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The Sacramento Kings are looking to build a roster good enough to make it to the postseason. Sacramento has not made it to the playoffs since the 2005-2006 season.
They are looking to end this drought, as shown by their trade for Domantas Sabonis at the deadline. Sabonis showed promise alongside star guard De'Aaron Fox, but they lacked talent around them to even make it to the play-in tournament. Finding defensive guys who can shoot is what the Kings need to do to build out their roster.
The Kings had good luck in the NBA draft lottery, ending up with the fourth overall pick. While adding a player at that spot will be valuable, finding players later in the draft would help build up their depth and core.
Sacramento has two second-round picks, which they could use to add quality role players if they draft well.
With that said, here are three sleeper prospects for the Kings to target in the 2022 NBA Draft.
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Kings sleeper 2022 NBA Draft prospects
3. Christian Koloko
Christian Koloko could be a solid selection for the Kings in the second round. Koloko has the makings to be a good backup center in his first season. While he has plenty of room to improve, he looks to impact the game as a rim protector instantly.
Last season at Arizona, Koloko averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. He shot 63.5 percent from the field and 73.5 percent from the free-throw line.
Koloko's defense and size would make him a good contrast to Sabonis, who is an offensive-minded big man. Although he needs to improve his shooting and consistency offensively, Koloko could have an impact right away or Sacramento.
2. Jake LaRavia
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Jake LaRavia is a forward that has the traits of what the Kings need. LaRavia is a good shooter and a decent defender. Last season at Wake Forest, LaRavia averaged 14.6 points per game along with 6.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
He contributed on the defensive end, with 1.7 steals and one block per contest. He shot 55.9 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from behind the arc. LaRavia has the tools to contribute as a quality role player and would be a tremendous fit for the Kings.
1. Peyton Watson
While Peyton Watson didn't get much playing time in his freshman campaign at UCLA, he is still a talented prospect. Out of high school, Watson was a five-star recruit and is only 19 years old.
He is an all-around player with a ton of potential, making him an interesting second-round talent. Watson is a great athlete that can score, rebound, and defend well, with flashes of being a solid playmaker. He needs to improve his consistency as a shooter and not force up bad shots.
While Watson isn't as much of an NBA-ready prospect as the two aforementioned players, he has the most potential. If the Kings decide to take the approach of what player could be better in a few years rather than who can instantly contribute, Watson could be their guy.
Sacramento has an important offseason ahead, as they are on the road to ending a long playoff drought. It won't be easy, but nailing the draft would help their roster improve.
The Kings have shown that they want to be competitive, and it will take a phenomenal offseason to do so. Sacramento has a star duo with Fox and Sabonis and have the assets to build a playoff roster around them.
