While the wild celebrations go on in the city of New York, and Jalen Brunson has been given the key to the city, NBA fans all over America wait like a 4-year-old at Christmas for the NBA draft to take place.
The long-awaited draft will finally bring into focus what G.M. Scott Perry is all about. No more inaction and waiting to see what other teams will do, it’s time to show up and let the Sacramento Kings fans get a glimpse into who they really have.
Much discussion has taken place with so many mock drafts, and most pundits are reciting names in their sleep.
While sharpshooter Darius Acuff Jr. remains a longshot possibility, a likely candidate that will still be available as the Kings pick at #7 is none other than Kingston Flemings, and that is not a bad thing.
For the Houston Cougars last season, Kingston scored 16 points per game with 4 rebounds and 5 assists, and while those numbers aren’t gawdy, they are certainly respectable.
Listed at 6’4” with an average wingspan, it’s his on-courtpresence and basketball I.Q. that have teams interested in taking a closer look.
Without a doubt Kingston has competition, and names like Mikel Brown and Braydon Burries top the list that Kingston will have to contend with. Still, Kingston has the intangibles that matter, and among them is a strong family presence that continues to support his journey. Raised in a tight-knit Texas home, Kingston understands the team concept, and although I don’t pretend to know the mind of Scott Perry, Kingston Flemings passes the litmus test.
Now is the time for the Sacramento franchise to come home with a sold pick and not something that brings up nightmares from the past. No more Marvin Bagley’s or Thomas Robinson’s. Now is the time tonotget cute or to try and show the league that you know better than they do.
I’m not wanting to see an overseas candidate come out of nowhere. Staring this franchise in the face are solid players that can make a difference on a team that is in rebuilding mode.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will the Sacramento Kings build a team overnight.
The #7 pick in this year’s draft needs to be a player that will make an impact, but he doesn’t have to be a franchise player to make a difference.
No Luka Doncic or Cooper Flagg waiting this time around, but just as Jalen Bruson was selected 33rdoverall in the 2ndround, anything can happen if you don’t try and get too creative.
I’ve said before and I’ll say again, the foundation of this team is Domantas Sabonis, and there’s a reason why so many teams have an interest in trading for him. Domantasisa game changer, a consummate team player that never takes a night off, and a true leader that young players can aspire to.
Tuesday night is finally here, and it needs to be Christmas time for the Sacramento Kings. Make a sensible selection and feel good that you’ve just made your team better.
Go back to work and help Keegan Murray to find his shot again. In particular, the past two seasons Keegan looks like the player who’s lost his confidence, and it’s up to Doug Christie and staff to build his confidence back and remind him that he’s the guy that led the entire nation in scoring while playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Russell Westbrook, who last season exceeded everyone’s expectations, is eager to return for one more season with the Sacramento Kings, and this year with a healthy team he can make an even bigger difference than he did last year.
It’s time to celebrate Kings fans because having a top ten pick in the draft is not something to be taken lightly.
If the experts are to be believed, this is one of the deepest drafts in decades, and the Kings enjoy not only a first round pick, but two second round picks as well.
Tuesday night will reveal how well Scott Perry and staff have done their homework, but don’t be too surprised if you hear the name Kingston Flemings!
All the best Kings fans because a better season is just around the corner!
V.G.Harris
