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The Sacramento Kings have entered win-now mode after trading for Domantas Sabonis at the deadline. While Sacramento didn't make it to the playoffs, they have a star duo in De'Aaron Fox and Sabonis that pair well together.
The Kings could make a push for the playoffs next season with a great offseason. Adding depth to the rest of the roster is crucial to competing with other teams in the Western Conference. Fox and Sabonis are a good foundation, and building a well-rounded roster around them is essential.
They had great luck in the draft lottery, ending up with the 4th overall pick. That pick will help Sacramento tremendously, whether they draft a top prospect or trade it away for an established player.
With that said, here are the three biggest needs for the Kings entering the 2022 NBA Draft.
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Kings' Three Biggest Needs
3. Bench Depth
The Kings could use a revamp on their bench, as they lack playoff quality depth. If they want to compete against teams in the West with superstars, they will need to have more depth.
While Fox and Sabonis are good, it will be hard for them to match the star power of a team like the Warriors. Signing or drafting quality backups can help the Kings outplay other teams.
2. Starting Quality Shooting Guard
Sacramento had a backcourt of Fox and rookie Davion Mitchell after trading Tyrese Haliburton. Mitchell is more of a point guard, and it was an undersized backcourt. If the Kings want to maximize their play next season, adding a starter quality shooting guard is crucial.
Running two-point guards in the backcourt makes it difficult to keep up with teams that have size. For example, the Boston Celtics' length and size have helped them make it to the NBA Finals.
Sacramento can attack this position in multiple ways, whether it's through the draft, free agency, or trade.
Victor Oladipo could be an option in free agency, as he revitalized his career in the playoffs with the Miami Heat. He has shown that he can be a capable scorer when playing off of other stars.
The Kings could also use the 4th overall pick to select a shooting guard like Shaedon Sharpe.
Whatever method they choose, Sacramento needs to find a way to upgrade their shooting guard position.
1. 3&D Forward
While the Kings have Harrison Barnes, who is a 3&D forward, they need to add another high-quality one. If Sabonis is going to be the center for the team, they need to add a defensive forward that can play the three or the four depending on where they want Barnes to play.
Fox and Sabonis are not great shooters, which is why it would be preferable if this forward could shoot the three-ball. Sacramento could trade for Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant to fill this role. Grant has been linked to the Kings, but it could be difficult to pull off a trade.
The Kings could also use their fourth overall pick to select a forward for this spot. A less flashy addition could be Otto Porter Jr, who has been a solid role player for the Warriors.
Porter Jr has received key minutes at crucial points in the playoffs for Golden State. This would be a cheaper option but better than not signing anyone at the position.
The Kings have an eventful offseason ahead as they look to end their 16-year playoff drought.
