A crowd of about 100 people gathered at The Mix Downtown reacted with cheers and applause when it was announced the Kings had selected Kansas forward Thomas Robinson with the fifth pick in the NBA Draft.
Robinson had been projected as high as No. 2 overall in some drafts.
"I think it's a good pick," said Stephen Clemons of Sacramento. "He's a big, strong forward. And a defensive rebounder will be awesome. That's what we needed last year."
There were some groans when Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, a popular choice for the Kings' best option among fans at The Mix, went second to Charlotte. After Bradley Beal and Dion Waiters went third and fourth, fans seemed excited with forwards Robinson and Harrison Barnes and big man Andre Dummond still on the board.
Victor Calderon, 30, of Carmichael, said it was "exciting" that Robinson "fell to" the Kings.
"I think it'll go a long way toward getting back some of the goodwill after the whole arena deal," Calderon said.
It was one of five draft parties being held by the Kings around the region. The Kings are scheduled to pick again early in the second round, 36th overall.
Sentiments before the draft began were mixed, in keeping with the mystery of what the top five would look like after top pick Anthony Davis.
"I think they should take the best pick available," said Rae Moreno, 36. "If not, trade to Houston."
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