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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De'Aaron Fox
Mar 26, 2017; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Adebayo (left) and guard De’Aaron Fox (right) react in the lockerroom after losing to the North Carolina Tar Heels. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

. Point Guard. Kentucky. De'Aaron Fox. 5. player. 67

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.

De’Aaron Fox:

As for De’Aaron Fox in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"Unlike other prospects in this draft class, Fox possess the typical size that NBA teams look for in a point guard. He also has explosive speed that is very hard to match. The left-hand dominant point guard is very good at pushing the tempo, but also can be effective when the pace of the game slows down. When involved in the pick-and-roll game, Fox is very capable of creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Fox’s defensive ability is the strongest area of his overall game.  He gives just as much effort on the defensive side of the ball as he does offensively, and is a very capable defender both on and off the ball. He plays an aggressive style of defense, but also plays smart and avoids picking up costly fouls."

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 with as they begin the post Cousins era.

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