UCLA's Shabazz Muhammad drives against Arizona's Brandon Ashley. The Bruins opened a 16-point lead in the first seven minutes en route to a 84-73 Pacific-12 Conference road victory.
Poll
If the Kings land the top pick in the draft, which player should they take?
Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
Most of the recent Kings news has been about "whales," arenas and losing, but there is one thing the Kings can win this season – the top spot in the NBA draft – when the lottery balls drop on May 21.
Here are five of the most intriguing players expected to be picked high in the first round:
• Ben McLemore (freshman, Kansas, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds): He can shoot – and get to the basket. But don't the Kings already have that in Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton?
• Shabazz Muhammad (freshman, UCLA, 6-6, 225): The Bruins' top player could fill one of the Kings' biggest needs – a high-scoring, slashing small forward.
• Nerlens Noel (freshman, Kentucky, 6-11, 225): Although he tore his ACL earlier this month, his size and athleticism make him a top-five pick.
• Marcus Smart (freshman, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 225): He's got the size and strength the Kings would love at guard.
• Cody Zeller (sophomore, Indiana, 6-11, 240): Unless they're sure he can play alongside DeMarcus Cousins, it's unlikely the Kings would pick him, even though he's a strong finisher around the rim, something they've often had trouble doing.
What to do
Men's college basketball, Weber State at Sacramento State, 7:05 p.m., the Nest: The Hornets try to end Big Sky power Weber State's seven-game winning streak.
What to watch
Men's college basketball, Utah at Cal, 6 p.m., ESPNU: The Bears have won five in a row and are taking aim at the NCAA Tournament.
Today's poll
If the Kings land the top pick in the draft, which player should they take?
• Ben McLemore
• Shabazz Muhammad
• Nerlens Noel
• Marcus Smart
• Cody Zeller
• Other
• Trade pick
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Wednesday's results
Will Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt become Giants stars?
• Crawford will: 13%
• Belt will: 10%
• Both will: 56%
• Neither will: 21%
Total votes: 186
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