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Sacramento Kings: Complete 2019 NBA Draft Preview

By Justin Fried

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack battles for the ball with KeVaughn Allen #5 of the Florida Gators in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack battles for the ball with KeVaughn Allen #5 of the Florida Gators in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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2019 NBA Draft
DAYTON, OHIO – MARCH 20: Shamorie Ponds #2 of the St. John’s Red Storm handles the ball against Remy Martin #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 20, 2019 in Dayton, Ohio. Sacramento Kings 2019 NBA Draft (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Interesting Prospects

Shamorie Ponds (G – 6-foot-1, 180 lbs.) [St. John’s] — No. 46 overall prospect

Ponds is an exceptional scorer on the offensive floor with an ability to create shots unmatched by most his size. His playmaking is significantly improved from his freshman and sophomore seasons and when he’s hot, he’s one of the best shooters in the country.

Unfortunately, he isn’t always hot as he can get on some pretty bad cold streaks — not that that’ll stop him from shooting. Ponds is a handsy defender and can be a bit careless on both sides of the court.

Ultimately, his basketball IQ needs some work, but his raw talent as a natural shooter is apparent. The Kings will be in the market for a back-up point guard and Ponds could fit the bill as a mid-second-round prospect.

Related Story. Why the Sacramento Kings are an attractive free agent destination. light

Jalen McDaniels (F – 6-foot-10, 192 lbs.) [San Diego State] — No. 59 overall prospect

McDaniels is an exciting offensive-minded wing who, much like Ponds, is a very reliable shooter. The San Diego State product moves very well for a player of his size and his positional versatility is excellent for today’s NBA.

However, McDaniels struggles mightily on the defensive side of the floor as his defensive IQ is relatively poor. He’s also gotten into some legal troubles which will likely lead to many teams shying away from the talented player.

The Kings will be in the market for another wing behind Harrison Barnes — assuming he’s retained — and McDaniels could be just that guy. However, his legal issues could be enough to push him off Sacramento’s board entirely.

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