The Sacramento Kings were one of the biggest winners in the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery. They entered the night with the seventh overall pick but luck was on their side as they jumped up into the fourth selection.
Sacramento made a blockbuster trade ahead of the deadline, acquiring Domantas Sabonis from the Indiana Pacers. It was not cheap, as they traded Tyrese Haliburton as part of the deal, but they are hopeful that Sabonis and Fox is a strong enough combo to help push for a playoff spot.
They could certainly use some help, and the No. 4 overall pick could be used to help bring some in. While this draft is considered a three-horse race for the top pick could be seen as a negative for the team picking fourth, for the Kings, it could actually benefit them.
Sacramento is desperate to snap their 16-year playoff drought, so if there is a team that falls in love with a prospect and wants to ensure they can select him, the Sacramento Kings will be open for business.
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Rival teams believe Monte McNair will be on the lookout for an impact veteran that would cost the No. 4 overall pick, or they will move down in the lottery and snag a rotation player in the process.
Whatever the Kings decide to do, the 2022 NBA Draft very well could get started with their pick. With analysts believing some combination of Jabari Smith Jr. out of Auburn, Paolo Banchero out of Duke, and Chet Holmgren out of Gonzaga is the consensus top-three, it is a mystery how the board will fall after that.
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The pre-draft process will be key in sorting things out. The Sacramento Kings are certainly hoping that someone further down in the process falls in love with a prospect and comes calling looking to make a deal.
The New York Knicks are one team that could look to move up if there is a point guard prospect that separates themselves from the pack, as New York is currently slated to select 11th. They could dangle Julius Randle as a trade piece, embracing the youth on their roster for the upcoming season.
