The Sacramento Kings are the biggest winners of the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery. They jumped up three spots and landed the fourth overall pick.
After a disappointing season in which they made a big move at the trade deadline to bring in an All-Star, the Kings have the chance. Trading the pick for a more established star would be a solid move, as there could be some stars available. If Sacramento is going to keep the pick, they should look to add the best player they have available to them at the fourth spot.
Although the Kings landed just outside of the top three in a draft class with three clear top players, moving into the top five is a definite win regardless. Let's take a look at the three options that would best suit the Kings.
3 best options for Kings after getting 4th pick in 2022 NBA Draft Lottery
3. AJ Griffin
The Kings could use a reliable 3-and-D wing alongside De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, especially if Donte DiVincenzo leaves this offseason. Griffin is just that and has a lot of upside.
Griffin already has the 3-point shooting part down. He shot 44.7 percent from deep on 4.1 attempts as an 18-year-old at Duke. He showed that he can shoot off the catch and the dribble. Although he is not super fast, he knows how to use his body to drive. He played a part of his freshman season with a knee injury, so he may not have been able to show his full abilities.
As for the defense, Griffin certainly has the potential to become a solid defender at the next level. He has an NBA-ready frame and has shown that he can use his hands well on defense. The area of concern will be with his quickness, as he may have trouble staying in front of speedy and/or shifty ball-handlers may be challenging.
Griffin can step in and be a solid role player right away as he grows his game and becomes more than just a role player. The Kings could have a high-level wing on their hands if they pick him fourth overall.
2. Shaedon Sharpe
Despite not playing a minute of college basketball, Shaedon Sharpe is a very intriguing player.
Sharpe's athleticism is simply unbelievable. The 6-foot-6, soon-to-be-19-year-old wing has a seven-foot wingspan and can reportedly jump 49 inches in the air, which would be a record if officially recorded.
In his pre-college games, Sharpe showed a knack for cutting and crashing the offensive glass. He also has shown that he can get buckets off the dribble. Bringing him along slowly is a necessity. Although the Kings want to win now, they may have to wait, possibly even send Sharpe to the G League, for his skills to materialize.
Letting Sharpe roam the baseline for offensive rebounds and lobs from Sabonis would be a very effective offensive linchpin for the Kings. They could try to work him into being a solid perimeter defender. There exists numerous possibilities for the player Sharpe can come.
1. Jaden Ivey
It may seem odd to add another point guard after drafting Davion Mitchell last year and still having De'Aaron Fox. However, the Kings have to go with the best player available when they pick in the NBA Draft. If Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. are all gone, that player is Ivey.
In his sophomore season at Purdue, Ivey posted per-game averages of 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 46.0 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from the 3-point line. His scoring is predicated on his fantastic strength and explosiveness but he can shoot it, too. Because Ivey is not a great playmaker, he actually may be better off as the shooting guard next to Fox.
The issue with Ivey is his defense. Although not being a great defender may actually make him fit in pretty well with a poor defensive team like the Kings, the team is hoping they can get a two-way contributor out of their top pick. If — and this is a big if — Sacramento can instill a passion and energy for defense in Ivey, he could be a solid defender.
Follow Us
Subscribe