Thunderous Intentions
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2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik Monk
Mar 19, 2017; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /

Kentucky. Malik Monk. 10. player. 67. . Shooting Guard

Team Needs:

Rebounding is a major issue with the Kings ranking 28th on offensive boards and total rebounds as well as 25th on defensive boards. Rim protection is also an issue (blocks 26th). Yet the main problem with the frontcourt is offensively versatile bigs or 2-way players. To that end, playmaking is another major issue with the Kings ranking 28th in field goal attempts and 24th in makes.

Free Agents:

  • Darren Collison -UFA
  • Tyreke Evans -UFA
  • Langston Galloway – RFA
  • Rudy Gay -UFA
  • Ty Lawson -UFA
  • Ben McLemore – RFA

Roster Gaps:

The team needs speak directly to the gaps in the roster.  A playmaking point guard is a definite requirement as are 2-way bigs who excel at rebounding and rim protection. Moreover, after years of flux adding a player with leadership potential and positivity could go a long way to returning this franchise to the cow-bell competitive days of yore.

Malik Monk:

As for Malik Monk in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"Malik Monk can be a prolific scorer at the pro level with his ability to hit shots even with defenders in his face whether from two or three point range. He can be a streaky shooter who goes off in batches at a time.  With a quick first step his ability to move well in transition and in the paint will improve as he gains strength and size."

Overview:

Like many of the top lottery teams Sacramento is building for the future. Now assuming Vlade Divac knows how to draft something other than a big man this talent-rich draft (specifically in the lottery portion) could set them well on their way. In fact, only the absence of a consistent shot by Fox stopped him from ranking higher.

Although it’s just this scribes opinion Fox could well be the steal of the draft. And, if Vlade hits pay dirt with his second pick he immediately provides the Kings with a young core to move forward within the post Cousins era.

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