The Sacramento Kings lucked out in the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, as they moved up three spots from their pre-drawing position. Although they aren't in a position to land a top prospect like Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren, they are as close as they can otherwise get.
However, the Kings should try to move into that positioning. Sacramento is wisely considering a trade using their fourth overall pick. But that should not be a trade-down or for an older win-now type of guy. Holmgren is a win-now guy with the potential to become a true star.
Although the Kings would also be smart to trade up in the hopes of landing Jabari Smith Jr. or Paolo Banchero, Holmgren should be their guy. They should move up in the NBA Draft to obtain his draft rights.
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3 reasons Kings must try to trade up to get Chet Holmgren in 2022 NBA Draft
3. Holmgren is much better than any option at no. 4
This point is brought to you by Captain Obvious, as it is the whole point for even writing this piece. Still, it should be noted that Holmgren is significantly better than any of the other players that will fall to the Kings.
For starters, Holmgren is the best defender in the class. He is as close to a complete package as a prospect can get, as matching up with bigger players is his primary deficiency. He moves his feet well and contests shots, especially at the rim, extremely well. On offense, he can do a lot.
Holmgren is considered the unicorn prospect of this year's draft. The only other players who provide such intriguing skillsets at impressive sizes will be taken in the top three. There are other prospects better at certain areas but Holmgren is a tremendous jack of all trades, which is still better than a master of just one.
2. Holmgren has a lot of offensive versatility
Although Holmgren isn't going to be commanding the ball on offense and going to work against anyone, he can do so much on offense. The Kings already have the players to support him on that end and the Gonzaga star can step right in to help in a variety of ways.
With a Slenderman-like frame, Holmgren has the build of an ideal lob option. He also has an impressive shooting touch that should allow him to finish over defenders. His 3-point shooting is very impressive as well. He won't be a lead playmaker but he is a smart one that can keep the ball moving.
If Sacramento needs more shooting in the lineup, they can move Holmgren to the center spot and space the floor. If they want to go bigger, they can run with Holmgren and Sabonis. Both bigs can make plays for the other and switch between playing near the hoop or at the top of the key.
1. The Kings need defense
Although Sacramento really needs help on both sides of the ball, their route to becoming a good offensive team is clearer. De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis could be a solid enough one-two punch to lead a respectable offense. Holmgren will also be a massive help on that end while potentially being a massive fix for the defense. As alluded to previously, Holmgren is a defensive stud in the making.
Holmgren would fit nicely next to Sabonis on the defensive end. While the veteran uses his brute force to hold up bigger players, Holmgren can roam and step in when needed. He can also cover ground in the perimeter and muck up passing lanes. If any prospect can step in and be a key defender right away, it's him. In this case, the jack of all trades is a master in one very important skill.
Clipped up Chet Holmgren’s defense vs Memphis — the good and the bad — broken down into 1 on 1 defense, pick + roll defense, rim protection + defensive rebounding. Some bright spots using his length + some struggles vs physicality. Holmgren ultimately finished a team-high +18. pic.twitter.com/QWN4bWiL1J
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) March 20, 2022
The Kings, above all else, need high-end talent. The odds of finding that in Chet Holmgren are arguably the best of any prospect in this year's NBA Draft.
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