Sacramento Kings: Initial grade and analysis of the 2019 NBA Draft class
By Justin Fried
The Sacramento Kings’ 2019 NBA Draft didn’t go exactly how many had expected, but at the end of the day, they still ended up with three second-round picks. Here are our grades for each of the selections.
The 2019 NBA Draft represented an odd change of pace for a team in the Sacramento Kings that has regularly picked towards the top every year. In fact, this is a team that had picked inside the top 10 each of the past 10 years dating back to 2009.
But this year, not only did the Kings not have a lottery pick, they didn’t even have a first-rounder.
This marked the first time in the 21st century that Sacramento did not select in the first round meaning that this year’s draft was bound to feel underwhelming. Still, with three second-round picks to their name, there was still enough draft capital to be intrigued.
At the same time, it’s hard to come away from this draft not feeling a little disappointed. After trading back to pick No. 55 from 47, the Kings held selections at 40, 55, and 60. And while there is upside to the picks, there’s definitely an argument to be made that there were better players available.
But let’s jump in and break down the Kings 2019 NBA Draft class and give each of their picks an initial grade.
Round 2, Pick 40 — Justin James (Wyoming)
The Kings opted to go for upside and shooting depth with their first pick of the draft but they did so by making a major reach. Justin James is an intriguing prospect who’s shown flashes of excellent shooting ability but has failed to put it all together to this point.
After spending four years at Wyoming, James is a bit on the older side as a prospect already at 22-years-old. Because of that, he could face an uphill battle as he progresses throughout his NBA career.
Still, the Kings clearly liked what they saw in the 6-foot-7 combo guard/forward who shot 41.9% from behind the arc during his sophomore year. Unfortunately, his shooting percentages were all over the place and he finished his college career shooting just 33.7% from deep.
But his senior year proved promising as outside of his shooting, James averaged 8.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game en route to earning second-team All-Mountain West honors.
Perhaps Sacramento will be looking to find a diamond in the rough in James who may have flown a bit under the radar playing for a lowly Wyoming team. At the same time, picking him this high does seem like a reach and he’s already behind the eight ball due to his age.
It’s hard to get to worked up about a second-round pick, but the Kings probably could have gone in a different direction with this one.