Sacramento Kings 2014 NBA Draft Preview

2013-14 Record: 28-54 (4th in Pacific Division)

Missed Playoffs

2013-14 Team Stats (points per 100 possessions)

Offensive: 105.7 (20th in NBA)

Defensive: 108.8 (23rd in NBA)

Season Recap

Sacramento had another season that seems just like all the other ones they've had for the past decade or so - they were not expected to do much, and they didn't.

The trade for Rudy Gay was unpopular in some NBA circles, but he made the Kings better and the franchise is doing everything they can to get him to come back. DeMarcus Cousins (22.7 ppg, 11.7 rpg) matured both on- and off-the-court and should've made the All-Star game, while rookie Ben McLemore showed promise as being their long-term shooting guard.

So the Kings have pieces, but they're still missing a lot. They ranked dead last in the league in assists, and while 5'9" Isaiah Thomas has proven to be a good option, they need someone who can distribute the ball better. Look for them to trade their lone pick to the Sixers for Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams, a great passer who may or may not be available.

Draft Picks

Round 1

Pick 8

The Kings are trying to trade this pick - whether for MCW or another option - in hopes of getting someone who can contribute right away instead of waiting for a prospect to develop, but they can still improve their team if they don't find any takers.

Aaron Gordon will be their choice if they keep the pick as his athleticism, defense, and ability to stretch the floor would be the perfect complement to current star DeMarcus Cousins. He also has the ability to play small forward effectively when Sacramento wants to put big lineups on the floor.

The Kings would love for Marcus Smart to be available to be their starting point guard, but he'll probably land in Los Angeles. And if Gordon's off the board, Noah Vonleh will be available and picked up by Sacramento.

Current Roster

G: Ray McCallum

G: Ben McLemore

F: Reggie Evans

F: Carl Landry

F: Travis Outlaw

F: Jason Thompson

F: Derrick Williams

F/C: Quincy Acy

C/F: DeMarcus Cousins

Free Agents

F: Rudy Gay (player option)

G: Isaiah Thomas

C: Aaron Gray

Who should the Kings pick? How far away is Sacramento from getting to the playoffs? Tweet your thoughts to @brauf33.

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