As the Sacramento Kings continue evaluating their options with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, one name continues to be mentioned: Mikel Brown Jr.
During an appearance on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, No Ceilings founder and NBA Draft analyst Tyler Metcalf made it clear that Brown sits atop his point guard rankings among the prospects Sacramento could realistically target.
The Kings have frequently been linked to Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. throughout the pre-draft process, while Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler have also emerged as popular names among draft observers.
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However, Metcalf believes Brown is the best player of the group.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 15: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Louisville Cardinals dribbles the ball up court against the Ohio Bobcats at KFC YUM! Center on November 15, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images)
Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Louisville Cardinals dribbles the ball up court against the Ohio Bobcats at KFC YUM! Center on November 15, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images)
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“For me, it’s Mikel Brown, Louisville, is my point guard one,” Metcalf said. “Then I have Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings, and they’re all really close. I’d be thrilled about walking away with any of those guys, but I’ve had Mikel take over that point guard one spot for quite some time now.”
That endorsement carries weight considering the depth of this year’s guard class. While Metcalf acknowledged the differences between the top prospects, he emphasized that Sacramento is in a favorable position regardless of how the board falls.
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“I’m a big believer in just go get your guy,” Metcalf said. “But this seventh pick, the talent that’s going to be available there isn’t like most seventh overall picks.”
Rather than sacrificing future assets to move up, Metcalf believes the Kings should remain patient and let the draft come to them.
2026 Mikel Brown Jr. pic.twitter.com/ZLpE3qh3uP
— Pitless (@pitlessball) March 18, 2026
“If I were Sacramento, I would not be super eager to give those up,” he said, referring to future draft capital. “When you look at the Kings walking away with a potential franchise point guard, I think they’re in a really good spot if they just stay still.”
Brown’s production at Louisville certainly supports the excitement. During his lone college season, he averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while showcasing elite perimeter shooting. More than half of his field-goal attempts came from beyond the arc, where he consistently punished defenses.
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For a Kings franchise searching for a long-term answer at point guard, Metcalf believes there may be no better option available in their expected draft range than Mikel Brown Jr., and if Sacramento stays at No. 7, they could have an excellent chance to land him without paying the steep cost of moving up.
Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.
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Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.
Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors and MUCH more.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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