With just 10 days before the future of the NBA is decided - I decided that I would cover the top 10 picks one by one each day over the next 10 days.
10 DAYS TO GO, DRAFTING 10TH
10th Overall: Sacramento Kings
NBADraft.net has the Kings taking Florida State forward Al Thornton, while DraftExpress has Jeff Green falling all the way to them. I don't think either will happen. The Kings have been trying to deal Ron Artest because as HoopsWorld.com suggests - some coaching candidates have expressed concern over having to take on the role of taming Artest. The Kings also don't expect to have Mike Bibby on next year's roster either. I
f the Kings deal away Artest and Bibby - the 10th overall pick will have a big role to fill. Artest will likely leave, but Bibby, who makes $12.5 million per season, doesn't want to be traded. Bibby claims that he doesn't want the Kings to "give up on him." Regardless, the Kings might be looking to grab a point guard in the draft.
This year, the list of point guards is very short. A number of names have been brought to the spotlight that were expecting to play in college, but could improve their stock by leaving earlier.
Mike Conley Jr has been dubbed as this years best overall point guard. If he is available when the Kings pick at 10th, Mike C could be the future Mike B. Conley didn't look like a Freshman last season when he led the Buckeyes to the National Championship game. His calm demeanor on the court allows him to control the tempo and play mistake free.
NBA GM's have been able to get a great look at Conley because most of them have spent a lot of time studying Greg Oden. Oden and Conley have been teammates since High School and won State titles in Cleveland together. In most of the footage of Oden scoring, he is being assisted by Conley.
Other point guards that could get drafted in the first round include Acie Law, Javaris Crittenton, Taurean Green, Aaron Brooks, Petteri Koponen or Gabe Pruitt.
If the Kings are thinking that Bibby is staying in Sacramento - they may try to get a big man or power forward. After having just signed a multi-year deal with Kevin Martin and recently drafting Francisco Garcia - the Kings will likely look for a rebounder.
Center Spencer Hawes would be a great pick for the Kings if he falls to 10th. The Kings could use Hawes to bail Brad Miller or become him when Miller sits with his annual injury. Jason Smith, a 7-foot center from Colorado State is projected to go middle first round, but could find himself getting drafted higher because of his size.
The Kings have a lot of money tied up in aging players with limited ability. This draft choice is vital to the future success of the franchise.
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