The Sacramento Kings, barring an improbable postseason run, will likely have their year cut short in either the Play-In Tournament or the first round of the playoffs. With a veteran core all under contract through the next two seasons, adding high-level and impactful talent will not come easy. On top of that, the Kings owe their first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks.
However, a recent mock draft published by *The Athletic*has the Kings making the most of the first round. The Kings have never been known as a team that drafts particularly well, but without the pressure of a first-round pick, perhaps the front office can work some magic.
In the recent projection, the Kings will use the 38th overall pick (via CHI) to select Tyrse Proctor, an All-ACC guard who has spent three seasons at Duke University.
This season, Proctor hasn't improved as much as the Blue Devils would have liked, averaging 12 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. However, he did post a career-best 38.2 percent mark from 3-point range, which will translate well in the league.
Much like Malik Monk, Proctor can play either guard position, although he is at his best alongside a true point guard. Perhaps he and Devin Carter can work some magic together.
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He can get to the rim and has no trouble absorbing contact on his way up, despite his smaller frame.
As Duke makes a run through March Madness, expect his draft stock to either rise or fall depending on the success the Blue Devils find. He scored 19 points in the ACC Final against Lousiville and hit six of his 14 3s. If he can remain hot, his stock will certainly rise. At one point, he was expected to be a lottery pick, so he has a long way to go before restoring that ranking.
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 12:59 PM.