Kings have some options with fifth pick in draft

The last time the Kings had the fifth pick in the NBA draft, the player they most coveted fell to them two years ago in Kentucky freshman center DeMarcus Cousins.

This time the Kings might not wait to select a player with the fifth overall pick before deciding their fate. It's anyone's guess in the smoke-and-mirrors world of draft rumors and speculation.

The possibility of the Kings trading their first-round pick remains realistic a day before Thursday's draft. The Houston Rockets are reportedly hot after the Kings' No. 5 pick, looking for assets to make a pitch for a bigger trade with Orlando for center Dwight Howard.

With a high pick and a desire to add some more veterans to a young nucleus, the Kings are bound to have teams calling to inquire about the availability of young veterans such as Tyreke Evans.

Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie did not characterize this year's draft as more or less active as far as trade inquiries but said there has been interest.

"We've had six, seven calls on the pick that have gone beyond 'would you move the pick?' " Petrie said. "… You have to investigate those things at some level, discuss them, evaluate them."

But the Kings could be just as happy to ignore the calls and use the pick. The Kings traded down last year to acquire the draft rights to Jimmer Fredette.

This year's draft is believed to be a deeper class, and trading down would be an option if the Kings don't like who is available at five.

Ryan Blake, senior director of NBA scouting operations, said there's "not a huge drop-off" in this year's draft should the Kings move down.

"You look at Sacramento's core and it's kind of a decent foundation," Blake said. "Sacramento could be like, 'We didn't get what we want and now we get (North Carolina small forward Harrison) Barnes,' or do something drastic like (draft Weber State point guard Damian) Lillard and have him for a team that covets him."

Of the 14 lottery teams, Portland has two picks (Nos. 6 and 11) and might be one the Kings could entice by taking Lillard, considering the Trail Blazers could be in the market for a point guard.

Or the Kings could just watch things play out. If Barnes or Kentucky's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is available at five, both would be ideal for the Kings.

Both players have questions concerning them, but they are still considered elite prospects.

"We have these guys, and like in every draft … you don't know if they'll be a franchise player," Blake said.

If the Kings move down, it could be a power forward they select. The Kings and Blake believe it's the deepest position in the draft. Nevertheless, waiting still might be the best option.

If the Kings had moved up in the lottery, there's a chance they might have opted for Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist at No. 2 or 3. The best power forward in the draft, Kansas' Thomas Robinson, might be available, too.

If the Kings keep their pick, they believe they will find a quality talent to add to their young nucleus.

"I think we're going to have some good options," Petrie said.

The Kings will continue to monitor the four teams ahead of them and, like in 2010, try to map out what will happen before they make their selection.

There were cheers in the Kings' draft room two years ago when Minnesota opted for forward Wes Johnson instead of Cousins at No. 4.

"We're not unlike all the teams that are in the top 10," Petrie said. "We're all trying to get a feel of what's going on in front of (us)."

Much will hinge Thursday on the Charlotte Bobcats at No. 2. If they pick Robinson and Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal goes third or fourth as expected, a pretty good player could be a new King.

So just like in 2010, it all might work out for the Kings if they do nothing.

"Right now, I'm looking at Sacramento, and it all could fall into their favor," Blake said.

• Read more articles by Jason Jones

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