NBA Mock Draft: Sacramento Kings Select De’Aaron Fox From Kentucky

NBA Mock Draft Pick #5 -- De’Aaron Fox, Point Guard, Kentucky

SBNation’s Sacramento Kings’ blog Sactown Royalty explains their pick:

The Kings desperately need a PG of the future and Fox looks like he could be that in more ways than one. His speed, athleticism and tenacity on defense should translate immediately, and the Kings can afford to wait while his strength and shot come around. Pairing him with Buddy Hield in the backcourt gives the Kings two very different but complementary guards. Sacramento also considered taking Jayson Tatum or Dennis Smith Jr. in this slot, but felt Fox's upside was too much to pass on.

Ridiculous Upside Analysis

In their first draft of the post-DeMarcus Cousins era, the Sacramento Kings need to make a splash and I think they’d do it by selecting De’Aaron Fox. Fox might actually stand as the best defensive player in this year’s draft as the 19-year-old has the kind of awareness and intelligence that you usually see from an NBA veteran. Coinciding with that, he stands as a strong driver that can break down an opponent and make a strong finish in the paint, whether it’s through his floater or a smooth layup.

1. Boston Celtics - MARKELLE FULTZ, WASHINGTON

2. Los Angeles Lakers - LONZO BALL, UCLA

3. Philadelphia 76ers - JOSH JACKSON, KANSAS

4. Phoenix Suns - JONATHAN ISAAC - FLORIDA STATE

5. Sacramento Kings - DE’AARON FOX - KENTUCKY

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