The NBA has finally set a firm date for the 2020 NBA Draft: Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
In the COVID-19 era of live sports, all dates are subject to change, but the NBA is operating as if November 18 is locked in. The league recently released pre-draft protocols detailing how teams can safely conduct in-person workouts and interviews, so it feels somewhat safe to say that draft season is finally upon us. For real this time.
From Oct. 16 to Nov. 16, teams may schedule 10 visits of up to 4½ hours with draft-eligible players for the purpose of in-person evaluations, interviews or medical evaluation, according to the memo. Each team will be allowed to send three team personnel and one physician to the city where the player resides. Players may be accompanied by up to three individuals, such as a family member, trainer or agent. Teams may meet only twice with any single player.
A locked-in draft date equals updated mock drafts, and we saw several big updates from top mock-drafters hit the internet last week. Let’s take a look and see what they had to say about your Sacramento Kings.
The Ringer | Kevin O’Connor
12) RJ Hampton, Guard, New Zealand Breakers
“New Kings general manager Monte McNair spent years in Houston helping build a system led by two lead guards. Could he attempt to replicate it in Sacramento? With De’Aaron Fox in place, a prospect like Hampton could make sense. He’s raw, but brings size and long-term scoring upside.”
The Athletic | Sam Vecenie
12) RJ Hampton, Guard, New Zealand Breakers
“For the Kings particularly, Buddy Hield seems to be on his way out via trade if his behavior on social media is any indication, and Bogdan Bogdanovic is a restricted free agent this summer that the team will need to make a decision on paying real dollars to under a new regime led by Monte McNair. McNair comes from the Daryl Morey tree much like Gersson Rosas, and the Morey tree tends to go upside hunting in the draft, feeling like they can find role players much more easily than stars. It wouldn’t be surprising to see McNair take a similar approach, but any option would seem to be up in the air.”
Sam Vecenie also detailed RJ Hampton’s sudden rise up the draft boards in a full column last month.
Sports Illustrated | Jeremy Woo
12) Devin Vassell, SF, Florida State
“Sacramento is at a minor crossroads this offseason, with new GM Monte McNair taking over basketball operations and inheriting a roster in need of some reshaping. The Kings presently lack for defensive-minded pieces, and Vassell should be able to shore up the wing for just about any team, with plus length and the ability to keep defenses honest with the threat of his jumper. Right now, opposing teams don’t have a strong bead on what Sacramento will do here, but Vassell is solid value if he makes it to this spot. He’s viewed as one of the safer picks in the draft, albeit with some difference of opinion surrounding his upside due to average athleticism and a lack of innate creativity playing off the dribble.”
Devin Vassell had an interesting week outside Jeremy Woo’s prediction that he’ll be playing in Sacramento next season. A video of his new shot mechanics from a recent workout went somewhat viral on draft twitter. It’s not great.
Video that’s been circulating on Twitter. Devin Vassell’s form has been completely changed for the worse. pic.twitter.com/pxG0DbQxFg
— Main Team (@MainTeamSports) October 15, 2020
Vassell’s form looks bad here, but we don’t have much context outside of that. Is he just fooling around? Is the person who released it trying to tank his stock? Does it matter? Will it impact where he gets drafted? Time will tell.
ESPN | Jonathan Givony
12) Saddiq Bey, Forward, Villanova
“Bey is a competitive, efficient two-way player who made 45% of his 3-pointers this past season and showed at Villanova he knows how to play a role and make winning plays. Like every NBA team, the Kings could stand to add more options on the wing, and Bey can fit into any almost any lineup with his versatility and decision-making.”
It’s worth noting that Givony hasn’t updated his mock draft since the night of the lottery, but in the interest of being thorough in a round-up of the more prominent mock drafts out there, ESPN should be included.
Tankathon
12) Precious Achiuwa, Power Forward, Memphis
Tankathon doesn’t provide written analysis for their mock draft, but it’s a great draft site with consistently updated mock drafts, scouting reports, and data that everyone interested in the draft should have bookmarked.
The big takeaway after sifting through the most recent mock draft updates is obviously the rise of RJ Hampton, including two of the best mock drafters slotting him in at 12 to the Sacramento Kings. This doesn’t actually mean anything, of course, as the likelihood of accurately predicting the 12th pick a full month away from the draft is pretty rare, but Hampton’s name entering the pool of potential picks at 12 is notable. He wasn’t predicted for selection this high as of few months ago. Is it just agent posturing, or a legitimate rise? We’ll find out on November 18.
For further draft reading, you can also check out our very own Bryant West’s 2020 Draft Big Board, Version 2.o.
1) Christ, Vassell turned into a trebuchet.
2) I’m not really understanding the love for Hampton. I’m really worried about his shooting. If paired with Fox, I’m not sure defenses will play on honest perimeter defense and will just let the two of them shoot.
3) Of this list, put me down for Bey. Good size and length to play a SF. Can shoot damn near lights out. He’d allow the Kings to move on from Buddy if drafted. All that being said, I’d prefer Nesmith over Bey, and slot him in as SG alongside Fox.
Nesmith is my favorite as well. Bigger version of Buddy who will actually play within his role
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t agree with taking RJ Hampton in the lottery – I agree his physical talents may be lottery level, but I’ve not been impressed in the games I’ve watched – but I clearly will need to watch a ton more tape on him if the Kings do select him. Surprised at his big mock draft jump over the last few weeks.
Right? The guy played in just 15 games in the Australian league and definitely struggled. I just don’t see it.
I guess he’s been working out with Mike Miller in Memphis, and these draft guys are all hearing whispers that he’s really developed since finishing the season in New Zealand. Chris Vernon on The Ringer lives in Memphis and was talking about it in his pod last week.
Yeah I heard that Chris Vernon podcast and he was saying that all the people he’s talked to have been raving about how good Hampton looks. I take everything that happens overseas with a huge grain of salt and I always try to remember that these guys are 18 years old playing against grown adults and that has to be tough no matter how much talent a prospect has. Plus if he really has completely changed his shot mechanics he could be a pretty big potential sleeper in a draft without much star power. I also trust Vecenie quite a bit and he seems to have really come around on Hampton.
So the Knicks are taking him at 8 right? That’s how this works…
Let them, especially if it helps Haliburton fall to #12
I trust Vecenie a lot and, obviously, they have A LOT more information than I do. Especially now when pretty much all scouting is behind closed doors because of COVID. That said, my lack of interest in Hampton was never really based in his shot. At the most basic, from what I saw, he’s essentially all physical tools right now. None of his basketball specific skills are strengths as of the end of his run down under.
BHE, I think you are mistaken when you say he’s all physical tools right now. I encourage you to take a deeper dive. No question his handles are very good, and he has advanced moves, killer crossovers, and can get anywhere he wants on the court. At the high school level, I understand why most of his highlights are him beating his man, driving, dunking, because that was easy for him. But his handles are a skill, not a physical tool. Overseas, I think he showed progression in different types of playmaking. A good place to start is the 28 minute film breakdown with Mike Schmitz on YouTube. His playmaking looks good and will improve. The 50 minute scouting video on YouTube is misleading because it is front loaded with bad plays that make him look like a chucker and backloaded with the better highlights.
With R.J. Hampton, I don’t think any prediction is right or wrong because it all depends on his shot. If it does not improve, he could be a bust. If it does improve, he’s a top 5 player in the draft. Like you, I was initially put off by a couple things. But after scrambling to find guys worthy of a #12 pick, I took a deeper dive into Hampton. There’s a good breakdown of his game film with Mike Shmitz on YouTube, which got me started.
Mike Miller tweeted some workout footage a couple weeks ago of Hamilton and dude’s shot looked legit, close to 80% in an around-the-world kind of shooting exercise. Clean release, clean follow throughs, text book, almost the opposite of Vassel’s above. What I don’t know anything about, however, is his BBIQ, one thing this team needs a
littlelot more of, especially if the team decides to move on from Bogi this offseason.I’m basing this on a number of assumptions, such as Bagley being healthy & contributing, one or the other of Hield/Bobo playing elsewhere by the trade deadline, and a few other things, but isn’t the Kings’ biggest hole (aside from talent) the need for a solid defensive big that’s a credible threat from three?
I hope that Bjelica and Holmes will be around (barring good return in trade), but while Holmes’ defense is pretty good, and Bjelica spreads the floor, they are still undersized against legit centers.
I have no issue with taking the BPA, but is there anyone in the draft that has the potential to be a rim protection stretch 5? Whoever we get is going to have to be a legit defender, though.
I’d say the Kings biggest hole is playmaking, passing, and general BBIQ. From any position aside from a one-position PG, IMO. A solid 3-and-D big would be nice. As would a 3-and-D wing. But those are role players. The Kings need the foundational playmakers that enable the role players to focus on their roles. Without them we’re going to keep asking limited players to do too much. And keep getting mad at them for it.
Well said
Yeah I completely agree. This team isn’t going anywhere unless they get smarter and add playmakers. We definitely need to get better on defense but I think guys with high BBIQ usually end up figuring out how to play decent defense within a team concept.
R.J. Hampton is definitely someone the Kings should look at. His shot might determine whether he is boom or bust. Great athlete with great handles and explosive moves. Can get anywhere he wants on the floor and is improving his pg reads. With Mike Miller he has changed where he plants his feet on the shot, widening the base. With Penny Hardaway, has been working on his pick and roll reads. Also has worked out with Fox a lot and a recent article on the Athletic says Fox could benefit from a better combo guard off the bench, suggesting Hampton, Kira Lewis or Cole Anthony.
I’d love to check out the Athletic article that talks about Fox working out with Hampton. Can you pass that along?
There are two recent articles on The Athletic. One is by Vencine, about Hampton and why he’s buying into his shot. There’s another article within the last 24 hours about how Fox would benefit from a young combo guard in the draft. I forget where I read that Fox and Hampton have worked out together, but I think it was more casual, over the summers in Texas, ie., not like training with Mike Miller or Penny Hardaway. Here’s the like to the more recent Athletic article.
https://www.google.com.co/amp/s/theathletic.com/2142087/2020/10/19/kings-draft-analysis-getting-deaaron-fox-help-may-get-the-kings-on-point/%3famp
Here’s one by sbnation saying Hampton and Fox have trained together over previous summers.
https://www.google.com.co/amp/s/www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/college-basketball/2019/5/1/18524317/rj-hampton-recruiting-nba-draft-memphis-kansas-texas-tech-scouting-report-prediction-highlights
I don’t remember this article saying that Hampton worked out w/Fox, but here’s a Vecenie article that discusses how he’s supposedly improved his shot mechanics.
https://theathletic.com/2093647/2020/10/01/vecenie-why-im-buying-r-j-hampton-stock-after-changes-to-his-shot-mechanics/
The link is above. Sbnation, May, 2019, scroll down to the Q&A with a scout. It’s not an Atlantic article.
Hampton seems to be a reach at 12 and I don’t really see the Kings taking him at that spot. I would prefer a guy like Nesmith or Bey or even Poku if we’re talking about really reaching for a player. I just don’t see it with Hampton to be honest. Only way I can see the Kings grab Hampton is if they somehow acquire a pick in the late 20’s and even they do acquire a pick, he wouldn’t be my first choice either.
I would like to see the kings trade Buddy along with the 12th pick for a established young veteran that can come right in and contribute. Buddy and the 12th pick should net the Kings a player that’s pretty good.
Like who?
Sorry. I don’t have any particular names. I was simply throwing out a scenario of trading a disgruntled player, adding a established young veteran with upside so the kings don’t have to wait 2-3 years for a number 12 pick to develop.
Understood. I think the only possible “young veteran” within reach with a Buddy trade is Myles Turner, and that shouldn’t take the #12 to be included.
Also, depending on what Atlanta decides to do, they be able to take Buddy for their #6 and filler. I’d love to take Huerter off of their hands.
I feel like Atlanta will be able to do a lot with their cap space as it’s going to be a very hot commodity this coming season. Lots of contenders will want to use that space to facilitate trades. I think it’d be stupid for them to use it on Buddy.
As would I, but I don’t think they want anymore future assets for taking on bad deals. They are already one of the youngest teams going into next season. Buddy might be a solid vet to have next to Trae and might get them sniffing the playoffs in the East.
That being said, I think they should take Haliburton or Nesmith at #6 to pair with Young and call it a day.
They need to do something this season. They’ve got Collins to pay for soon, then Trae’s max after that.
That is where I kind of thought Buddy might work for them. His highest salary is next season then descends. It would be less impactful when it is time to max Young. Dedmon also comes off the books then (if he is even still with the team).
Playmakers and High BBIQ guys. Killian Hayes would be nice with Fox, but he most likely will not be around past 6 or so.
No more high jumping/fast running dudes that don’t have basketball skills (a la Bagley and McLemore).
I know salaries don’t exactly match up, but it can be done including some low salary fillers. My asinine trade idea:
Kings receive: 2020 4th overall pick, Andrew Wiggins
Kings send: Buddy Hield, Richaun Holmes, 2020 12th overall pick
Warriors receive: Buddy Hield, Lauri Markkanen
Warriors send: 2020 2nd overall pick, Andrew Wiggins
Bulls receive: 2020 2nd overall pick, 2020 12th overall pick, Richaun Holmes
Bulls send: 2020 4th overall pick, Lauri Markkanen
How it improves the Kings: Andrew Wiggins would pair nice with Fox – both hyper athletic and Wiggins would be a favorite target for Fox. With a lineup of Fox, Bogdon, Wiggins/Barnes – 4th pick can be used to fill out the PF or C spot with Toppin or Wiseman.
How it improves the Warriors: Warriors would have the ultimate win-now team. Imagine this lineup – Curry, Hield, Thompson, Markkanen. ALL of these guys shoot the 3 pointer at a very high percentage for their positions. Probably the best 3 point shooting lineup of all time.
How it improves the Bulls: Bulls trade up for the 2nd pick and grab one of Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball. Bulls have been looking to trade up, according to some rumors. The Bulls desperately need playmakers on their squad and Ball fits the bill exactly. Edwards would not be a bad consolation prize with his superstar potential. Either player would be a major boon to this team. Holmes is a good big-man replacement and Bulls can opt for other players like B-Jelly if they don’t like Holmes. Bulls also use the 12th pick, which is also pretty valuable, to fill out their depth.
12th pick can be moved around as a balancing factor if one of the teams feels fleeced.
I’d want a hell of a lot more compensation to take on Wiggins deal. It would start with this year’s #2 AND next year’s Minny pick (protected 1-3) and it wouldn’t include our #12 or Holmes. Even then you’d have to twist my arm pretty hard.
Buddy and Parker for Wiggins and the two picks and I might think about it.
Agree with this.
Also disagree that Wiggins is a nice fit next to Fox as he’s not a good 3pt shooter and plays zero defense.
Or we can just maintain a team with Bogi or Buddy on the bench and overpay both…
…and squeak out 37 wins.
I honestly value Bogi more than Hield. Playmaking + 3 point shooting over just 3 point shooting. No use overpaying both players where both players want to be starters. A move has to happen now, whether it’s a sign and trade with Bogi or trading off Hield.
I value Bogi more as well. Buddy is sigulary great at one thing, but even then he was 28th 3pt percentage. His skill isn’t as rare as it used to be, especially at his price. Bogi has the better overall game, IMO.
That’s a pretty sweet deal for the Warriors. And nobody else.
I don’t think Wiseman or Toppin are worth giving up Hield, a good value Holmes, #12 AND taking on a huge negative contract. That’s a lot to give up to jump 8 places in a weak draft.
Edited: I take that back. The deal is okay decent for the Bulls as well.
Probably Toppin at #4. I think he has (a younger) Carmelo Anthony type potential. I know Wiggins is overpaid. Everyone knows that. He’s still a good player and can be a 2nd or 3rd scoring option. Maybe the Kings hang onto the #12 and I think it’s a fair deal. Put Wiggins into the mix with Toppin/Bagley and suddenly you have that high-octane identity for this team.
Wiggins isn’t a good player. Getting Minny’s 2021 1st rounder would be necessary for me to possibly be interested in trading for Wiggins.
20 ppg, 45% FG, 33-34% 3-point at 24 years old isn’t good? I mentioned good, not great. I know everyone looks at his contract, but contract aside, he’s doing much better than most players in this league.
The Kings would have no cap flexibility even without him. Hield’s contract is starting to look pretty bad, also.
Not seeing the point of drafting to replace current players on our team
the current iteration of our team has made me more reticent of some of these back half of the lottery wing talents, given Buddy/Barnes/BOgi impact/contracts, which probably isn’t fair to Nesmith who can’ be better than them
This comment wasn’t in reference to Hampton, sorry
Not really interested in Hamptom, especially at 12.
My personal picks for 12 haven’t changed much:
The top 3 are my favorites of the 3-10 range that I somehow hope slip
5 is zero sum.
I think the confusion may be Buddy’s trade value. Some think its truly high. I think being benched and with the coming possible cap hit his value isnt where it should be, and there isnt much point to ship him out other than rebuild
But hes only 27, and has game that doesnt rely overly on athleticism. So not seeing why you would IMO ship Buddy out for cents on the dollar to replace him, when detractors already complain that his role may not be as impactful as other possible upside available in the draft.
Thats not to say I dont think Nesmith is a solid prospect who can be better than Buddy, certainly defensively
Nesmith is already better than Buddy in terms of team defense. Much bigger, taller, long wingspan and can certainly play the guard and wing position. He also has a really smooth jump shot just like Hield and is 6-7 years younger. I’m really high on Nesmith and I really think he could be a really good player. If he is there at 12, I would certainly take him even if guys like Vessell, Okoro or Hayes is still there at 12.
I havent scouted him enough to have a strong opinion, but why does being bigger, taller, wingspan matter if hes going to play SF? Is he not athletic enough for the 2? Is he a bit of tweener in that respect?
Nesmith is more of a 2 than can also play the 3 without compromising the defense. Basically you want him as your starting 2 beside Fox and if you want to play small ball, you can slide him to the SF spot since he is big and lengthy enough to guard opposing wings.
Basically he is a younger, bigger, taller version of Buddy with a better defense and basketball IQ
Buddy is a 20/5/3 type player, with elite splits, who IMO had a down year with an ill fitting coach.
Its generous to assume Nesmith will match or improve upon those numbers, but again, is it easier to draft a prospect who can be a better version of an existing hole on our team?
You’d have to love Nesmith as a prospect or really think Buddy has trade value that can really help the team out, to go that route (subjective I guess)
Well of course Buddy is the better player NOW compared to Nesmith. Selecting Nesmith for me did not had to do with the future of Buddy as a King. I just like Nesmith as a prospect for the Kings 12th pick. If we were selecting between the 5th-8th range then my selection would differ as well since I like Haliburton in that range. Does not mean I’m still going to select Nesmith.
Buddy buckets works well as a spot-up shooter and a speedster, getting to his corner before the defense could have time to set up plays. The combo of Fox, Hield and Cauley-Stein running down the floor after a rebound was what made the Kings win 39 games in the 2018-2019 season. Hopefully they go back to that run n’ gun style this coming season.
Hopefully people will be scared enough for Vassell to fall down to 12.
But once he’s here, that Tyreke catapult shot needs to end with extreme prejudice.
Realize I am a bit late to this, but I don’t know if I fully agree with this:
The Morey tree believes in asset accumulation and efficiency and using that to improve the roster. It’s how they traded for Harden, CP3, etc. Now they have taken some risks, but they aren’t Hinke-like in their chasing of upside. Just trying to classify their first round picks into clear upside picks and safer / more stable selections:
Upside
Clint Capela: Small risk on a more raw, but athletic overseas prospect
Royce White: Talented, but with very clear, public psychological battles
Stable
Sam Dekker: A junior from a big program with impressive stats
Jeremy Lamb: Productive soph. from a big program, but not an elite athlete
Marcus Morris: Junior out of Kansas with strong production, but limited upside
Patrick Patterson: Highly productive junior with limited upside out of Kentucky
Nikola Mirotic: Highly skilled European prospect, drafted where projected
Aaron Brooks: Senior guard from a big program with strong production
Unclear
Isiah Hartenstein: Solid overseas prospect late in the first round
Terrance Jones: Can argue upside, but a productive prospect from Kentucky
Note: I don’t count Batum or Gay as both of them were traded in draft day deals and it’s unclear that Morey selected them (versus taking them at the request of Portland and Memphis). In fact, trading Gay for Battier, while not a draft pick, is another example of taking a stable player without traditional upside (though Battier was very impactful).
I can’t speak to the whole GM tree or McNair’s role in all of this, but I think the premise is actually untrue. Morey seems to have generally played it safer and has drafted a lot more productive juniors and seniors than raw, high upside fliers.
In fact, even if we moved Jones to upside both Jones and Royce White were very skilled players who had questions to varying degrees about their mental makeup. But both could dribble, pass, and shoot as big men. And even Capela had just averaged 11-7 and 1.1 blocks per game shooting 72% in Euroleague play (20-12 and 2 per 36), so while we can call him an upside pick based on some of his raw skills and athleticism, he was a highly productive player in one of the top leagues in the world.
While McNair might have his own style, the Rockets history might lead you to believe he would be more interested in someone like Vassell, Smith, or trading down and getting a Bane, Tillman, Tillie, or Dotson.
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