The Kings keep giving themselves opportunities to build a young core.
After trading Marco Belinelli for the No. 22 pick, Sacramento selected Marquise Chriss with the No. 8 pick for the Suns. The Kings’ haul, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7:
- No. 13 pick
- No. 18 pick
- 2020 Pistons second-rounder
- Rights to 2014 No. 27 pick Bogdan Bogdanovic
That’s a nice return for Chriss, who was both a fine pick at No. 8 and a semi-project. His upside with No. 4 pick Dragan Bender is intriguing. I’m not sure those two will be an ideal fit together in Phoenix, but both are raw enough that’s too soon predict. Let both talented players develop and figure it out from there.
The Kings will do the same with their upcoming picks. Those are just more opportunities to add young players with upside. In a fairly deep draft in those ranges, I like the strategy. Bogdanovic has played well since being drafted. He probably won’t jump to the NBA until next season, but Sacramento should be patient if necessary to add talent.