The Sacramento Kings had a low bar going into the 2026 season. Oddsmakers projected them to win 35 games, but they could not even live up to that, winning only 22.
The Kings dug themselves into a hole by making regrettable moves, including trading Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox and parting ways with Mike Brown.
Their current best players, like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, are on the other side of 30, which means it’s clear that Doug Christie and this team need to start building for the future.
Their only rookie, Maxime Raynaud, put up quality numbers for a second-round pick, averaging a total of 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
However, if the Kings want to see any improvement, they need to nail their three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Kings Draft Picks:
- Round 1 — No. 7
- Round 2 — No. 34
- Round 2 — No. 45
Kings Draft Needs:
The Kings’ clear number one need is a high-level point guard to serve as both a floor general and an offensive engine when needed.
As of now, Killian Hayes and Devin Carter are the only true point guards on the team, meaning the Kings need to add a starting-caliber guard immediately.
Outside of that, a versatile wing forward or another big man who can help out or take over for Sabonis wouldn’t hurt the Kings later on in the second round.
Kings Draft Targets:
Darius Acuff Jr – PG – Arkansas
If the Kings want their high-level point guard, Acuff Jr. can definitely be that guy at the No. 7 pick.
At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Acuff Jr. plays bigger than his height suggests. He’s a quick, efficient, and concise guard who is strong for his position, and still shoots 44 percent from three-point range.
His high-volume shooting and accuracy from distance could instantly help the Kings, who finished the 2025-26 season dead last in total threes made (843), total three-point attempts (2,476), and three-point percentage (34 percent).
The Kings have been in a point-guard panic since trading Fox, and Acuff Jr. finally could fill that void that Sacramento is looking for.
Acuff Jr. isn’t expected to make it out of the top ten, so Sacramento must take advantage if he’s still there at No. 7.
Kingston Flemings – PG – Houston
High-level two-way guards don’t come around often, but the Kings could find one if they draft Kingston Flemings.
Flemings is a 6-foot-4 guard who was Houston’s primary option and leader despite joining a team that had just reached the national title game.
Defense is his clear strength, backed by his size, length, and physical attributes, all of which are music to head coach Doug Christie’s ears.
Funny enough, his NBA pro comp is De’Aaron Fox; perhaps that could be symbolic for the Kings.
Along with Acuff, Flemings is not expected to go outside of the top ten, so if Acuff is not there at No. 7, Flemings may be the next best option.
Tarris Reed Jr. – C – UCONN
After the Kings presumably pick up a guard with the No.7 pick, their next best move may be a big man, and Tarris Reed Jr. fits the bill.
Reed led the well-rounded UCONN team to the National Championship in 2026, leading the team in total points (14.7), rebounds (9.0), and blocks (2.0). He was named Most Outstanding Player on the East’s All-Region Team in the NCAA tourney, standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing in at 265 pounds, while having all four years of experience in college.
Reed is a strong, mobile big man who excels in the low post, dominate rebounding, and an emerging mid-range jumper which every team could use, but for the Kings it is more of a need.
He is expected to be one of the first five picks in the second round. If Reed is there for the Kings, they need to capitalize.
Richie Saunders – SG – BYU
Richie Saunders saw a steady rise through a four-year career at BYU, especially in 2026, being one of the big three players that led BYU to play in March Madness, until an ACL injury cut his final year short on Valentine’s Day this season.
Standing at 6-foot-5, weighing around 200 pounds, Saunders averaged a total of 18 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, all while shooting 48.9%.
Saunders is likely to get second-round looks anywhere between the 40th and 45th pick, largely due to his elite off-ball scoring, shooting versatility, and connective skillset.
The Kings tend to love those Kevin Huerter and Duncan Robinson types of players, and Saunders can be exactly that with even more upside.
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