According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Sacramento Kings have won a coin flip against the New Orleans Pelicans to land the 12th position in the NBA lottery.
Sources: 2020 NBA Draft Lottery tiebreaker winners:
New Orleans/Sacramento (28-36): Sacramento
Houston/OKC/Utah (44-28): OKC, then Houston, then Utah
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 17, 2020
Although the Kings actually ended the 2019-2020 season with a better record than the Pelicans, and behind the 10th place Phoenix Suns and the 11th place San Antonio Spurs, the NBA previously mandated that the Orlando bubble games would have no effect on lottery positioning, outside of the Portland Trail Blazers making the playoffs and moving to the 15th pick. Prior to the hiatus, the Kings and Pelicans posted the same win-loss record of 28-36, leading to Monday’s coin flip.
According to Tankathon, a resource all too familiar to Kings fans, Sacramento now holds a 1.5% chance at the number one overall pick, a 1.7% chance at the second pick, a 1.9% chance at the third pick, a 2.1% chance at the fourth pick, and an 86.1% chance at sticking in the 12th spot. If things go horribly wrong the Kings have a slight chance of moving back, with a 6.7% shot at 13th and a 0.1% possibility of a historic slide to 14th.
With those numbers in mind, assuming that the Kings don’t somehow move back, they’ll have a shot at one of the top-12 players on our very own Bryant West’s big board: Anthony Edwards, Onyeka Okongwu, Deni Avdija, Isaac Okoro, Killian Hayes, James Wiseman, Devin Vassell, Tyrese Haliburton, Obi Toppin, Tyrese Maxey, Cole Anthony, or LaMelo Ball.
Who said the Kings never win anything?
Was it a bitcoin flip?
Huzzah!
I guess we won the lottery in 2018 getting the second pick in a big draft.
But then lost the lottery getting Vlade to do the picking.
So yeah, the Kings never win anything. 🙁
Breaking: Kings win coin flip, sign Joe Dumars to four year extension.
Breaking: Vivek said it was a toss up between a 2-year or 4-year extension. Coin flip resulted in 4-year extension.
They’re exited for the 12th pick?
In a 9-10 player draft. Because, of course.
But it’s okay because even the top tier is only “top tier” because someone has to be. The Kings will be drafting from the 2nd tier (which is full of 3rd and 4th tier prospects). See? Makes perfect sense.
here are a couple guys in those tiers (after top 10) that could help the Kings. Saddiq Bey and Xavier Tillman. Bey is a wing, 3 point shooter, who can guard 1 through 4. Does not get lots of steals and blocks, but guards well. Developing offensive game. Really added a lot to his offense in sophomore year. Not explosive but is a patient player who thinks the game at a Bogdanovic pace. High floor. most have him going in the mid first round. And Tillman? Well, not a sexy pick, but we’re talking about a good defensive center who can guard 4s also, good passer, ran more pick n roll with Cassius Winston than anyone else in the country, high IQ, knows how to make the right play, NBA ready. Fills a need, especially since Bagley is the only big man signed beyond next year. I think that’s a nice top 12 and there are many other intriguing first rounder to consider.
I like Tillman a lot and would probably have him in the lottery on my personal board. I’m not impressed with Bey. He can’t really guard 1-4. His defense is a lot more like Barnes. He’s a fine, solid prospect. Low ceiling, moderate floor. Which isn’t really an archetype I can get excited about.
That’s a good comp in some ways. More of a wing than a 3/4, but I see the comp. Surprised you like Tillman also. He is a late first /early second on most mock drafts.
I think that “more of a wing” idea is going to look A LOT different when we see him against NBA wings. I think he’s absolutely a 3/4 in the NBA. Tillman is right up my alley. High BBIQ, well-rounded, good length, high effort, mature. If there’s one thing you’ll learn about me it’s that BBIQ and passing ability/willingness are basically my costs of entry.
I think Tillman’s floor and ceiling are the same, which sort of makes him off the charts.
they can find a player who helps the team, a solid rotation player in year one with potential to be a good starter. There is nothing wrong with that.
Technically I agree. Unfortunately, the Kings have yet to turn a pick outside of the top 10 into a good starter during the Vivek era.
This is true. So very very true. And it really fucking sucks.
but maybe we’ll get lucky!
Sure, but it’s not likely. Getting rid of Vlade certainly doesn’t hurt, but if you come out with a rotation player at 12 in this draft, that’s a pretty big success.
The thing is there aren’t really any prospects being projected in the 12 range than are any more likely to be that guy than guys being projected in the 2nd round. A smart FO would see that and either try to jump into the first tier (top 8 or so picks), or move down to grab additional assets.
I honestly still believe the best thing to do would be to make a trade that allows them to move up in the draft. It’s obviously counter-intuitive, but there’s probably no better year to move up to grab a guy you like. You may actually be able to package one or two of your second round picks to move up. That’s a pretty cheap price to pay to give yourself an opportunity to pick from the tier 1 players.
If there’s a guy you really like, then absolutely. Personally I can’t say with any conviction that there are any guys at the top of the 1st that I like meaningfully more than some guys being projected at the end of the first.
Don’t we have like 75 2nd round picks over the next 4 years?
Sign me up if Obi Toppin is available. Tankathon has him going at pick #10.
He’s at least a more developed version of Bagley. But man is his defense rough. Maybe NBA trainers can solve some of his lateral stiffness/slowness.
It will be interesting to see the combine (if they have it this year) if he is really deficient in that area. Of if he was just told to take it easy on that end because he had to carry such an offensive load.
I really don’t think any coach ever tells a player to take it easy on defense. Some players do, of course. But to me that’s a mentality red flag. That said, in the handful of games that I watched Toppin, effort didn’t seem to be the issue so much as just having really stiff hips and below average lateral quickness.
Yeah it’s a concern for sure. I’m really interested to see the combine times though.
I find the combine times misleading. He could easily put up a great lane drill time and still have problems applying that functionally in-game.
Very true.
Honestly, the physical measurements and the scrimmages are the only elements of the combine that really interest me. Maaaaayyyybbbbeeee, getting a look at someone who has been working on their shot. But I wouldn’t put any stock into the actual makes or misses.
We did have the winning bid on Travis Outlaw though…
Easy to win when you are the only one bidding…..
something positive. phew. i needed that.
I have a question. Not sarcasm. Is Dave Joerger on the list of coaches who the Kings might contact? To me that does not seem like a crazy idea. He has had success in “small market” franchises, and the Brandon Williams feud is probably over. What do you think?
I don’t think he would ever return to work for Vivek under any circumstances.
Maybe if Vivek made him GM and head coach, gave him ownership stake, a 10 year fat contract and came crawling back with, “You were right, I was wrong… You’re the best, I’m the worst… You’re very good looking, I’m not attractive…”
Maybe then he’d consider it… but outside of that probably not 😉
One of the only things this organization is good at is burning bridges.
And fucking up the 2018 Draft.
Christ, that would mean we’re the Raiders of the NBA. Please, no.
No the Raiders have a few titles.
Maybe when basketball hell freezes over. In other news, todays high will be 110 degrees.
Well, the pitch was “You can play basketball here outside in the winter”. It didn’t explicitly say you could play outside in the summer too.
Hi guys, first time commenting, long time lurker from sac town royalty. I don’t why anyone who in the organization that really wants to succeed why they would not see if any Of RC Buford’s assistants or Danny Ainge’s son wouldn’t want to come here ? Of course given full control of the team and decision making. Those are both teams that have been pretty successful for the most part. If this has been discussed. Apologies ahead of time.
Sidenote: what are you buying us, Akis?
Vox Media to pay out a $4 million (!) settlement to former SB Nation team site managers.
worst Rickroll ever
hmm..I guess everyone will just have to take my word for it.
Hey, I found this old AM/PM commercial from back in the day. I know it’s not a Rordog that the dude is making, but it still reminded me of you:
Gosh darn it. Okay, that doesn’t work.
These MFers are just taunting me on Twitter at this point. The RORDOG family prides ourselves on our averageness!
If it was the Heat, Memphis of Denver making the pick, We may have ourselves a player. But, since were Talking Kangz player personnel, He’ll probably be out of the league in 2 years.
If Haliburton is available at #7, call the Bulls and offer them Bagley and Buddy for Markkanan and the #7. If they balk include the #12 as well.
New lineup: Fox, Haliburton, Barnes, Markkanan, Holmes.
Do with Bogi as you wish.
Yes, I think Haliburton will be one of the few special ones in this draft.
I like Haliburton as well, but I’d still rather have a 2021 1st. And I’m not sure what the Bulls would do with Buddy unless they plan to move Lavine. Which, if I were them, I would.
If I were them in that situation, I’d slide LaVine over to SF and Porter over to PF. I think that is more of a natural position for them in today’s NBA. They’d start of group of: White, Buddy, LaVine, Porter Jr, Carter.
That looks like a team that would have a lot of trouble defending anybody. And without the offensive firepower to make it worth it.
In the past, I’d have been, “who cares?” but now that it isn’t a certainty that the pick will be traded for a sack of magic beans, I’m hoping we grab a sleeper out of this purportedly bad class.
IT COULD HAPPEN.
I am not saying that I want Dumars to assume the FT position as GM. But, that Detroit team from 2003-08 went to 6 straight Eastern Conference Finals. That’s pretty impressive. I think his experience and contacts help. But, yes a new GM would certainly be first choice.
Why Exactly is Dumars here?
Don’t doubt he trades the pick with Fox and Bagley for the #1,2 or 3 to his future employer.
Don’t be sure this is going any different than Vlade.
Dumars was brought in to keep Vlade from ordering Acme products in his quest to catch the roadrunner.
Alas, he failed, as evidenced by lackluster decision-making and the complete absence of roadrunners.
“Its going to be different this time I can feel it”
Beck
Ooooooooh damn that’s a mast conspiracy!
Nasty
I also just want to make sure we do what we can to put pressure on Vivek to actually create some sort of positive momentum. They have an opportunity to create a juggernaut. As most of us know, there is no salary cap for front office executives. They can either put together the best front office that money can buy, or they can continue to do the exact opposite. I think it’s important to continue to scream at ownership so they know we aren’t satisfied with simply getting rid of Vlade. They should know we will continue to express our disappointment until they do the right thing.
LOL I’m listening to the No Dunks pod and they brought up something I didn’t realize at the time. Vlade received a second round pick when he allowed Scott Perry to take the GM job with the Knicks. He then traded that pick back to the Knicks last season.
Hahaha, wow!
Is that the pick where he moved down to deaft Kyle Guy and got cash along with the move back?
I believe so.
Everyone knows that we always screw up our first round picks so it doesn’t matter where we pick but now this disaster of a coin flip has us move back in a round where our expertise in drafting is just slightly below average . We were robbed!
I thought we moved up? Am I missing sarcasm?
Sorry. I was funnier 60 years ago. It was a lame joke that the flip moved us up in round 1 but the Pelicans pick in front of us in round 2.
Vlade, Dumars. Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Deck chairs and the Titanic come to mind.
Here’s a fun draft stat.
In 2018 we had a 50 percent chance of drafting Luka Doncic, because Phoenix was the only team picking ahead of us.
Once Phoenix selected Deandre Ayton, our draft odds actually increased to 100 percent because we had the next pick and Luka was still available.
Amazingly, we did not end up with Luka Doncic despite a zero percent chance of not drafting him.
Luka set an NBA scoring record for a playoff debut tonight, the same night that as Kings fans we’re talking about the stupid ass lottery ¦ again.
I feel that either Walton or Buddy needs to go. It’s never going to work between those two as long as Buddy believes he should be starting. If Buddy would accept his role he could be a sixth man of the year candidate for as long as he’s a King. Maybe Bobby Jackson can get in Buddy’s ear about what a difference maker he could be coming off the bench.
I’m so tired of the attitudes on this roster…. Joerger was too hard on them, so they bring in Walton, and they they walk all over him. A new FO culture would ensure this crap wouldn’t happen again.
Not defending Buddy’s attitude, but he was a high end offensive SG under our last coach. If we keep him, we need a coach that will put him back in the Klay role. Under Walton, he thinks he’s Kobe.
Can we get better at ping pong balls Thursday?
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”> Sources: Kings expected to hire executive search firm for GM job<br><br> Preliminary list of candidates said to include Scott Perry (Knicks), Bobby Webster (Raptors), Danny Ferry (Spurs), Mike Zarren (Celtics), Adam Simon (Heat) and Trent Redden (Clippers)<a href=”https://t.co/AzsAPwxnGg”>https://t.co/AzsAPwxnGg</a></p>— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) <a href=”https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1295748534013014023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
Semi-encouraging. But Scott Perry and Danny Ferry?
Shit, I CANNOT embed a tweet properly.
But yeah, that’s a good list. I have no real interest in Perry or Ferry (though I would have been surprised if Perry wasn’t on there). But all the other guys are interesting options. I think, with my very limited knowledge, if I had to rank them I’d go Webster, Zarren, Redden, Simon.
What’s wrong with Ferry? I also have no real interest in Perry. What has he done in NY since becoming the GM there? Anything notable?
I also hold a grudge against him for contributing to us not selecting Luka. Had he honored his contract in Sacramento and not gone out looking for a new job after being hired three months prior he may have convinced Vlade to not make the worst decision of his life and prevent all Kings fans from having their hearts literally stomped on Every time the Mavericks play for the next 10-15 years.
Ferry just has baggage from some controversial statements he made years ago. Which shouldn’t discount him necessarily, I believe he has addressed those comments and come clean so to speak. But he’s also been out of the executive game for several years, as far as I know.
Eh, I just don’t want to deal with Ferry. Fair or not, the PR around his ATL departure would doubtlessly be an issue. Since he isn’t among my top choices, it isn’t worth it to me.
And Perry has just been part of so many terrible FO’s in a row, that it’s hard to get excited about him. But his history with Dumars in Detroit kinda forces him onto the list.
So Perry would be the crony hire. …shit, it’s probably going to be Perry.
who did that last billboard? Can we put a new one up that says, Don’t hire Perry ?
or better yet,
don’t hire Perry
&
Trade Buddy
Perry’s allure is that he’s just so well connected. Unfortunately, he seems to utilize those connections poorly. He’d make sense as like a member of a dream team front office, but not as the top decision maker.
I didn’t realize that Webster was the boy wonder in charge of cap issues at the league office, one of the principle architects of the CBA, and as such basically consulted for a bunch of teams on how to utilize the cap in their team building.
Yeah, not a fan of Perry here either. He shined bright here, because he was competent amongst a group of hacks. But he also was here when we signed Z-bo and Hill. And traded back to get JJ and Giles with Mitchell on the board.
And I think he got fleeced in the Porzingis deal.
Yeah… so…
hard pass!!!
he was part of Zbo and hill? Fuck no then!!!!
I forgot about the porzingis is deal. That was not handled well at all!! Actually very Kangzy. So…
BREAKING NEWS: Kings Hire Scott Perry. Vivek was happy to announce his new hire for GM and credited Perry’s handling of the Porzingis deal as the deciding factor.
Same. Although I know very little about Redden or Simon.
Redden has been pretty highly respected as a star in FOs for a while. He was with Griffin in CLE before moving to LAC. He was up for the NOP job (that Langdon ended up with) but decided not to pursue it.
Simon has been with the Heat forever. Really his allure is been steeped in a famously well-run org.
Wait a second. Those names might be decent, but Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Miami … those are big market teams. Do they really know what it takes to have a successful small market team?
I don’t see any reason to think a smart executive wouldn’t adjust their strategy based on the situation. I think people make WAY too much of the market size thing. The Kings market size (which isn’t even especially small) is not what’s been holding them back.
Yeap. 16 years of incompetence is.
Edit: if y’all are confused, 16 because let’s be honest. The last two years of Kings playoffs shoulda been blow it up mode and tank for the draft.
like someone above mentioned earlier, this could be an affordable draft to move up in. Two second round picks and presumably the 12th pick moves you up how far?
two 2nd round picks, presumably the 12th pick and Corey Joseph or jabari Parker moves you up how far?
personally, I think they should move up to get Deni Avdija.
I’d even trade buddy to get him at #3 for example. Maybe that’s too crazy? I like this Deni kid. I think his game is exactly what the kings need. High motor, good/inspired defender, good passer, high IQ, can play multiple positions and is a serious looking play maker.
I’m on the Deni train! Talk about a great fit with Fox!! Bye Buddy.
Maybe to 8-10 if you’re really lucky and find a team that REALLY doesn’t want to pay a top 10 salary? I don’t think it will get you all that high. Joseph and Jabari would move you the wrong direction.
Which may not be high enough to get Deni. That said, you could consider going the other direction, picking up some extra assets and taking Bolmaro in the late-1st instead. He’s also a playmaking wing. A bit less shooting and size. A bit more passing and defense.
This is a good one man. Hadn’t heard about him. Good scouting.
not a bad idea. You are seemingly right. I only watched one 5 minute highlight real though. From that you can see that he’s an outstanding distributor which I love. Also appeared to play inspired D.
I’m so down on buddy these days. I’d much prefer a SG in this vein. Defensive skill, passion and IQ plus all the tools in the tool shed. As opposed to buddy’s top of the line shooter 2000 that has its own special climate controlled shed with no other tools allowed inside.
At the moment, one of my preferred routes (if we were to focus fully on getting the most value our of the 2020 draft alone and only dealing with the 1st round) would be moving back for more assets and targeting Poku/Bolmaro and stashing them, and targeting Tillman/Bane for the roster.
Is there a way we can get you on the Kong’s payroll in the scouting department? Granted all I can do is watch some strength and weakness videos and have zero college basketball references for any of these guys but I like your list.
we like similar types of players I think.
high motor, high IQ, above average passing ability, desire/heart for playing defense. And of course you throw in shooting somewhere in there. Honestly though shooting might be my last priority from all I listed above. I’m a believer that their shot will always get better no matter how bad it is and sometimes it gets a lot better real quick. And when that happens you have an absolute stud.
No one is untradable, even Fox.
I hope the new GM can change the whole roster, and building a roster surrounding a certain players……..
Getting Deni Avdija would be nice, maybe adding few piece in 2021 will be prefect
So this just surfaced on Twitter – I realize anything could still happen, but if this is true – I give 100% credit to Vivek and Dumars.
https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1295748534013014023?s=20
This would show that:
1 – We are conducing a thorough search (even using a firm)
2 – Are reaching out to top candidates
3 – Are reaching out to candidates not directly connected with the franchise or Dumars
4 – Are reaching out to candidates who would demand VP-style control of the organization
Again, I realize that tomorrow they could declare that Hedo has been named GM and will be evaluating players for Dumars to select from.
But I do feel legitimate hope here that we will select or at least go after qualified candidates. And even if Dumars stays on in a senior role (which is fine) – he is looking for a GM who would be at least a Junior VP with some broad organizational control and not just someone to serve as a glorified Director of Scouting / day-to-day operations.
BREAKING: Vivek names Hedo Turkoglu as Kings GM. Will be evaluating players for Damars to select from.
Does the GM need a beard .. Coach Vince Carter is waiting in the wings, just needs to go all Harden.
My top three from that list would be Webster, Zarren, and Ferry. Don’t know much about besides the fact that they work in smart organizations.
If you want to know more – listen to this excellent series by Kings’ superfan Jillian Adge.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1286339
Any chance there’s a transcript somewhere? Or a Cliff’s Notes?
Proof will be in the pudding.
I always kinda look at Anderson’s scoops with a bit of skepticism. In the article he uses the phrase could include. I guess it’s good that the theoretical list includes a bunch of top execs, but I’ll probably hold off on getting excited until we see the list of candidates that are actually willing to take the job.
The other weird thing is it seems like they’re making it clear they are going to take time with the decision. Why would a potential GM want to take over after a bunch of critical decisions have been made? Wouldn’t they want to have their team in place before the draft?
The list slso include Brent Barry which interests me a lot as he learned his chops from RC Buford and Pops!
what do you think?
Personally, I think they should focus on up and coming young guys (and gals) and try to build a deep FO instead of chasing big names. I’m not really an expert on who those young up and comers are, but they’re obviously out there.
Doesn’t get much younger than Webster!
unfortunately he went to UCSB. The Mustang in me will always be bitter towards our rivals to the south.
Also, I got a chuckle reading his Wiki. I guess he’s from Hawaii, so I can only imagine how hyped Vivek would be to get a GM that he can shaka with in photos.
“The Mustang in me” reminds me of this classic Pence tweet:
Pro Webster?
Though if they hire a guy from another FO, obviously, that person would already been well into draft prep. They’d have to adjust for draft position and roster, but they’d at least theoretically be familiar with the prospects and the market.
I’m sure the situation is fluid. I Just got the impression the new GM would not be in place prior to the draft.
Certainly possible, though I would think that any GM candidate interested would much rather have control over this draft. I could see that being a BIG sticking point for some. Having to answer in my first season for decisions I didn’t make would definitely give me pause.
Anderson updated the article with a statement from Dumars:
I guess that leaves open the possibility that the decision may be made prior to the draft. But the draft is basically 2 months from today.
I feel like NOT doing it by draft time would be kind of absurd. Then again, it IS the Kings.
I mean, the Bulls hired Karnisovas on April 13 and he hired Eversley on May 1.
I don’t really see any reason the search should take more than a month or so. Assuming they’re proactive about it.
If I’m reading it correctly, Dumars is basically just in charge on an interim basis, but he’ll also be a candidate the search firm will interview to take over on a permanent basis. What’s not clear to me is what position the search firm is responsible for. It seems weird that a firm would hire a GM. Shouldn’t they be in charge of finding the President of Bball Ops, and then that person would be responsible for hiring a GM? The timeline changes based on what position(s) need to be filled.
You know what would clear up this confusion? Vivek actually holding a press conference (or interview) instead of relying on Vlade and press releases.
So Joe, what would you say you do here?
So if we hire Perry we’re basically drafting who the Knicks would’ve drafted?
Here’s the exact wording:
That reads to me like the team is a) hiring a firm, and b) here’s a list of execs the firm could target. That’s different than saying here is the list of execs the Kings will target.
Definitely. But without rank speculation what would we have to talk about?
Yeah I just think Anderson has a way of implying speculation is based on sources with knowledge of the Kings thinking.
Yeah, I would be really surprised (pleasantly) if a guy like Zarren showed any interest.
Does the Executive Search firm have the final say?
i think the Sac Bee column says Vivek & effing Matina have the final say!
which brings us back to the same root of the problem
nailed it. If Vivek/Matina are in charge, nothing has changed. Hell, Matina is the only constant in this franchise the last 14 years, no?
Well, I mean, a search firm would normally narrow down the candidates to a couple/few selects. So if the options put in front of Vivek/Matina are Webster, Zarren, Redden, then we’re probably okay.
Matina: “Ew, that’s who they’re recommending? But those guys want their own staff and coaches and blah blah blah. Joe’s so nice, and he said Luke can stay and that I could make the next draft pick. …Always wanted to do that.”
Vivek: “Well Matina, these guys are professionals. We paid big money for this firm to research this for us.”
Matina: “I’ll put it this way: Either make Joe the GM, or the shits gonna hit the fan real quick. I know where the bodies are buried, need I remind you…”
Vivek: “Joe it is.”
Matina: “Thanks V. I knew you’d see it my way.”
More than 14 years I think…
I would love for this to be true and we hire someone from that list (besides Perry.)
However, it’s still Vivek and Matina running the show, so I’m still expecting Dumars to keep the job.
I would love to be wrong.
Let’s get the player we need in Xavier Tillman and who ever is at 12.
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