This is a rumor that should make plenty of Sacramento Kings fans feel various emotions. Like exasperation. Pain. Anger. Disgust.
Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated is reporting that there is a rift in the organization about who to draft with the 7th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Coaches believe San Diego State small forward Kawhi Leonard is the guy the Kings should take--Leonard helps Sacramento shore up their weakness at the three with huge upside and a potential to be a capable role play to support stars like DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans.
But the financially-struggling Maloofs (surprise surprise) are looking at the financial ramifications, and believe Jimmer Fredette is the man the Kings should get to sell tickets for a franchise that fell near the bottom in sales last season. Fredette is a star, he'd be a widely popular hit with the local community, and his offensive playmaking would be highly attractive to couple with Cousins, Evans and Marcus Thornton. It does make you wonder if the Kings would be able to stop anyone defensively, but it would no doubt be entertaining to watch.
There are positives and negatives to taking either player. Leonard has a long way to go offensively, Fredette has huge question marks defensively. Neither of them may ever be a starter. Fredette could stop the ball. Leonard might not be guarded tightly when he's on the floor. Leonard has incredible hands that could make him a great rebounder, and a wingspan that's hard to rival defensively. Fredette can get to many spots on the floor, and score from anywhere.
If you were in charge of the 7th pick for the Sacramento Kings, would you rather take Kawhi Leonard or Jimmer Fredette and why? Describe your thought process in the comments!
Go to Sactown Royalty to discuss more Kings basketball and what Sacramento should do with their pick.