It's February, which means the 2012 NBA Draft is only ... wow, it's still five months away. That's a lot of time. Oh well! ESPN's Chad Ford has his first mock out anyway. The Sacramento Kings are in position for the No. 5 pick right now, and Ford has the team landing a player at the biggest need spot: small forward. The pick is Kentucky freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. A snip of Ford's blurb on the kid:
Few players work as hard as he does, and he also has athleticism, toughness and the ability to defend multiple positions.
A third John Calipari one-and-done in four years? Why not?
DraftExpress' mock was last updated a week ago, and doesn't take team needs into account. Jared Sullinger landed at No. 5 in that version, with Kidd-Gilchrist going No. 3.
0 recs | 112 comments
Done!
I love this kid more every time I see him play. Sign me up!
section214 - February 2, 2012
Can we copy college football and do early admission for MKG? He can start at SF for us tonight.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
I like almost everything about him except
I was hoping for a SF that could shoot the rock and MKG is shooting below 30% on the college three. Having said that, according to espn his strengths are
* Elite athlete
* Amazing motor
* Tough, physical defender
* Excellent rebounder
* Attacks the rim on offense
Also from ESPN
bq. Jan 31 Update: A quick look around the league shows five other players — North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes, UConn’s Andre Drummond, Kansas’ Thomas Robinson, Baylor’s Perry Jones and Kentucky’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist — in contention for the No. 2 spot in the draft. Of the group, Kidd-Gilchrist is the most recent to make the jump into the Top 5. We’ve been singing his praises all year, and it looks like a number of general managers are getting on board with the idea of Kidd-Gilchrist as a top pick in the draft.
As we’ve noted before, Kidd-Gilchrist is in direct contention with Barnes for the distinction of the top wing off the board. Barnes continues to prove he can put the ball in the basket. He had 27 points against Virginia Tech and 23 versus Georgia Tech in the past week. Barnes’ 3-point shooting remains a sizzling 45 percent for the season. Though his rebounding and assist numbers continue to be weak, Barnes looks more and more like a sure thing with his scoring ability.
Kidd-Gilchrist goes the opposite way. His shooting and scoring numbers don’t wow scouts, but he does all the other little things that Barnes doesn’t to put his team over the top. The two have gone head-to-head both in high school and earlier this year in Kentucky, and Kidd-Gilchrist looked better. It will be interesting to see whether they’ll agree to workouts against each other during the draft process.
elSAVinator - February 2, 2012
If he is still on the board when the Kings' pick comes up
This is the guy I want them to take. Position of need, a good fit, and the perfect attitude this team needs.
brianspider - February 2, 2012
Love it!
I would take MKG or Barnes in a heartbeat. I didn’t realize how bad the draft class is for PG’s. Makes the Kings decision to draft a SF that much easier.
F3RRi3R - February 2, 2012
Am I the only one whose not a huge fan of Barnes for this team?
So far he’s shown he can score, but not much else. I feel like we really need a SF who plays D and hits open jumpers. If they can occasionally take their man off the dribble, even better.
But do we really need a SF who is best with the ball in his hands and isn’t a plus passer, rebounder or defender?
Admittedly, I haven’t done a lot of research on the college guys yet, but this has been my gut reaction to Barnes thus far.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
I'm in full agreement
Not even taking in to account I’m not sold on Barnes period
KingsFanInPortland - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I'm in full agreement
Not even taking in to account I’m not sold on Barnes period
KingsFanInPortland - February 2, 2012 via mobile
At small forward I like Kidd-Gilchrist more
Heck, I think that Perry Jones or Thomas Robinson could do a better job at the 3 (when factoring in both sides of the floor) than Barnes.
But hey, after GP trades the pick and JT for the Metta World Peace, it won’t matter.
section214 - February 2, 2012
Please don’t make me cry at work Section. Maybe we can trade our pick and Salmons to move up instead.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
Is there a worse player in the NBA right now than MWP?
besides Salmons, of course.
MichaelMack - February 2, 2012
Once a guy like that slows down physically a bit
And loses his ability to defend at a high level, he doesn’t have much else to offer.
otis29 - February 2, 2012
Travis Outlaw
HeuristicLineup - February 2, 2012
Win
bignerd - February 2, 2012
Outlaw and Salmons are so bad that I actively root for Cisco to get minutes.
What has the world come to?
TrojanCBB - February 2, 2012
Based on MWP's current play, me thinks that Agent 0 would be an excellent addition to the Lakers
gregory l - February 2, 2012
And Outlaw?
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
I know this was tongue-in-cheek...
But we can’t even trade our pick, can we? Since it might go to Cleveland anyway?
Donovan Jeska - February 2, 2012
I've been schooled on this one
We have control of the upcoming draft pick once it becomes ours officially (eliminated from the playoffs).
otis29 - February 2, 2012
I was under the impression that the only way we can trade it is via a draft-day trade
Because you’re not allowed to trade your first rounder two years in a row, and next year our first round pick might have to go to Cleveland.
rpmonkey - February 2, 2012
Not entirely sure about the former
But the latter changes depending on whether it’s actually Cleveland’s pick or not. Once that is determined, my understanding is the restriction is lifted.
otis29 - February 2, 2012
The Ted Stepien Rule prohibits teams from trading first round picks in successive seasons. I would assume therefore, as long as there is the potential that the following season’s pick may be conveyed to Cleveland, we can’t trade the current year’s pick.
So, even though if we’re eliminated from playoff contention this year it frees up our 2012 draft pick to be traded, we may owe Cleveland our 2013 pick. So, we can’t actually trade our 2012 pick because if we do, and then we make the playoffs next year, we have to send our 2013 pick to Cleveland in violation of the Ted Stepien Rule.
You get around this the same way we made our trade last year, you draft the player that your trade partner wants, they draft the player you want, and then you trade players, not picks.
rpmonkey - February 2, 2012
Believe you are right
You can also acquire another first round pick though. I think it’s just that you must have a first rounder. I don’t think it has to be yours specifically.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
I am a huge UNC Fan
and I am not sold on Barnes either. It seems like his best asset is his jump shot and he seems to struggle when it comes to muscle up situations. I was expecting much more that what he has accomplished so far this year. MKG seems to have a more complete game. As long as he can score, I am on board!
khoganso - February 2, 2012
Yeah, wasn't overwhelmed with him last year
Still see him being a good NBA scorer as he matures. But more of a high volume scorer as opposed to the SF that would fit in well with Evans & Cousins.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
I'd love Barnes for this team
He is a great outside spot shooter, something that would be great for this team. He’s a player that thrives without the ball in his hands. DX did a chart of his FG% in different situations, spot up shooter is by far his best attribute.
He’s also athletic enough and has the size to guard the SF position in the NBA. I think he’d be perfect for us, we have enough guys that need the ball.. We need one who is a great spot up shooter but can also play D.
lodisacfan - February 2, 2012
Was just a tweet, but...
DraftExpress: RT @FreeportKid: Harrison Barnes points per possession on: catch-and-shoot/no dribbles: 1.39 PPP, 1 dribble: 0.86 PPP, 2+ dribbles: 0.64 PPP
From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz1lFtDMwWn
http://www.draftexpress.com
lodisacfan - February 2, 2012
I don't doubt his ability to catch and shoot - which we need
It’s just that he’s a player who is used to and will want to have the ball in his hands. As opposed to a Batum or Dudley type player who is used to functioning off the ball.
And it’s the lack of D, rebounding and passing (for someone who uses so many possessions) that concerns me. There’s a use for that type of player, especially as Barnes grows. But unless his talent is heads and shoulders above the next BPA, I don’t think he fits what our team needs.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
I worry about Barnes transition from being a high usage guy to a low usage guy in the pros
If we draft him, he will be a 3rd-4th option at best.
OKC passed on Tyreke in the 09 draft because of that same reason, and I think the Kings should as well. This is why I would prefer a guy like Gilchrist, who does not need to ball to be useful. Also why I like FA’s like Batum or Crash.
Wonderchild - February 2, 2012
Agree
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
Harrison Barnes reminds me of Melo at Syracuse or Glenn Rice at Michigan
I agree with you both (SPTSJunkie and Wonderchild)
betweentheeyes - February 3, 2012
I actually prefer Barnes
He’s a much better outside shooter, and I consider that the number one requirement to play in a starting lineup with Reke.
Charlieb - February 2, 2012
At what point do we just become the Sacramento Wildcats
or
Sacramento Calipari’s?
HeuristicLineup - February 2, 2012
As a Louisville alum...
…this is now challenging me every year. I’m grateful for Cousins and Evans and everything, but it is just brutal to me every year.
I’d prefer Perry Jones as a 3. He’s a long 6’11’’ for the spot but he’s unselfish and seems to make others better by doing the dirty work. I’d also be intrigued by Robinson if he can move to the 3 spot.
Red Reign - February 2, 2012
Whatever ... would have slit throats for Sacramento Tarkanians 20 years ago
bignerd - February 2, 2012
Tyreke was in Memphis
So Sacramento CALIpari’s sounds better
jumpboi - February 2, 2012
It's drafterbation time already???
otis29 - February 2, 2012
Apparantly.
Sactown_Loyalty19 - February 2, 2012
I thought same thing
Then I looked at where we stand and thought probably
KingsFanInPortland - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I'm still asininetraderbating
Salmons + Outlaw + Garcia + Hayes for Dwight Howard
bignerd - February 2, 2012
That would be a asinwinner all right
lietothegirls - February 2, 2012
Hell yes
even though we prob dont need more young ones. cant turn down these players available this year in my eyes
yaboyrafa - February 2, 2012
Sure.
I mean, who needs young, cheap talented players? Especially small forwards.
LeaguePassAddict - February 2, 2012
So the season is over already? No "playoffs time!"?
McB7 - February 2, 2012
Yeah,
the season pretty much is a way to determine our draft order and get experience. It was over for contention before the lockout started.
rory_sayer - February 3, 2012
Can't we just draft Jimmer again?
section214 - February 2, 2012
Jimmer 2 Electric Boogaloo
otis29 - February 2, 2012
We may need to drop a few spots and give away a good role player and take back an atrocious contract
but I think if you can agree to all those conditions, it could work
prowseinthehouse - February 2, 2012
May want to check out Beno's stats this year before we say good role player
Dislike Salmons. Trade did not work. But the trade has been pretty equally atrocious for all three teams.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
Beno has been hurt I believe
and I think if he was still here he would probably be playing similar as last season. So I guess I would say good role player for us to be more specific
prowseinthehouse - February 2, 2012
Beno came into camp out of shape after the long layoff (sound familiar)
And you may be right, but I really think some people here are looking back at Beno with Rose colored glasses.
He was a solid offensive player who was pretty terrible defensively.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
NaPG!!!
SierraSpartan - February 2, 2012
Haven't seen him yet, but going to pay close attention next time their on.
I was impressed with Perry Jones last night. Lots of good options.
Crocoduck - February 2, 2012 via mobile
We need help everywhere except for at undersized chucker.
So I’m sold.
TrojanCBB - February 2, 2012
At least we know he'll fit in.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
I like that kid at Baylor too.
TrojanCBB - February 2, 2012
Now, if only we could find a team to trade down
to us in exchange for Salmons. We could have a top 3 pick!
elfboy_ - February 2, 2012
funny
:-(
lietothegirls - February 2, 2012
Can we draft Calipari?
He seems to have a penchant for getting players to come play in small towns…though I think that he pays his players considerably more than we do.
section214 - February 2, 2012
It doesn't seem to far out of the realm of possibilities that the Kings make Calipari either the coach, the GM or both. Except for one thing
money.
nevermind.
betweentheeyes - February 2, 2012
I will chip in 20 bucks a season!
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
Wait that might double the maloof’s profit this year..better make it $40.00
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
I don’t see getting the guy projected at #3 with the number 7 or 8 pick, even if we do through some rotten fish in the barrel.
Carl - February 2, 2012
THROW not through
Is our children learning?
Carl - February 2, 2012
If you proofread this thread,
Evidently not.
LeaguePassAddict - February 2, 2012
This is a draft worth pining for. The Kings, at the going rate, should end up with a top 5 pick
For the SF position I like MKG, but I also like Thomas Robinson out of Kansas. The talent level of Perry Jones III is mouth watering, his focus and atttitude concerns are head numbing and a bad fit on the current roster. Harrison Barnes reminds me a bit of Carmelo Anthony in that he seems all about the O.
They are all talent upgrades so I would pleased whomever is picked. But that said – Please please please let us get the #1 and that other Wildcat – Anthony Davis (but I would settle for Andre Drummond)
betweentheeyes - February 2, 2012
I want Anthony Davis on the kings so bad
He is just a monster, and we could pick up batum in free agency… These are the dreams I dream every night.
Merickel - February 2, 2012 via mobile
I hate you
Now I can’t stop thinking of a team made up of Tyreke, Thornton, Batum, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus.
Aykis16 - February 2, 2012
Is that kind of like thinking of Summer Glau, Kayte Christensen, Anna Paquin, Elisha Cuthbert and Megan Fox all in your bed together..Now that’s one hell of a Front and Back court
Bet that you forgot about what you were thinking about before
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
Suddenly I am understanding WW's dream lineup for next year.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
Ahh yeah..Then we will all have Raging Jimmers!
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
I am ashamed of humanity
that this exists.
caseycheesecake - February 2, 2012
Barnes reminds me of Nick Young.
TrojanCBB - February 2, 2012
I'm torn whether or not this is a compliment for Barnes
Wonderchild - February 2, 2012
NaComplement
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
its not.
young is a good player who does nothing but score points.
nothing.
TrojanCBB - February 2, 2012
Yes! a Fifth SF that we don't know whether he can play or not!
Exxxxxxxceleeeent.
lietothegirls - February 2, 2012
Start looking at the 6-12 guys
Our schedule starts getting easier
lietothegirls - February 2, 2012
You also have to factor in
That we will be three spots lower than our record at the end of the season.
Carl - February 2, 2012
Sad but true
(sigh)
lietothegirls - February 2, 2012
And we can trade down three more spots to get Maggette
Whose ranked in the 12-14 range?
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
Holligner thinks the Kings have 1 win left.
bignerd - February 2, 2012
There is not a player in this draft, sans Anthony Davis
Who I would want more than Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. GET IT DONE!
LightningStrike5 - February 2, 2012
OK
lietothegirls - February 2, 2012
Also, if only we'd taken Knight. Then it could have been four Calipari one-and-done in four years.
LightningStrike5 - February 2, 2012
In Ford's current article (insider) projecting which guy lottery teams would take if they got #2,
Kings are the only team taking MKG. The rest are split between Drummond and Barnes.
twasserm - February 5, 2012
Why do i have the feeling that we will not get a #1 pick until the arena thing is finalized one way or another
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
Pretty sure NO is getting the number 1 pick...
The conspiracy theorist in my head says it is already written in stone.
Wonderchild - February 2, 2012
Yeah and a move to Seattle along with it
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
With our luck
we’ll end up getting the pick that is one lower than where MKG is drafted.
StevenG - February 2, 2012
Yep, hopefully whoever our GM is will trade up
If its Petrie, we’ll stay at #7-10
jumpboi - February 2, 2012
You mean drop down 3 spots for nothing
Widowwolf - February 2, 2012
considering Rubio fell into our lap (didn't pick him obviously) and Cousins fell into our lap and all the point guards we were looking at fell into our lap at the 7 spot
not sure if that’s where we struggle with the luck.
wallywagon11 - February 2, 2012
We've been somewhat fortuitous, but as bad as the team has been
we could have Blake & Irving. Well, so could the Clippers, but, you know.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
Which kid has the horrendous unibrow?
caseycheesecake - February 2, 2012
Quincy Douby
I mean Anthony Davis, the projected first overall pick.
Chent - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Anthony Davis
His unibrow is more filled out than his mustache. I’d love him on this team all the same. He’d be a perfect fit next to DeMarcus: Athletic, long, great rebounder and shotblocker, doesn’t need the ball to be effective but can still shoot a mid-range jumper. We’d have to win the #1 pick to get him though, and we’re the Kings, so that scenario is thrown out the window. We could have a 99% chance of winning and we’d drop 3 spots.
Aykis16 - February 2, 2012
How is he different than JJ Hickson?
caseycheesecake - February 2, 2012
Waaay different
Andre Drummond is more Hickson like than Davis. Davis is in the Camby/Garnett mold.
Aykis16 - February 3, 2012
SPTSJUNKIE - February 3, 2012
the top 7 players in this draft seem very promising
I like Thomas Robinson, he’s a power forward who plays very hard, great rebounder, agressive around the rim, and is an athletic freak. We do need a sf but I’m hoping we pick 1 up in free agency, with our luck we’ll end up with the 8th pick. I would love MKG but I doubt he’ll be on the board when we pick.
Chent - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Of the top draft talent this year
Ant Davis is best overall talent. He projects to be as low as Marcus Camby and as high as KG. Not bad. Drummond has similarities to Amar’e, but questions about his motor and motivation. Barnes and MKG fit Kings needs, but IMO, MKG fits Kings needs more. Barnes wouldn’t be bad, but needs the ball to be effective. MKG is the complete opposite. I actually project Thomas Robinson as a poor mans Blake Griffin. If that were the case, bye bye JT and/or JJ. Perry Jones could be Lamar Odom-like, from his talents right down to his disappearing act. I would avoid Sullenger like the plague. I think he is going to struggle with his lack of athleticism. I’d also avoid Jeremy Lamb. He’s a chucker.
Tom A~! - February 2, 2012
agree with all your assesments
Thomas Robinson really reminds me of Amare Stoudamire. There’s no saying if he’ll ever get there but that’s who he reminds me of, if it came down to Robinson or MKG I would have a tough time picking between them. But, with team needs it would be MKG.
Chent - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Andre Drummond
Reminds me of Kwae Brown. I don’t see the desire in him when he plays. He could dominate every night but he doesn’t try to on most occasions.
Chent - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Nice take
section214 - February 2, 2012
Well written
You can probably throw T Jones into the same description as P Jones. If you draft one, get ready for some fantastic stretches and some where you don’t even know they are on the court.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
Yeah, Terence Jones scares me simply because
he had disappearing acts last year and I thought he returned to KY to sort of offset that and instead, it’s become a stated weakness of his.
Tom A~! - February 2, 2012
I just don't think he's meant to be a star, but could be a nice role player
Leading up to last year’s draft, I saw him as a potential Odom/Marion type player. Don’t want them leading your team. But good defenders who could take over for stretches and create mismatches. Most comfortable playing alongside an alpha dog or two.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 2, 2012
This draft is stacked
and made for the Kings as well. The top talent are all athletic big men (aside from Sullinger) or legit SF talents.
Anthony Davis is the clear cream of the crop. Athletic, and capable of making a big impact without needing the ball with his defense, shotblocking and rebounding. He can also hit a mid-range jumper and has a stellar work ethic and attitude. He’d be a perfect frontcourt mate for Cousins.
Andre Drummond is another athletic big with more raw potential. Definitely needs to develop his game a bit more but he’d be another great fit with Cousins.
Kidd-Gilchrist is kind of like Kawhi Leonard from last year, a SF that can make an impact even without scoring, although he can do that too. Good rebounder, good defender.
Harrison Barnes is more of a scorer, and has the potential to be a fantastic one, and reminds me of Rudy Gay. Also has the tools to become a good defender if he puts his mind to it.
Jared Sullinger is the best post player in the draft, but might be an awkward fit with DeMarcus. He’d arguably have been the #1 pick had he entered the draft last year. He’s a bit undersized, but he can score inside and out and is a good rebounder as well.
Thomas Robinson is yet another athletic PF and a fantastic rebounder and finisher around the hoop. He projects more as a scorer though and probably needs to work on his defensive game.
Perry Jones is the highest risk and highest reward player in the draft. He doesn’t really have a perfect position, swinging between the 3 and 4, but I think he’ll make his living in the NBA as a 4. He’s super athletic, but likes to shoot from the outside. He’s not a great rebounder for his position though and he also has a questionable work ethic. Whoever said Lamar Odom as a comparison, I think that’s very apt (although Odom has way more playmaking skills)
John Henson, another athletic PF, a good shotblocker and rebounder, and good around the basket. Very raw offensively though.
And there are still more prospects that might rise to the top with good seasons. This is a great draft, and the Kings should come away with a very important piece to the future wherever they may land in the lottery.
Aykis16 - February 2, 2012
I have us taking Anthony Davis's unibrow at pick 7.
X_47 - February 2, 2012
Anyone watching Kendall Marshall of UNC?
It may be a week draft for PG & many may want a PG who can shoot lights out (Jimmer) to pair with Tyreke at SG…
but if any one wants a floor general, possible future league leader in assists, who controls the game on offense and defense, with good size 6’4, etc. this kid has a knack. Kinda like Rubio.
Anyone interested if Kings drop in the draft (likely) and Barnes, MKG, etc. are gone.
busybe - February 3, 2012
I'd be intrigued
diehardram87 - February 16, 2012
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