Perhaps the biggest issue for Sacramento this offseason is resolving their small forward issues. Sacramento does not have a strong elite perimeter threat and it has cost them significantly in terms of their overall shooting percentages and defense against the best wing players in the game. Sacramento will have to look for a player that can best complement the young batch of talent currently assembled in the California state capitol.
Jonathan Givony of Draft Express released his latest mock draft, and he has the Kings taking the best small forward available on the draft board in North Carolina's Harrison Barnes.
Sacramento's front office and coaching staff are reportedly leaning toward picking the player who can help the most next season. They do not have the job security to wait on a prospect like Andre Drummond who could take two to three years to develop. With that in mind, Barnes is both the safest and most logical pick here considering how weak the Kings are at small forward, despite the fact he refuses to work out for them (like everyone else in the top five).
Barnes would give Sacramento another elite shooter, plus perhaps the best King who can create his own shot off the dribble. He has definite pro ability and just needs to improve on his efficiency at the next level to ensure that he becomes a good pro.
Talk about Barnes with North Carolina fans by heading on over to Carolina March. Discuss how well Barnes fits in Sacramento with Kings fans by going to Sactown Royalty.