Chet automatically falls to #4. Remember Houston has the 3rd pick and I think if they have to choose between Chet and Banchero, they might choose Chet which leaves Banchero to the Kings at 4.
Houston already has Sengun and would be perfect next to Holmgren just like with the Kings with Sabonis.
From a pure draft day thread perspective, I’m pulling for A.J. Griffin at #4.
You take that back!
That is mean!
It’s Rob’s way.
I’m an agent of chaos.
Soon to be Free-agent of chaos
And, other than me apparently, the only poster here who has Griffin in their top 10!
You say a lot of cool things.
this is not one of them.
This comment kinda makes me wish downvoting was still an option.
THANK YOU! You’re my new TKH Best friend!
Sincere curiosity. Help me understand how ivey is a tier below the top 3. There are clearly risks that each player never reaches their potential. I can’t see where Ivey’s potential is significantly less or his risks are significantly more than the others.
At worst, I’d say he’s 1A to the other 3. Just a slight notch below.
Kings can sit at 4 and take whoever is left of the 4; at least that is my hope.
I just don’t want Banchero at all I’ll take Ivey over Banchero if I was at 3 so all in all we sitting pretty, Chet would have to be the one to fall for this to work in our favor, also not sure why we all want for Ivey to be an elite playmaker, he is a pure Shooting Guard not a point, why can’t shooting guards just focus on scoring, we have fox already and a passing Center, Ivey would be a perfect fit on the wings flying up and down the court, we’d immediately would have the fastest most athletic backcourt in the nba.
Is this the goal? I mean, I’much rather have a more well-rounded backcourt. Or the most skilled. Or the best shooting. Or the best defending. Or really anything that has a more direct impact on winning. Just being fast doesn’t achieve a whole lot except some exciting highlights.
He doesn’t need to be an elite playmaker since he’s a SG, but I think he needs to be a good playmaker & I’m not convinced he’ll be a good playmaker. More importantly for a SG, I’m not convinced that he’ll be a good shooter. If he isn’t a good shooter, I doubt he’ll be an elite scorer, which is what he’d need to be to worthy of the #4 pick.
I prefer Paolo to Chet & Ivey. I think there’s a good chance that Paolo will be a star.
I think shooting & playmaking are important for a guard & he isn’t good enough at shooting & playmaking for me to put him in the same tier as Chet, much less the same tier as Jabari & Paolo (who I think are a tier above Chet).
Because his only high-level present aspects are athleticism and finishing at the rim. Everything else is positionally average or below.
Name a player archetype of Ivey that has lead their team to a title? Or even deep runs in the playoffs. Westbrook comes to mind, and he had Durant and Harden.
Wall was okay but they were never serious contenders.
Fox…well, we seen what has happened with him.
Morant? Are the Grizz one hit wonders or will they be perennial top contenders? Remains to be seen.
Jordan and Kobe? I see Ivey as more of an off guard than a lead guard, but I’m also not saying he’s comparable to two the greatest players of all time
I see some Morant and DWade and even Jimmy Buckets. The latter two have resumes that speak for themselves and Morant is already a superstar imo. So, if Ivey is anything like these types of players, I’d take him in a heart beat.
Ivey isn’t really the passer that Morant was/is and Butler is a completely different player. Wade could potentially be considered an extremely high-end comp. Wade was also a better, more polished college player. A more mid-range comp probably looks something like Norman Powell.
I see some Oladipo in his game as well. Oladipo is fine, but not really a game changer. Maybe pre-injuries Oladipo is a high comp, and post injury is the low comp?
The thing is Oladipo without the exceptional defense isn’t an especially good player.
Derrick Rose but no title
Just watched a pro-day workout video showing Ivey draining like 10 three pointers in a row. I can absolutely see his stock increasing if he can show he can make 3’s and seems like he’s showing it. A shooting guard version of Fox. Come to think about it, if he is showing improved 3 point shooting, I wouldn’t even mind Ivey on this roster.
Jaden Ivey 2022 Pro Day Workout – YouTube
Stauskas once hit like 40 threes in a row in a YouTube video.
Stauskas and Ivey are not comparable prospects.
Sauce Castillo might get a Ring with Boston this year.
Ivey might get a Ring with Sacramento next year.
I know. Just showing that reps with nobody guarding you are not the same.
You don’t say ; )
That’s true. He was also at home and has carved his niche as a journeyman 3 point specialist. Pro day workout is in front of scouts/execs with no re-dos.
Stauskas once saved a drowning man in a pool infested with electric eels… With only his teeth.
The legend grows
He has a bit of a Lonzo Ball shooting stroke. Overall, i think his stroke is fine and he can improve as a shooter.
See, I found that really unimpressive. It really displayed his low-release set shot that requires A LOT of space to get off. He’s going to have to rebuild that shot to become a threat as a pull-up shooter from any real range.
Ugh I hope that he doesn’t go top 3 because that means we will end up with the toothpick… I have him as my bust of smith, banchero, and holmgrem. I want Murray.. don’t mess this up Monte!
think movie Draft Day and go with Vontae (Murray) no matter what!
Hypothetically, if Ivey is Monte’s BPA at #4 and takes hime, what then happens to the current guard rotation? I’d assume Mitchell is the first guard off the bench and primary backup PG. What happens to TD and Holiday? Does DDV return or is a sign and trade the best possible outcome?
Most of all, what does Monte do to plug the hole at PF with little beyond the MLE to spend in free agency?
I feel like I’m reading the promo for the next season of a soap opera.
All these questions. I’m getting anxious.
The players mentioned are not worth worrying about in relation to who we pick at 4. I could care less about what happens to the likes of Donte, TD and Holiday. They’re bench players, simple as that.
I totally get that, but if DDV were retained ($10M per year?), along with TD, Holiday, and Mitchell, that’s a lot of the cap (roughly $25M) getting eaten up by bench guards when you don’t have a starting PF. That makes things more difficult for Monte to reach the mandate from ownership to make the playoffs.
I just get a feeling that drafting a player like Chet, Paolo, or Murray fills a big hole and makes the roster construction all the easier for Monte going forward. He’d have to really love Ivey at #4 because one of those 3 will definitely be there to pick from even if Ivey is still there.
sign and trade with DDV?
If you rank the most likely to be a Top 3 draft buster:
Jaden Ivey – moderately unlikely
Shaedon Sharpe – unlikely
Keegan Murray – highly unlikely
Anyone else – totally out of left field unlikely
If you turn that around and ask: Who is most likely to fall out of the Top 3 for one of the Ivey, Sharpe, Murray :
Holmgren – highly doubtful
Banchero – highly doubtful
Smith – not going to happen.
At least that is what it looks like more than 3 weeks out.
If you rank the most likely to be a Top 3 draft buster:
Jaden Ivey – moderately unlikely
Shaedon Sharpe – unlikely
Keegan Murray – highly unlikely
Anyone else – totally out of left field unlikely
Confusing 🤔
I admit, my ability to confer the simplest of thoughts can be wayward and confusing. I was trying to query: who is most likely to take one of the Top 3 out of their spot?
Why would they pass on Ja or Spida for Mo Bamba, Rashard Lewis, or Keith Van Horn?
Well, because those aren’t even remotely the options. Aside from the Rashard Lewis comp, they aren’t especially close. And Rashard Lewis was a very good player very much on the level of Mitchell and Ja.
I wouldn’t quite put Lewis on the same level as Ja.
So if the rumors are true and Detroit wants Ivey this is what I would do if I were Kings management. Put out a false leak saying the Kings are leaning toward Ivey. Then go to Detroit and say we would swap picks for Isaiah Stewart and a second round pick. I’m more focused on the process and how management uses the pick to maximize their return. The advanced scouts will determine what particular player to chose.
I would also be shopping Fox to the Knicks or Wizards and play them off each other. I’ll take Toppin, Quickly, Walker and the Knicks pick for Fox. If the Knicks also want Holmes they can have him.
This would be a young exciting roster that will likely struggle but improve throughout the year.
Mitchell, Walker
TD, Sharpe (?), Quickly
Barnes, Toppin,
Sabonis, Lyles
Stewart, Koloko, Queta,
plus Knicks pick (Jeremy Sochan ?)
The spacing on that starting 5 would be horrible.
You want to trade the #4 for the #5 and Stewart? Why would you start Stewart next to Sabonis when that is basically like starting a smaller Holmes next to Sabonis.
Also, I know you are super high on Koloko, but why are you trading for Stewart to be you starting C if you are picking Koloko (who is actually older than Stewart)?
Sabonis, Stewart, Koloko, and Queta? Are you building a frontcourt to play in the 80’s?
Especially in a wing league.
First of all you’re not going from today’s roster to a perfect roster in one year. Second it’s the process I’m talking about because you, me and the rest of the bloggers have no clue about these players. There’s much more knowledgeable people who have studied these players for a much longer time. Third when you’re talking about fit, you really have no clue what you’re talking about unless you have some playing and coaching background you can share. Four this strategy basically steals Stewart and a second round pick for nothing. Five don’t count out Koloko from expanding his game, I know personally he’s working really hard on his perimeter game. Six, I don’t expect Koloko in year one to be a starter he certainly has some development needs which is why he’s projected early second possibly late first, hence the need for Stewart who really has a different game. Seven, Walker still has utility and would be a great buffer for Mitchell as he develops which I think he will. Eight, if you’re drafting someone like Sharpe who I know little about as do you, you would hope he would provide modern day front court skills and along with the other players on that prospective roster would eventually provide a very balanced roster.
Other than that, I agree with you.
With that proposal we are getting Stewart, Sharpe, Quickly, Toppin, Sochan, Walker, Koloko and a second round pick and just giving up Fox and you’re talking about spacing. Im astonished at the thumbs up you got.
In a wing league? Really. What are Luka, Yoennis, Joker, Embiid, Curry, etc. It’s a players league.
At least you don’t have to focus on the playin . Team to get 25 wins – ugh .
Sometimes your ideas are solid, and others (like this one) I have no clue why you suggest them lol
right on target Mike
I was on the trade to Detroit train for #5 + Grant or a 2023 #1.
But doubt Pistons would trade a 2023 even protected and now I am not sure if Grant is worth it- rather keep Ivey
You’d rather keep Ivey, really? And what do YOU really know about Ivey. Don’t answer because I know the answer.
Answer- I have seen Ivey tapes, I have seen Ivey games, I have seen Ivey in person and I have read others opinions. That’s not a lot but it is what I got.
I suspect that we are all in similar positions: lots of opinions, bits and pieces of knowledge.
There is no clairvoyance here.
and yes, at this point, I do believe that there is a top 4 and if Ivey is #4 I would- if this was me- I would take him. A trade down 1 to Detroit is not unreasonable but if that happened I would want a big price and I would take Murray. The big price would be a 2023 #1 but most teams are reluctant to trade that since it is the Victor draft. I am not sure right now if Grant is worth the difference between Murray and Ivey.
With all do respect, there is so much amateur/clueless talk about fit it’s laughable. The Kings need talent not fit but I will say this talent usually equals fit and fit means a winning roster. That and these laughable debates about whether a player is a 4 or 5 or a 1 or 2, is really just uninformed talk. You think that Kerr and the Warriors are in the locker room debating if Green is a 3 or a 4, or do you really think Kerr worries about getting a 1,2,3,4, and 5 on the court. When he puts Curry, Thompson, Poole, Wiggins, Green on the court is he worried about if Wiggins is a 3 or 4. You could also apply this to the Celtics.
agree that BPA is the best route.
I do not at all agree with trade to NYK
the lineups are clunky
So, BPA in draft, avoid redundancy in trades like this one to NYK + Detroit that brings back too many centers.
Monte needs to do everything he can to get Ivey. This kid is the real deal, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes number one,
I suspect he will be top 3. Not quite sure who gets replaced but I think OKC will trade down for an Ivey fan ( Detroit? )
I hope Banchero doesn’t fall to the Kings. He’s not Thomas Robinson, but not a fan because of the Julius Randle comparison.
Banchero’s long and midrange games are miles beyond Randle’s at this point in their careers. A better comp is probably something like a healthy mid-career Blake Griffin.
Does Paolo rely on his athleticism like Blake did? I only ask because Blake’s game took a nose dive in his late 20’s due to losing his explosiveness.
Maybe he’s a “modern” version of Blake. More skills, less highlights?
That’s why I said mid-career. Paolo absolutely doesn’t not have young Blake’s extreme explosiveness. But he does have good athleticism, balance, and footwork. That said, Blake’s best season was probably in DET. He had lost some of his explosiveness, but he had added a lot of skill. That’s the Banchero comp I’m talking about.
Maybe Tobias Harris with Blake’s passing is a better comp
Dude, who’s comparing him to Randle. They are completely different players.
agree ( we can agree you know)
Banchero much different than Randle who is a ball hog.
Just throwing this out there, articulate and charismatic prospects tend to express higher BBIQ and fighter mentality that Jimmy Butler exuded in the ECFs. I’ll admit, I was riding the Sharpe train pretty hard until I watched an interview of his where I got glimpses of Tyreke 2.0. Dude lacks in fire in the belly. Obviously I am not so provincially minded as to equate speaking ability with basketball skill. But I do think there’s something to be said of the fact that so many of the greats have married those two qualities — MJ, Lebald, Kobe, Giannis — speak with a sense of gritty mission and display an analytical mind. I want a guy like that on our squad. Tyrese had it. Looking at this draft, some articulate, charismatic dudes coupled with sheer skill I’ve observed thus far (I have not listened to every first round prospect speak): Banchero, Murray, and (someone who really impressed!) Jalen Williams.
Hey hey now, we’ve had Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley, and even Ben McLemore! BBIQ for days!*
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*Winter days in northern Alaska
I have a suspicion that someone will like Ivey so much that they trade up to #2 with OKC and take Ivey.
That would drop Chet to the Kings.
Badge Legend