What experts are saying about Sacramento Kings draft picks Colby Jones and Jalen Slawson
The Kings traded out of the first round of the NBA draft on Thursday by reportedly sending center Richaun Holmes, and the remaining two years and nearly $25 million in salary, to the Dallas Mavericks in a move that is expected to give Sacramento upwards of $30 million in cap space.
That was the big story of the night for general manager Monte McNair as he looks to improve last season’s No. 3 seed in the Western Conference that lost in the first round of the playoffs. Plenty of questions remain about the pending free agency of starting forward Harrison Barnes and a potential extension for Domantas Sabonis — and the Kings becoming a candidate to add a notable player through free agency or trade.
But in the meantime, the Kings drafted two players in the second round Thursday: Xavier guard Colby Jones (34th overall) and Furman forward Jalen Slawson (54th). Jones is considered a versatile defender with good size for a guard (6-6 with a 6-8 wingspan) who the Kings hope can develop into a playoff contributor. Slawson is believed to be a skilled offensive player but may be ticketed for a two-way contract, which would mean spending time in the G-League to develop.
Here’s what analysts around the internet had to say about Sacramento’s selections:
CBS Sports
On Jones: “Jones was ranked as the No. 33 player on the Big Board so this feels like exact value for Sacramento here. He’s not a flashy athlete and his game doesn’t pop off the page, but he’s a big wing with a well-rounded skillset equipped to be a helping hand for a Kings team pushing to be a perennial playoff contender.” Grade: B-
On Slawson: “Slawson ranked just outside the top 60 on the CBS Sports Big Board so this feels like an appropriate range for the Kings to take him. The Furman product averaged just 0.7 points per game as a freshman in 2018-19 and finished his career as a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year, having posted last season a career-best 15.6 points per game and 39.6% 3-point shooting. Grade: C” — Adam Finkelstein
The Athletic
On Slawson: “Slawson is a guy I’m intrigued by on a two-way contract because I think that he just really knows how to play and plays a significant position of value. He sort of reminds me of Xavier Cooks, a former player at Winthrop who went undrafted, eventually went on to win MVP in the Australian NBL, then got to live his NBA dream by signing a contract with the Washington Wizards.
“It might take Slawson a minute to get to the NBA, but my guess is that his pathway would be easier due to the advent of the two-way contract. He still has a lot of work to do on his shot and he needs to develop that left hand. But I like Slawson’s instincts and I love how functional his athleticism is. This is a priority two-way player for me, even if the flaws can’t quite get me to full-scale guarantee.” — Sam Vecenie
“I remain deeply wounded by what Slawson did to my Virginia Cavaliers in the NCAA Tournament. A skilled four who might be a bit too unathletic for the next level, Slawson does fill a roster need on a Sacramento team that could use another big forward in its roster mix.” — John Hollinger
The Ringer
On Jones:
PLUSES
Soft touch on layups, floaters, and post hooks. Though his shooting numbers have been slow to develop, these are positive indicators of improvement. He’s ready to contribute attacking closeouts, rumbling toward the rim off handoffs, or running some pick-and-rolls.
Intelligent player within a team concept. He keeps the ball moving, relocates to get himself open, and makes attentive cuts to the basket.
Patient ball handler who doesn’t get overly sped up; does a good job of using his large frame to create space and absorb contact, compensating for his lack of elite athleticism. He’s also a sound playmaker capable of slinging the ball around the court with either hand.
Relentless defender who doesn’t let his offense dictate his effort. He flourishes dodging screens to stick to opponents, chasing down every rebounding opportunity, and thriving as a roamer off the ball. He doesn’t back down no matter how often he gets hit in the face — which seemingly happens every game.
MINUSES
Lacks a reliable pull-up jumper.
Unproven spot-up shooter who made under 70 percent of his free throws in his three-year college career, and only 30.3 percent of his 3s over his first two seasons.” — Kevin O’Connor
