AJ Dybansta, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer are the three players highly expected to be drafted top three in the 2026 NBA Draft, but other players such as Kingston Flemings could still end up being franchise-caliber players.
Flemings was often projected as the fifth prospect, behind the top three and Caleb Wilson, but Darius Acuff has been creeping up. As Sactown Sports‘ Matt George recently reported, the Kings seem to value Acuff, but there is still no clarity on who would place him above.
To provide more context on Flemings, Matt George and Kayla Anderson, hosts of The Matt & Kayla Show, were joined by University of Houston reporter Kenneth Bowman.
Houston’s season ended on Thursday with a Sweet Sixteen loss to Illinois, who feature another projected lottery talent in Keaton Wagler.
Bowman called it a “historical season” for the Cougars, noting how head coach Kelvin Sampson leaned on freshmen despite usually relying on veterans. Of course, Flemings was a huge part of that.
“Physically, he definitely grew in his mass,” Bowman said. “I would say Kingston’s breakout game was probably that game against Auburn when they went to Birmingham, and that’s kind of the match that put the nation on notice.”
In just the fourth game of their season, Flemings tallied 22 points and seven assists on 8/13 shooting, including 7/10 on free throws in their 73-72 win over Auburn.
“It’s kind of crazy, because coming into the season, a lot of us that covered the team, and those just around the team, thought Kingston would have been a two-year guy, and it was, and it was quickly changed. Even the staff was saying, ‘Well, our plans have changed with Kingston.’ Now he’s a potential top 10, top five pick.”
Starting in all 37 games as a freshman and playing 31.7 minutes per night, the 19-year-old averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on 47.6 percent from the field. He also converted 38.7 percent of his 2.9 three-point attempts and 84.5 percent of his 3.5 free-throw attempts.
Sacramento general manager Scott Perry is tasked with finding the next centerpiece for the Kings. It’s far from guaranteed that he’ll be able to land that this offseason, but the draft is easily their greatest attempt.
The top three are regarded in that light, but could Flemings also fall into that category? Bowman didn’t seem sure of that outcome.
“I would say, right now, I would definitely lean Kingston being more of a number two guy,” he told Matt & Kayla. “I’ve had a similar conversation about should we view Kingston as being able to be that franchise player, face of the franchise and really take a team over the top?”
“In terms of Sacramento, I mean, I think it would be great for you guys to get Kingston. I mean, Kingston to the kings, you know, get the marketing team on that,” he joked. “But, in terms of Kingston over Acuff, if you’re looking for a guy to come in and lead your franchise and lead your team, I think I lean Acuff just because of his scoring ability and the it factor and whatnot. But it’s definitely no slight to Kingston, I think both guys are great players. They’re going to have, you know, great careers in the league.”
Currently owners of the fourth-best 2026 NBA Draft lottery odds, if the season ended today, Sacramento’s pick would range somewhere between first and eighth. While a 12.5 percent chance of remaining in the top four would be encouraging, their most likely outcome would be sixth (25.7 percent).
That’s the range where Flemings, or Acuff, would be within the conversation.
Check out the full interview with Kenneth Bowman by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to The Matt & Kayla Show from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will continue their final road trip of the season on Saturday afternoon when they face the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
Sacramento dropped a 133-100 blowout loss to the Hawks on November 12th, as Jalen Johnson poured in 24 points, grabbed 10 boards, and handed out 8 assists in the win.
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Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Saturday, March 28th – @ Atlanta Hawks – 4:30 PM PT
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Friday, April 3rd vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, April 5th vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 6:00 PM PT
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