Tue Mar 11 03:40:00 UTC 2025: **Kings Face Draft Slim Pickings, But Eyeing Second-Round Steal**
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento Kings will enter the upcoming NBA draft with limited options, possessing only a single mid-tier second-round pick after trading away their first-rounder in a previous deal. While second-round selections rarely pan out, General Manager Monte McNair sees an opportunity to find a hidden gem.
Following a busy trade deadline that bolstered the team’s depth, McNair has flexibility in his draft strategy. A recent mock draft by NBA Draft on SI analyst Derek Parker predicts the Kings will select Auburn’s Johni Broome with the 38th overall pick.
Broome, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound center, enjoyed a standout season for Auburn, averaging 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His impressive performance, including a 34-point outburst against Alabama, helped lead the Tigers to a top-three ranking in Division I basketball. Broome is also a contender for the Wooden Award.
If Broome is available in the second round, the Kings are expected to seriously consider selecting him, recognizing his potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
First Piper 