Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft: De’Aaron Fox can be the next face of the Sacramento Kings

By Alex Eddy

Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) dunks against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) dunks against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

De’Aaron Fox could be the next franchise player for the Sacramento Kings

Assuming Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, and Jayson Tatum are the top four picks in this week’s NBA Draft, De’Aaron Fox will fall into the lap of the Sacramento Kings at five.

John Calipari has been known to bring in great point guard recruits, who don’t spend much time in college because they become terrific NBA prospects. Whether it is Derrick Rose from his Memphis days, or Eric Bledsoe and John Wall with Kentucky, Calipari has a long list of sensational point guards.

Last year featured Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray, and this year includes De’Aaron Fox (be on the lookout for Quade Green next season). Fox is a crafty, savvy, and speedy point guard with elite athleticism.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

The Kings are in need of a floor general and Fox is just the man for the job. After parting ways with DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings’ young players showed flashes of potential. With Fox running the show, players like Buddy Hield and a healthy Malachi Richardson will be able to space the floor with their perimeter shooting on the wings.

Willie Cauley-Stein took advantage of his increased playing time with Cousins no longer in the picture, and became a true paint presence for the Kings. Rim protection and rebounding will be his two main responsibilities going forward. Skal Labissiere also showed flashes offensively with his ability to step out and hit consistent mid-range jumpers.

Labissiere, the former second overall recruit behind Ben Simmons in 2015, was selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2016 draft, and will be a huge part of this team going forward. The Kings will also have Georgios Papagiannis, the 13th pick in the 2016 draft, playing big man minutes as well.

Fox is the perfect player to help turn this franchise around. The NBA is full of elite point guards, and Fox has the competitiveness, the drive, and the upside to be the next great point guard. The Kings last postseason appearance was in the 2005-06 NBA season when Mike Bibby was still on the roster.

The Kings also have the 10th pick in the NBA Draft. If Lauri Markkanen is still on the board, he is the perfect stretch four to pair next to Cauley-Stein. Markkanen shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range for his freshman year in Tucson. Small forwards Justin Jackson and OG Anunoby are also viable options at 10.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Draft: 10 Bold Predictions

The Kings have been relatively unsuccessful in recent drafts, including picks like Ben McLemore, Nik Stauskas, and Thomas Robinson. This year’s draft is so deep and there is no reason to not hit a home run. If Fox is still on the board at five, he is an absolute no brainer, and could make the Kings exciting.