Draft or playoffs?

Goal for this year


  • Total voters
    21
  • Poll closed .

kingsboi

Hall of Famer
#31
Oh I am not sleeping on Porter. I am secretly wishing that we drop a max contract on him in the summer and see if Washington matches. They have maxed out Wall and Beal and might think twice about maxing out Porter.

Harrison Barnes got a max deal last summer and Porter is a better player than Barnes. Porter has had a ridiculously underrated season so far. If his usage rate was higher, he would have been getting more talk about the all-star gig this year.
I can see the Wizards building their nucleus around Wall, Beal & Porter. They are all young and growing together. Unless something drastic happens, Porter will be out of the question.
 
#32
I can see the Wizards building their nucleus around Wall, Beal & Porter. They are all young and growing together. Unless something drastic happens, Porter will be out of the question.
I suspect you are right but it wouldn't stop me from reaching out and making their life a bit uncomfortable, is nothing else than to maybe force a Wall trade down the track.
 
#38
I think it is pretty obvious what the franchise has chosen. Operation keep the pick is in progress.

Since this team is in desperate need of everything at the moment, it must be the case of best available which hopefully is not a SG.

I guess someone will start a draft prospects threadsoon enough. I have to say I am liking Fox from Kentucky. While he is not a great shooter at this stage, his speed, ability to get to the rim, ability to ser up others and his defensive potential apeals to me. If Willie is a piece that Kings want to move forward with then they better get a PG that will set him up in pick especially out of pick and rolls.
 
#39
I still pick the draft. I don't want the playoffs this year because it doesn't help long-term. We know that we're not going to win it all. However, the ultimate plan is winning it all. And this is where I think 2 draft picks, especially 1 in the top 10 will be able to help us.

If the Kings get a top 10 pick, then it means they can find their franchise PG, or even perhaps, their own franchise player. About every single team in the NBA has a franchise PG, except the Kings. This draft pick is going to be important. We'll also get the Pelicans draft pick too.

What's better than having potentially 2 lottery picks? Especially in a great draft. Imagine if we can draft a Curry-type player? Someone who could heavily impact and influence our franchise, and become the face. With our young core, we could even build what GSW did. 2-3 years of extremely nice young potential, into becoming championship contenders. That's the ultimate goal. I don't think we get there without the 2 draft picks.
 
#40
Here's the thing... If we make the playoffs then it means we hopefully have a bunch more games like last night. If that's the case then it also means our current assets (wcs, skal, buddy) are vastly over performing expectations which imo is far more beneficial long term than adding one more top ten pick to the roster. So, I guess for me it's more about how we make the playoffs... If it's with a bunch of games similar to last night's then sign me up!
 
#41
I still pick the draft. I don't want the playoffs this year because it doesn't help long-term. We know that we're not going to win it all. However, the ultimate plan is winning it all. And this is where I think 2 draft picks, especially 1 in the top 10 will be able to help us.

If the Kings get a top 10 pick, then it means they can find their franchise PG, or even perhaps, their own franchise player. About every single team in the NBA has a franchise PG, except the Kings. This draft pick is going to be important. We'll also get the Pelicans draft pick too.

What's better than having potentially 2 lottery picks? Especially in a great draft. Imagine if we can draft a Curry-type player? Someone who could heavily impact and influence our franchise, and become the face. With our young core, we could even build what GSW did. 2-3 years of extremely nice young potential, into becoming championship contenders. That's the ultimate goal. I don't think we get there without the 2 draft picks.
Totally agree. We need to keep the pick this year.

As for the PGs, I don't think we're going to have any shot at Fultz, Ball, or Smith, so that really just leaves Fox & Ntilikina as possible PG selections. I'm really wear of Fox's shooting ability in this day & age, and like what I've read about Ntilikina. I'd be curious to see if you have any opinions on either of them and what your preference would be.

As for the Pelican's pick, there's nobody really that I'm both in love with and makes sense for our team. I'm assuming the pick will be around 12-16 when it's said and done, so we're more than likely looking at Giles, Bridges, R. Williams, Rabb, Patton, J. Collins, Hartenstein, & Anunoby. That's a ton of big men, but I'm not in love with the idea of taking another PF/C when we have Cauley-Stein, Labissiere, & Papagiannis already. Bridges & Anunoby can swing between SF/PF so maybe they make a little more sense.

Having said all of that, I don't think we're in a position of getting "cute" with the players we want. We should be taking the best player available in my opinion as we really need to get as much talent as we can at this point, but we could be looking at a young core like this after the draft:

Ntilikina (SAC 1st) / J. Evans (PHI 2nd)
Hield / Richardson
Bridges (NOP 1st) / Bogdanovic
Labissiere / J. Jeanne (SAC 2nd)
Cauley-Stein / Papagiannis
 
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#42
I think it ends up being the draft pick regardless of what we want. I liked the results of the game last night but it's going to take time for the guys to figure things out. I think the half-court offense is going to take some time to get down especially without Cuz to lean on.

The draft pick makes more sense given our roster and where we are going, but whatever.
 
#43
It's a fluid situation. If N.O never gets off the ground and we keep getting W's there's no reason to change course. A playoff experience for the players and a high pick for the team is on the table.
 
#44
As long as we don't miss the playoffs and lose the pick, which very well could happen, I'm OK.

I also like the sounds of Ntilikina, in the 6-10 range, and Bridges should be good to fill the SF role in that mid 1st round range.

Two 2nd rounders can maybe be traded up? as 4 more rookies would be a lot.
 
#45
With our draft pick, it's hopeful that we land somewhere around 7-8. This means that the top 3 PGs are gone. We'll be left with the 2nd tier guys in Fox and Ntilikina.
I'm not the biggest fan of Fox because he can't shoot. Shooting from the PG position is extremely important in today's NBA, however, he's still young. He recently turned 19 in December, so it does give me hope that he'll be able to add a 3pt shot to his game. I don't think he'll ever be a good 3pt shooter, but I think he can be someone who can knock down open 3s. As long as teams aren't leaving him wide open to guard other players, then we should be ok. His athleticism, quickness, and playmaking looks almost elite. He seems to be a smart player who flashes some scoring ability, but he's definitely a pass-first PG. On defense, I think he could be really really good. His potential seriously comes down to his shooting. I really like him. I think he's ready to contribute day 1, and he has still a ton of potential left. He reminds me of a cross between Elf Payton and Rondo(he can really push a pace like Rondo does).

Ntilikina is going to be more of a project. With seeing how Willie, Richardson, and 1 game of Skal have developed so far, it leaves me a lot of optimistic for a raw player like Ntilikina. He's a big PG with with solid overall athleticism and quickness. He used to be a below average shooter, but this year, he's played mostly at SG, and as a result, it's improved his shooting tremendously. Shooting is now a strength of his. His ball handling needs to be tighter. It can be really loose, and I think he'll need time to develop into a PG. Main concerns against him is that he's not aggressive at attacking the rim. He shys away from contact because he doesn't know how to use his strong frame yet. On defense, he has potential to be a lock-down defender at either guard position. He's just an average playmaker, but he's a good passer. He's unselfish and knows how to use the pick game a bit.
Someone posted a video of him in the FIBA championship playoff game. It's 2 games combined(they have a weird system where the total score of 2 games determines the winner), so there's a lot of footage. It's not just a highlight video. It actually shows all the plays that involved him on offense and defense.

Here's what I'm hoping. I hope the Kings can get a bottom 8 pick, while the Pelicans get a 9-11 pick. The Kings use the 8th pick on a franchise SF in Jayson Tatum, then the 11th pick on a franchise PG like Fox or Ntilikina.

Ideally, I do want Dennis Smith Jr, but I think he's out of our league right now. I really see a Chris Paul/Kyrie Irving type vibe from him. However, I'd be happy with Tatum+Fox too. I hate that the Kings keep doing this every year lol. We can't ever get a top 3 pick.. not even in 2009.
 
#47
With our draft pick, it's hopeful that we land somewhere around 7-8. This means that the top 3 PGs are gone. We'll be left with the 2nd tier guys in Fox and Ntilikina.
I'm not the biggest fan of Fox because he can't shoot. Shooting from the PG position is extremely important in today's NBA, however, he's still young. He recently turned 19 in December, so it does give me hope that he'll be able to add a 3pt shot to his game. I don't think he'll ever be a good 3pt shooter, but I think he can be someone who can knock down open 3s. As long as teams aren't leaving him wide open to guard other players, then we should be ok. His athleticism, quickness, and playmaking looks almost elite. He seems to be a smart player who flashes some scoring ability, but he's definitely a pass-first PG. On defense, I think he could be really really good. His potential seriously comes down to his shooting. I really like him. I think he's ready to contribute day 1, and he has still a ton of potential left. He reminds me of a cross between Elf Payton and Rondo(he can really push a pace like Rondo does).

Ntilikina is going to be more of a project. With seeing how Willie, Richardson, and 1 game of Skal have developed so far, it leaves me a lot of optimistic for a raw player like Ntilikina. He's a big PG with with solid overall athleticism and quickness. He used to be a below average shooter, but this year, he's played mostly at SG, and as a result, it's improved his shooting tremendously. Shooting is now a strength of his. His ball handling needs to be tighter. It can be really loose, and I think he'll need time to develop into a PG. Main concerns against him is that he's not aggressive at attacking the rim. He shys away from contact because he doesn't know how to use his strong frame yet. On defense, he has potential to be a lock-down defender at either guard position. He's just an average playmaker, but he's a good passer. He's unselfish and knows how to use the pick game a bit.
Someone posted a video of him in the FIBA championship playoff game. It's 2 games combined(they have a weird system where the total score of 2 games determines the winner), so there's a lot of footage. It's not just a highlight video. It actually shows all the plays that involved him on offense and defense.

Here's what I'm hoping. I hope the Kings can get a bottom 8 pick, while the Pelicans get a 9-11 pick. The Kings use the 8th pick on a franchise SF in Jayson Tatum, then the 11th pick on a franchise PG like Fox or Ntilikina.

Ideally, I do want Dennis Smith Jr, but I think he's out of our league right now. I really see a Chris Paul/Kyrie Irving type vibe from him. However, I'd be happy with Tatum+Fox too. I hate that the Kings keep doing this every year lol. We can't ever get a top 3 pick.. not even in 2009.
Well let's say we're "lucky" enough to land the 8th pick (right now our pick would be #11). You really think Tatum would fall that far?

These would be my tiers:
Tier 1
Fultz
Ball
Smith
Jackson

Tier 2
Isaac
Tatum

Tier 3
Fox
Ntilikina
Monk

I have a hard time seeing your scenario play out, but perhaps you have different tiers than me...
 

kingsboi

Hall of Famer
#49
With our draft pick, it's hopeful that we land somewhere around 7-8. This means that the top 3 PGs are gone. We'll be left with the 2nd tier guys in Fox and Ntilikina.
I'm not the biggest fan of Fox because he can't shoot. Shooting from the PG position is extremely important in today's NBA, however, he's still young. He recently turned 19 in December, so it does give me hope that he'll be able to add a 3pt shot to his game. I don't think he'll ever be a good 3pt shooter, but I think he can be someone who can knock down open 3s. As long as teams aren't leaving him wide open to guard other players, then we should be ok. His athleticism, quickness, and playmaking looks almost elite. He seems to be a smart player who flashes some scoring ability, but he's definitely a pass-first PG. On defense, I think he could be really really good. His potential seriously comes down to his shooting. I really like him. I think he's ready to contribute day 1, and he has still a ton of potential left. He reminds me of a cross between Elf Payton and Rondo(he can really push a pace like Rondo does).

Ntilikina is going to be more of a project. With seeing how Willie, Richardson, and 1 game of Skal have developed so far, it leaves me a lot of optimistic for a raw player like Ntilikina. He's a big PG with with solid overall athleticism and quickness. He used to be a below average shooter, but this year, he's played mostly at SG, and as a result, it's improved his shooting tremendously. Shooting is now a strength of his. His ball handling needs to be tighter. It can be really loose, and I think he'll need time to develop into a PG. Main concerns against him is that he's not aggressive at attacking the rim. He shys away from contact because he doesn't know how to use his strong frame yet. On defense, he has potential to be a lock-down defender at either guard position. He's just an average playmaker, but he's a good passer. He's unselfish and knows how to use the pick game a bit.
Someone posted a video of him in the FIBA championship playoff game. It's 2 games combined(they have a weird system where the total score of 2 games determines the winner), so there's a lot of footage. It's not just a highlight video. It actually shows all the plays that involved him on offense and defense.

Here's what I'm hoping. I hope the Kings can get a bottom 8 pick, while the Pelicans get a 9-11 pick. The Kings use the 8th pick on a franchise SF in Jayson Tatum, then the 11th pick on a franchise PG like Fox or Ntilikina.

Ideally, I do want Dennis Smith Jr, but I think he's out of our league right now. I really see a Chris Paul/Kyrie Irving type vibe from him. However, I'd be happy with Tatum+Fox too. I hate that the Kings keep doing this every year lol. We can't ever get a top 3 pick.. not even in 2009.
The Kings don't get top 3 picks...it's time to accept that for what it is. Even when they had the worst record back in 2009, they ended up with the 4th pick. I'll take a top 10 pick and one in the teens and hope they pan out. You can find franchise players out of the top 10, chances aren't as good, but it can be done.
 
#50
I say playoffs. That's what the majority wanted before the trade knowing we would loose the pick. If we would have been told a month ago we could make the playoffs, have a pick in the 10-20 range, and avoid the swap with Philadelphia seems to me most would agree to that! I for one am tired of counting Lins and Woses!
 
#51
Well let's say we're "lucky" enough to land the 8th pick (right now our pick would be #11). You really think Tatum would fall that far?

These would be my tiers:
Tier 1
Fultz
Ball
Smith
Jackson

Tier 2
Isaac
Tatum

Tier 3
Fox
Ntilikina
Monk

I have a hard time seeing your scenario play out, but perhaps you have different tiers than me...
Honestly, I'm hoping Markkanen and Monk pick up A LOT of steam as the draft comes by. Those are the 2 guys I don't want the Kings drafting. Marrkanen because I feel like we need a franchise player, and I don't think he has potential to be one. He has potential to be a very good player, but not franchise. Monk because I think he's a SG in the NBA, and the Kings will have way too many SGs to count.

Here's my personal tiers:
Tier 1:
Fultz
Jackson
Smith Jr

Tier 2:
Ball
Tatum
<insert semi-big gap>

Tier 3:
Isaac
Monk
Fox
Ntilikina
Z. Collins

The reason why I potentially have Tatum to us is because I think one of the teams in the top 7 will end up drafting a big man. The bigmen in this draft are good, but not great compared to PG and SF. I think one of the teams will get desperate and go with a big, leaving us a player like Tatum.

Look at the teams in the lotto as it stands right now:
1. BOS: Fultz, BPA. No chance they draft Tatum.
2. PHX: Jackson, I could see them taking Ball or DSJ instead if they want to rebuild. Order doesn't really matter since I think all 4 players go top 4. Tatum could seriously fit PHX, but I don't know if they'd see him as better prospects than Jackson, Ball, or DSJ.
3. LAL: DSJ, Russell is struggling extremely at PG. They need a C, but I don't think they reach for one here. I could see them taking Isaac for PF potential. Wouldn't draft Tatum because they already have Ingram.
4. ORL: Ball, they really need a franchise PG, and Elf Payton hasn't worked out. If Ball or DSJ is on the board, there's no way they pass on either of them to draft Tatum. They do need a SF, but Tatum has a similar playing style to Tobias Harris who they traded for peanuts.
5. PHI: Isaac, they desperately need a PG, but I think they go with BPA since they narrowly miss out on premier players. Plus, Isaac could actually fit the team as an off-ball player who can play on both ends. Allows Simmons and Embiid to play together. I don't see them drafting more of a "ball dominant" SF/PF when they already have Embiid and Simmons who will be ball dom. players. Not enough 3pt shooting to justify.
6. MIN: Markkanen, they need a PG, but they also need a PF. Markkanen would fit along KAT on offense, and help floor spacing No need for Tatum since they already have Wiggins. Even if Wiggins can play SG, they still have LaVine who can't play PG.
7. DAL: Fox/Monk, one of these guys get drafted by them. Don't see them drafting Tatum since the have Barnes.

Yes, leads us right to Tatum if we hold 8th seed.. None of the teams above except for Phoenix, Orlando, and maybe Philly need a SF. We don't know the official order yet, but there is a decent chance we could land Tatum if we're at 8.
 
#52
They either need to start winning a lot, to where we really wont be relying on that draft pick, or they need to lose. None of this tweener stuff. I say give it a few games and see if this team is lightning in a bottle. If not, give the rooks more minutes and lose while developing.
 
#53
Can someone explain the Kings current lottery/draft picks to me? (I have no clue how pick trades and protections work). I assume the following:

If Pelicans land top 3:
1) We get nothing (and pick carries over to 2018-2021 until it is conveyed)

If Pelicans land outside top 3 but within the top 10:
1) We get their pick but 76ers have option to swap
2) Bulls get our 2nd round pick (protected 56-60)

If we get any picks outside of the top 10:
1) Bulls get our pick

Also, do we get to two picks in the top 10 from the 1st round if:
1) We land in top 10 (before or after 76ers swap)
2) Pelicans also land in top 10 but outside the top 3

Or even vice versa, two picks in 1st round:
1) We land outside top 10 (keep or give to Bulls)
2) Pelicans land outside top 10 (keep or give to Bulls)

Thanks!
 
#54
Can someone explain the Kings current lottery/draft picks to me? (I have no clue how pick trades and protections work). I assume the following:

If Pelicans land top 3:
1) We get nothing (and pick carries over to 2018-2021 until it is conveyed)

If Pelicans land outside top 3 but within the top 10:
1) We get their pick but 76ers have option to swap
2) Bulls get our 2nd round pick (protected 56-60)

If we get any picks outside of the top 10:
1) Bulls get our pick

Also, do we get to two picks in the top 10 from the 1st round if:
1) We land in top 10 (before or after 76ers swap)
2) Pelicans also land in top 10 but outside the top 3

Or even vice versa, two picks in 1st round:
1) We land outside top 10 (keep or give to Bulls)
2) Pelicans land outside top 10 (keep or give to Bulls)

Thanks!
If the Pelicans land top 3 the pick carries over to the next year. Unlikely but possible.

The Pelicans pick is not entangled with 76ers or Bulls. The Pels pick is solely owned by the Kings if outside of the top 3.

If the Kings own pick is outside of the top 10 it goes to the Bulls as part of the JJ Hickson trade done by Petrie because the Maloofs were broke...long story.

The Kings could get two picks in the top 10.

The worst case scenario pick wise is this:
The Kings finish strong and miss the Playoffs and land outside of the bottom 10 so their own pick goes to the Bulls. (No pick swap for poor Philly)
The Pels get a top 3 pick in the lottey keeping there own pick this season.
Bogdanovic opts to sign in Europe.

The best case is the Kings end up with 2 top ten picks, don't swap with Philly and Bogdan signs with the Kings.

OR

The best case is the Kings make the Playoffs, get the Pels pick which turns out to be #4 and Bogdan signs with the Kings:D
 
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#55
Back to back loses for the Pelicans. They are dangerously close to being a top 5 bottom team increasing their chances of being in play for their top 3 protected pick.

My guess is they will improve with a bit more time but they have weaknesses. Also what a logjam of bottom dwellers this year.