2. Top-3 Slip
There has been a lot of chatter when it comes to figuring out how the top of the 2022 NBA Draft could shake out. The early consensus seems to be that Jabari Smith Jr. out of Auburn will go first overall to the Orlando Magic.
After that, some combination of Chet Holmgren out of Gonzaga and Paolo Banchero out of Duke is expected to go second and third.
However, there have been some rumors that the Oklahoma City Thunder, who own the second overall pick, could use their selection on Purdue guard, Jaden Ivey. If the Thunder shakes things up and selects the explosive Purdue product, one of the top three will fall down the board.
That is where the Sacramento Kings can take advantage of owning the fourth overall pick. If one of Smith, Holmgren, or Banchero is passed on in the top three, they can stop the slide at No. 4.
LATEST NBA DRAFT NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Packages For Sacramento Kings Using No. 4 Pick in 2022 NBA Draft
Filling a frontcourt spot alongside Domantas Sabonis is something Sacramento could do should Ivey be selected in the top three. Harrison Barnes could slide over to the small forward spot in that scenario as well, giving the Kings a different look and some more size to combat what could be an undersized backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell.
One of those three players could very well lead to the Kings holding onto the selection. This scenario would help them fill a need on the roster, as Sacramento doesn’t particularly need another guard for the rotation if Donte DiVincenzo is retained in restricted free agency.
